Sra,—In discussions on the relation of Russia to the western
democracies there is often an amazing omission of reference to the result of the discovery and use of the atomic bomb. Suppose that Russia, having been first to manufacture the bomb, had ended the war by dropping it on Berlin, and then refused to share its secret with her allies. What would have been their reaction? Surely the U.S.A. and ourselves would have been as fearful and suspicious of Russia as she is of us. We would feel that Russia had a monopoly of destructive power which was a deadly menace to our security. The decision to keep the secret of the bomb from Russia made her co-operation with the Western Powers practically impossible. How can those who so distrusted her expect her trust? Scientists seem generally agreed that all discoveries concerning nuclear energy should be shared. If politicians continue to act on the contrary opinion, hope of any real unity between the nations is utterly vain.—Yours
The Vicarage, Coxwold, York.
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