ATOMIC BOMB ATTACKS

Chronicle (Levin), 15 November 1948, Page 5

ATOMIC BOMB ATTACKS

(N.Z.P.A^-

-Reuter.

U.S. Planning Big Civilian* Defence" System

Copyriyht)

Received Monday, 9.25 a.m. WASHINGTON, Nov. 14. Plans for civilian defehce agamst an atom bomb attack were outlined in recommendations made today to the Defence Secretary, Mr. James Forrestal, 'by- a committee of ex* ioerts. The plans are based on the expectation that' 40,000 would .be killed and 60,000 injured by a single bo'mb. ' " ■ . The committee said that the lack of . American air raid precautipns was -the "missing link" ih the na.tional defence structure, and pointed- to Britain's experience in the last" war as an example of what adequate civilian defence could do The committee recommends the creation of a central office to coordinate an air raid delence System on a State, city, town and village street by streeit basis. . ti lays emphasis on the .- need for / special • radiol* ogical defence • teams in areas most likely to be subject to- an atom bomb attack, and the need for chemical defence to tackle gas and incendiary attacks. The report is being •distributed to State Governors and locgl authorities. . Mr. Forrestal, who is now' in Europe and is believed to be dis-" cussing the Western European defence plans, said in an accompanying message that only when the report had been thoroughly reviewed would the- drafting of legislation be considered.