ATOMIC ENERGY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 25, 20 November 1945, Page 4

ATOMIC ENERGY

WHEN a group of the world's leading scientists hold in their hands the formula for harnessing a force capable of liquidating entire cities, annihilating whole armies, destrqying entire fleets and disintegrating chains of mountains it is little wonder that there is some hesitancy in handing over the secret even in its general form to a world which has proved itself only to be full of treachery, distrust and intoleration. Yet it must not be forgotten that this same amazing energy is capable but for the chances of its abuse of becoming the greatest servant and benefactor of mankind. In trust its discovery has been given into the astonished fearful hands of undeserving humanity ; ours to abuse ; ours to accept with gratitude and turn to good account. Think what it would mean to have atomic energy made the study of a co-operative international executive bent only on the progress and betterment of mankind ? Every known mechanical device would become obsolete overnight. Racial and religious barriers would in the sheer granduer of human accomplishment. But think likewise the fruits of international hatreds fanned by the flames of war—declared or undeclared. Recent history has proved that might is considered right in all martial achievements. We shudder than to imagine anything like the cfevelopment of an atomic arms race at the climax of which the nations in a supreme moment of complete degradation and utter folly would usher in Armageddon'with a vengeance. Is the time ripe for the new secret to be thrown without reserve into the hange.ring hands of all nations? Honesty between man and man compels an answer m the affirmative, as the best means for honouring the peace. On the other hand the greatest aggressors and potential Dictators have commended their regime with fair promises "of peace. America and Britain obviously desire to do the right thing by humanity at large and yet ?