Defence Against Atom Bomb Warfare

Chronicle (Levin), 14 January 1948, Page 5

Defence Against Atom Bomb Warfare

(N.Z.P.A.-

Reuter *

Covyrtaht)

Received Tuesday, 9 p.m. SYDNEY, Jan. 13. The possibility tiiat tne aeveiopment of atomic bombs .and directed missiles may entail a compiete replanning of the main Australian cities and growing industrial areas, is stated to he the mbst important matter for examination by the newly-formed Cabinet Comimittee on Defence. Already in the formative stages is a vast and costly plan to protecb industry and centres of population from weapons-' of incredible power. Defence experts believe that even Oanberra with its modern design and spaciotts layout, could be demolished by one rocket bomb With an atomic warhead. Fignring prominently in the committee 's lirst- deliberations is a eonhdential analvsis of the effeets of atomic bombs, 'rocket -projectiles and guided missiles, recently sent to the Australian Government by the British Ministrv of Works. Exjierience had shown that the only type of passive defence against- the latesf aerial weapons is dispefsal on a scale difhcnlt to imagine. The committee will eonsider the dispersal of au public utilities and key industries, coupled with the nse of natural contours such as hills, to aid in protection from rays and blast effect. Town planners who have studied the eft'ects of modern warfare, suggest that public buildings in the main cities may be separated by hills to act as shields against atomic radiation and that the future development of capitals and industriai centres may be governed l)v a long-range policy aimed at the c.reation of satellite towns Imilt about scattered industries. For some years the authorities have been perturbed by the facts that Australia — a country of wide open spaces with a total population of 7,500,000— has two cities each of well over 1,000,000 people, and that half the total population of the Commonwealth is eoncentrated in the five main cities. A study of the effeets of modern weapons has brought the conclusion that' a 1 change is imperative. | The Cabinet eommitteo will seek the ladvice and services of Army, Xavv and Air Force Chiefs of Btaff, officers of the Gouneil of Ncientific and Industrial Besearch, _ phvsicists from the Australian Fniversitios, experts on local government and townplanning, architects and lieads of industries. A eonference of all Rtate Inrilding autlnjrities will be held as soon as pos-. sible to discuss building methods that would provide tue greatest safeguards against atomic attaek. Later the (Tiefs of Staff will discuss the same subject and a specialist committee will advise the Government on civil defence. While *it is believed that Cabinet action was due to an exehange of notes with the British Governtnunt coitce.rping the importance of Australia's posiLion aml resources for Empire defence, l-'ederal Ministers deny that there has been any hint froin Britain that the iuternational situution is doteriorating.