OPPOSING VIEWS ON ATOM BOMBING

Grey River Argus, 2 April 1948, Page 3

OPPOSING VIEWS ON ATOM BOMBING

LONDON, March 30. The science editor of the “Daily Express” Chapman Fincher, commenting on Professor Oliphant’s statement that it was suicidal to send bombei’s to Russia because of recent developments in anti-aircraft defence, says that top-ranking defence scientists and military experts do not agree with Professor Oliphants view. Since the war anti-aircraft defence has improved in theory only, says Pincher. There is no possibility of developing a ray which will exolode atom bombs prematurely in mid-air. The air defence weapon on which all nations are at present concentrating is a 2000 m.p.h. rocket which would be guided by radio to within 50ft of any aircraft and then automatically exploded. The production of such a weapon even by America, which is years ahead of Russia or Britain in this field, is at. least five years away. Experts consider that if another war comes, SO,-, per cent, of the highaltitude bombers will still be able 1c get through any known anti-air-craft defences.

Pincher adds that by the time anti-aircraft rockets are perfected, super V2’s carrying atom bombs may be available. There will be no possible defence against these.