DEEP CONCERN

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23346, 1 November 1945, Page 5

DEEP CONCERN

Developing Atomic Power Policy Of Britain By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn -Copyrlgb 'Rec. 8.30 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 31. Mr Herbert Morrison, Lord President of the Council, replying to the debate in the House of Commons on the potentialities of the atomic bomb, ir. which many members discussed the implications of atomic energy, said that the members who raised this important vital subject could be sure that their observations would be reported to the Prime Minister. He would keep them in mind, together with many observations which made various quarters about this startling and in many respects disturbing discovery—a discovery which, on the other hand, was encouraging by virtue of having certain possibilities. It is certain that there was a highly explosive weapon which was a new factor not only in the art of war, but in international politics and in the organisation of international peace.

“I think the House will generally appreciate that it would not be helpful if just before the Prime Minister is going to the United States to confer with President Truman, the Government were to make a comprehensive statement,” he added. “Our work on the atomic bomb has been in the closest possible consultation with the Uni ,ed States. Britain made an extremely important contribution in the research into atomic energy. Our scientists as well as United States scientists played a great part in the development of this vast and significant discovery. “The war made other demands on our economy,” he continued. “It was consequently agreed that the United States w'hich was a safe distance from the enemy, would be desirable for the work involved. We gave all the help we could by the contribution of firstclass scientific ability. It is now natural to wish the Government to make plans for the development of the process in Britain.” No Cursory Policy Mr Morrison added it was clear that the Government could not deal with the policy in this business in a cursory way. It must be dealt with on the highest level. “Its foreign policy aspects and military potentialities are terrific,” he said. “I confess it is giving us a

headache. If we, therefore, cannot make up our minds in five ijiinutes on the way out of these problems, we cannot be blamed. It is better to think carefully and arrive at the right solution than to dash in and make errors. We have to wrestle with this headache and think out policies whereby the new invention does not become a dangerous menace to all nations and possibly even to the international organisation itself. We have to consider how we can tie this up with foreign policy ond organisations of security or take steps whereby nobody is likely to use it. “I can only say that the whole problem of atomic power has the attention of his Majesty’s Government at. the highest level. The Government intends to maintain high standards in fundamental research. We shall be as much concerned with the peaceful aspects as with military possibilities. “There are difficulties in making use of atomic power as an industrial power, but none with an authoritative knowledge of the subject has any doubt that the difficulties will be overcome.” Mr Morrison said that the British programme of research and large-scale development needed most careful planning, and the Government was making that careful planning. British scientific manpower was limited and it was essential that the best use be made of it. Mr Attlee’s conversations with President Truman would not be limited to the scientific method of releasing atomic energy. The discussions would be full and comprehensive.

Controlling Atomic Research U.S. Commission (7.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Oct. 31. The House Military Affairs Committee has approved the Bill sponsored by the Administration establishing a nine-man commission to supervise the domestic development of atomic power. The commission would be empowered to acquire the necessary mineral deposits and other properties, and would permit scientists to experiment freely in the field of atomic energy provided the operations “did not constitute a national hazard.” However, the Commission is unable to deal in foreign interests without Presidential approval. The original restrictions in the Bill on scientific research were modified considerably at the request of prominent scientists.