ATOMIC POWER

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25344, 27 October 1945, Page 7

ATOMIC POWER

USING NEW KNOWLEDGE PROMOTION OF PEACE HIS MAJESTY'S HOPES (Recti. 0.30 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25 "We must all pray that wisdom may be found, before it is too late, to ensure that the new knowledge recently gained in atomic research is used solely for the promotion of peace and for raising the standards of life everywhere," said His Majesty the King, speaking at the centenary celebration of the Imperial College of Science and Technology at the Albert Hall.

"The achievements of British science and technology throughout the war have been outstanding," His Majesty proceeded. "With relatively limited resources—and these strained to the uttermost—we may nevertheless claim to have outmatched our enemies in every vital respect. Justifiable Pride "What has been accomplished not only fills our hearts with justifiable pride, but should also be a great source of encouragement to the whole nation in facing tiie hard task that now lies immediately ahead. The same vigour, ingenuity and skill that brought us victory must be engaged in an ever-in-creasing measure in world reconstruction.

_ "Our ardour simultaneously must be tinged with apprehension when we reflect upon the potency of the instruments which new developments in the realm of science are placing at the disposal of the human race. The employment of atomic energy for the first time under the stress of war may well mark the beginning of a new era of scientific discovery. Nobody can speak confidently of the results that may follow . "The possibilities seem to be limitless —on the one hand, vast material benefit to all mankind, and, on the other, destruction on a scale hitherto undreamt of. You students here assembled have not only an opportunity, hut also a responsibility, greater than men of science have ever known before. Benefit of Humanity "I say to you, regard your knowledge and skill always in the light of a trust for the benefit of humanity, and thereby ensure, in so far as it lies with you, that science may never be put to uses which offend the higher conscience of mankind." France is going ahead immediately with the development of atomic energy, says the Daily Mail's Paris correspondent. The Sahara Desert, if necessary, will be used for experiments. The director of French atomic research, Dr Raoul Dautry, said: "I shall establish the headquarters of the newly-appointed French Atomic Energy Development Commission in or near Paris, and get to work. We do not intend to wait and see what other nations are going to do. France will go_ ahead and harness the atom on its own if need be, or with British and other nations if possible." He said the commission was calling on the leading scientist, Madame Joliot Curie, for help. WORLD STANDARDS HOPES FOR_EAISING IMPOVERISHED PEOPLES (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) PARIS, Oct. 25 The gap between rich and poor had been narrowed in those countries which had carried out the convention of the international Labour Organisation, said the British Minister of Labour, Mr George Isaacs, speaking at the 1.L.0. conference. "Increased representation in the 1.L.0. of States with large and impoverished populations is a clear indication of their desire to obtain guidance and support in the task of improving conditions," the Minister added. "There can be no assurance of peace unless the peoples of all countries are safeguarded against want and misery. No political machinery will be effective unless we are successful in raising the standard of living." Mr Isaacs said also that the war had reduced standards, but had given many soldiers the opportunity to see different ways of life, and they would not be content to resume without complaint tho miserable lives to which they had been accustomed. Ho hoped that with growth of understanding there would be no nations which were not associated with this beneficent work for mankind. This statement is interpreted by Reuter's Paris correspondent as referring to Russia. DEATH OF HITLER BRITISH TO I.SSUE REPORT LONDON, Oct. 26 A special report covering the presumed death of Hitler will probably bo issued by tho British Government within a fortnight. Intelligence officers have compiled a comprehensive report on the Hitler case for submission to Cabinet. This report is said to state that there was no real evidence of Hitler's death in Berlin. Tho authorities, however, may consider tho case to bo closed after its publication. NORWEGIAN CHARGE OSLO, Oct. 25 The Norwegian Government has sent a bill of indictment to Nuremberg against 24. Nazi leaders, who have been accused of conspiracy to make war and of war crimes, charging them with responsibility for tho German attack on Norway.