RUSSIA SAID TO HAVE MADE THREE HYDROGEN BOMBS, EXPLODED ONE

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 February 1950, Page 5

RUSSIA SAID TO HAVE MADE THREE HYDROGEN BOMBS, EXPLODED ONE

LONDON, Feb. 6.—Russia has made three hydrogen bombs and exploded one ot them, Kenneth De Courcy, editor of a privately circulated British publication, "Intelligence Digest," said today at Marrakesh. De Courcy, who said he previously gave information of a second atomic explosion in Russia, which he claimed to be correct, said today that Russia’s atomic industry was making rapid progress. He said: "On March 3 or 4, barring accidents or deliberate changes, it is known that another atomic explosion is due to take place, and ,t is to be followed by 10 other experiments soon after.” The new explosion would occur in the region of latitude 40 degrees 20-30 minutes north and longitude 80 degrees 10-20 minutes east tin north western Sinkiang). De Courty said these tests were connected with a Russian top secret project. De Courcy was one of the five founders of the imperial policy group in . 1934, with the Earl of Mansfield, Viscount Clive, Lord Phillimcre. and Mr. Victor Rai’-.rs, a member of Par’iarnent. He was the group’s chief "observer of foreign affairs” in Europe and the United States from 1935 until the outbreak of war. From 1944 to 1945 he was adviser on war intelligence to United Steel Companies Limited. De Courcy began issuing publications on foreign affairs and strategy _ in 1938. De Courcy’s London office announced that a series of explosions were planned to take place in the Kazahk areas of Russia on the following dates in March, at the following approximate times: March 2,2 a.m. (hydrogen bomb): March 5, 8 p.m. (two explosions) ; March 6, 11 p.m. (one explosion) ; March 8,2 p.m. (one explosion); March 9, 12 p.m. (two explosions); March 10, 8 p.m. (two explosions); March 25, 2 p.m. (two explosions).

Dr. J. L. Michiels, a leading British authority on atomic research and a member of the Atomic Scientists’ Association, said today that the statement that Russia had already constructed and exploded a hydrogen bomb appeared to him to be “very extraordinary.” He added: "All statements which have been made so far concerning hydrogen bombs in America have emphasised that actual work upon development and production has not yet begun, and that a good deal of work is entailed in the project. Even making all possible allowances for a rapid development of work in Russia, it does seem unlikely that they should have already attained such an advanced stage as is reported.”