USE OF ATOMIC WEAPONS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 113, 25 February 1950, Page 5

USE OF ATOMIC WEAPONS

Efficacy Of Long Ban Doubted OTTAWA, Feb. 23. In a long war, it probably would not be possible to prevent the use of atomic weapons, said General A. G. L. McNaughton to-day. He said that all members of the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission agreed with that view,, and considered that the worst danger to be feared was the surprise use of “those terrible contrivances.” Consequently, said ‘General McNaughton, the real objective to he sought was to free the world from secrecy in atomic matters. The attainment of that objective would allay suspicion by giving certainty of a warning to the world should any nation start to prepare an atomic war. General McNaughton, who is Canada’s representative on the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission, said there was reason to hope that this objective could be achieved. Some progress had been made towards reaching an international atomic control agreement. ■■ He believed that there was still a little time left “which can safely be given to the process of education and persuasion.” The West must P’ ess forward patiently and persistently in the fuller organisation of the United Nations as the only real alternative to the fear of a war which might destroy civilisation.