AMERICA, AWARE OF DANGER FROM ATOMIC ATTACK, PREPARES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 150, 1 July 1946, Page 5

AMERICA, AWARE OF DANGER FROM ATOMIC ATTACK, PREPARES

Reed. 5 p.m. Washington* June 28 America has been warned that the danger of atomic attack is real, and preparations to meet it should be made without delay. The warning is contained in a report of United States Strategic Bombing Survey, established by President Roosevelt and continued by President Truman. The report proposes a farreaching plan for defence against atomic attack. It recommends dispersal and concealment of protection and constant readiness of all military forces, so that no single blow, or series of blows, | could cripple ability to fight back. I

Dealing with the two atom bombs dropped on Japan, the report says: “Despite the awesome power of atomic bombs, there are limits of which wise planning can take advantage. Unquestionably shelters can protect those within unless there is a direct hit.” The War Department has issued a parallel report, confirming the sui-, vey s findings. Both studies have tended to discount the theory of radio-activity lingering in the target area, but one report suggests the result might be different if bombs .exploded at ground level, instead of in mid-air. Damage could he reduced by eliminating combustible materials from buildings, using masonry for partitions and avoiding use of glass, tiles, lathes and piaster. The repoiLu :ave warned of the necessity for dispersal of indispensable materials The manufacture of essentials should not be confined to a few* centr ftisecl plants.