ATOMIC BOMB TEST

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24912, 27 June 1946, Page 5

ATOMIC BOMB TEST

DANGER TO WORLD CLAIMED VIEWS OF FRENCH EXPERT PARIS, June 25. “The atomic bomb test at the Bikini atoll in the Marshalls on July 1 threatens the safety of the world planet,” said the French aviation expert, M. Pelterie, addressing the Academy of Sciences. He added that submarine tests should be forbidden until a proper test of the effect of atomic energy under water was carried out at the bottom of a Continental lake.

Vice-Admiral W. P. H. Blandy, who is in charge of the test, told reporters aboard the flagship McKinley, that routine notices have been issued warning all ships to stay away from the Bikini area because of the atomic bomb test dangers.

“If any ship interferes we will use force if necessary,” he said. Asked if Bikini and other islands belonged to the United States, Admiral Blandy replied: “Yes, at least at present.”

The correspondent of the Associated Press aboard the press ship Appalachian, says that the United States Army’s new 40001 b mystery bomb which was perfected too late for use in the war, will be exposed to atomic blast at Bikini to determine whether atomic heat and shock will explode it. The bomb will carry a charge of explosive but no fuse, thus simulating conditions in an ammunition dump.