THE ATOMIC BOMB
Snt,—America's monopoly of atomic military power will be ephemeral. In a few years she will not dare use it for fear her enemy could retaliate. Possession of the best atomic weapons will not help her ; for only a defence which was too per cent, effective would suffice to protect her sufficiently, and this she cannot hope for. There is therefore no logic in the argument that America must, for her own security, keep her lead in atomic development. Giving the secret to Russia, either direct or through a United Nations Security Council, can only accelerate by a few years any danger that the spread of this knowledge may cause, and might, on the other hand, form the foundation of real co-operation. Secrecy might give America a decisive lead for some time in industrial development ; is it possible that this consideration is prejudicing her judgement? It is the only sense in the argument "We have spent millions on the thing and deserve the benefit of it."
If America does not see reason I believe that we should act on our own, as far as our knowledge extends ; or have we already bartered our right of independent action? I am not one who thinks that Russia's recent action can be justified ; nor do I think that she, if in America's shoes, would act as I have suggested. But I do believe that these facts are irrelevant. Two wrongs will not make a secure world.—Yours, &c., Little Henham Lodge, Widdington, Essex.
J. STUART JOHNSTONE.
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