HYDROGEN BOMB

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 103, 14 February 1950, Page 3

HYDROGEN BOMB

PROFESSOR EINSTEIN’S VIEWS ar* * ALL LIFE MIGHT BE ANNIHILATED (N.Z.P. A.—Copyright) NEW YORK, Feb. 12. The annhilation of all life on earth would be brought within the range of technical possibili- . ties if the hydrogen bomb were made, said Professor Albert Einstein to-day. “The race between the United States and Russia, originally supposed to b.e a preventive measure, assumes a hysterical character on both sides,” he said. “Means to mass destruction are perfected with feverish haste behind respective walls of secrecy. The hydrogen bomb appears on the public horizon. It is probably an attainable goal, and its accelerated development has.been proclaimed by President Truman. “If it is successful, radio-active poisoning of the atmosphere, and hence the anphilation of any life on earth, has been brought within the range of technical possibilities. “The ghost-like ' character of this development lies in its apparently compulsory trend. Every step appears as an unavoidable consequence of the preceding one. In the end there beckons more and more clearly general annihilation.” Professor Einstein condemned the idea of security through armaments as a disastrous illusion, and called for a solemn renunciation of violence. He added: “Such a renunciation, however, can be effective only ,if at the same supernational judicial and executive body is set up empowered to decide questions of immediate concern to the security of nations.”

He said that, even a declaration by nations ’to collaborate in the realisation of such a restricted world covenant would considerably reduce the imminent danger of war.