SEALING JAPAN’S DOOM

Southland Times, Issue 25748, 11 August 1945, Page 5

SEALING JAPAN’S DOOM

Soviet Declaration And Atomic Bomb

(Special Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) (Rec, 9.20 p.m.) LONDON, August 10. The declaration of war by Russia is regarded here as sealing the doom of Japan. Taken together with the atomic bomb it is believed that the Japanese have no other alternative but to capitulate. But when they will make that decision is anybody’s guess. Whether the capitulation of Japan would at the same time entail the surrender of the Japanese forces in conquered territories is regarded as an interesting point, but there is a belief that if the capitulation is signed by the Emperor himself there would be no other alternative. Meanwhile, it is borne in mind that the Japanese Army, unlike the Navy and Air Force has not been tamed and is still a strong force, particularly in Manchuria where, it is estimated, are 500,000 men. Mixed feelings continue about the atomic bomb. Thoughts have turned to Mr H. G. Wells, now 79 years old and temporarily confined to his bed, where, it is said, he is reading avidly all the newspaper reports on the bomb. His book “The World Set Free” is recalled, and although it was written 31 years ago he foretold what would happen when the atomic bomb—his own phrase —was released. The Daily Express and The Daily Herald reprinted an extract from this book, declaring Mr Wells to be the world’s outstanding imaginative thinker. INTERNATIONAL CONTROL It is reported that British scientists will meet soon in London to discuss the implications of the atomic bomb, and it is stated that one of the first results of their talks will be the strongest, possible plea for “proper and rigid” international control of all the future uses of atomic energy. It is believed likely that the British Government. will be asked to initiate, in conjunction with other Allied Powers, the immediate establishment of an international organization which will be charged with exercising such control. Scientists may ask for at least 50 per cent, representation on such a body. A date obtained at the time of the eclipse of the sun on July 9 will advance “optimum wavelength forecasting.” Sir Edward Appleton has declared that he is the discoverer of a 130milehigh “radio layer,” which is named after him. This new subject, which was worked on throughout the war, has resulted in improved long distance radio communication. He said that there was now a world survey in progress of the electrical strength of the Appleton and Heaviside layers. The Empire was collaborating in making measurements of electrical strength over certain places, particularly Britain, India, Canada, New Zealand and Australia taking part. Sir Edward said: “We now know so much about reflecting the powers of these layers that we know that they vary from day to night, from month to month and from year to year. We can now predict the best wavelengths months in advance to get the best reflections. VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Interest in British politics has now concentrated on the King’s Speech next week, when the Labour Government’s programme will be outlined, and also on the subsequent debate. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour has announced details of its vocational training scheme for industry to provide technicians. Fifty special training centres are to be set up, of which 17 are ready now. While training, men and women will pay no income tax on their allowances and grant, which means a “gift” of something like 12/- a week to each trainee. Men who live at home while training will get £3 a week, also 10/a week for a wife and 5/- for each child under 16. If a married man with a family has to leave home during the training because the centre is too far away for daily travelling he will receive in wages, allowances of £5/4/6 if he keeps two homes going. Single men will get £3 a week and women £2/7/- if they are staying at home. Single men training away from home will get free lodgings and £l/15/- and women free lodgings and £l/5/-. The most impressive single scheme deals with seven groups of workers in housing. They will train for six months and then complete their “apprenticeship” for 14 months with a building firm under qualified teaching foremen. The present plans are for training 20,000 men every six months and 200,000 in the next five years. This is part of the Government’s housing drive, with a target figure of 1,000,000 or more houses in the next two years. Courses in other trades now available range from agriculture to watch repairing. Members of the forces and the Merchant Navy will be given priority. Paid leave for thousands of members of the forces who were released on July 18 expires on August 13, and men and women who have not found work by then are liable to be directed into employment by the Ministry of Labour under the Control of Engagement Order. Exceptions to the rule are men over 51 and women oVer 41.

The new Minister of Food, Sir Ben Smith, has stated that he hopes to be able to restore the food ration cuts of fats and cheese later in the year, but there is at present no certainty that this can be done. Meanwhile, the public is being promised whale steaks at less than 1/- per lb next year. They are stated to be tender and taste like veal, with not the slightest fishy taste. Full Government support is being given to British and Norwegian whaling interests in London, and there is an attempt to resuscitate the whaling industry, which before the war was worth £50,000,000 in oil, meat and fertilizers. A new system of quick freezing is reported to have been developed so that the pick .of the meat is frozen like mutton and lamb and made ready for retail in steaks and joints for roasting.