Opinions Differ As To Whether Atom Bomb Should Be Used

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 December 1950, Page 5

Opinions Differ As To Whether Atom Bomb Should Be Used

President Truman Says The Matter

Is Being Considered

NEW YORK. Nov. 30 (Reed. 6 p.m.).—Members of Congress in Washington were sharply divided in their reaction to President Truman's statement on the possible use of the atomic bomb.

Republican Senator Owen, the use of atomic bombs sai it against Chinese troop coneenti Senator Eugene Millikin, Republican member of the Congressional Atomic Energy Committee, took a more cautious view. “That is the most serious weapon that .could be used.” he said. “It should not be used short of dire necessity. It may be we have a dire necessity. It should not be used impetuously.” He said he would favour its use only if the United Nations General Assembly should order and approve It. Several Senators pointed out that the use of the bomb might invite, or even force, retaliation by the enemy with a surprise attack on the United States. Senator Brewster said that did not Worry him. ‘We might as well have a showdown now. I don’t think Russia has the atomic bomb and I am supported in that view by Doctor Karl Compton, one of our leading scientists.” Senator Walter George (Democrat) said: “If it is used it will mean World war.” A Democrat, Senator Brien McMahon. chairman of the Joint Congressional A tomia Energy Committee, said the circumstances under which the atomic bomb might have to be Used had been studied “practically

Brewster, who has heen urging il: “It is high time w? used atioiis and ammunition dumps.”

nee the weapon came into existnce.” President Truman said today that active consideration was being given to the use of the atomic bomb against the Chinese Communists, if that step was necessary. Mr. Truman said the United States would use every weapon it had to meet the military situation in Korea. The choice of weapons was a matter for the military commander in the field.