BOMB QUESTIONS ne objects of the many questions which have
been asked in the House of Commons about the hydrogen bomb' tests now proceeding in the Pacific, questions e assured that it will not be misused. There is a great deal to be said for tackling the outstanding Issues by means of this plain process of question and answer, :, Only to rid discussion of those emotional overtones which f.lvvays creep into it when pOliticians wake up—as they do for time to time—to the horror that has been with us now weapons nearly ten years. In the last.analysis the control of atomic such is a practical matter. What is more, it is not quite ,ten a difficult matter as some of the Prime Minister's ques- !loners on Tuesday made it out to be. Atomic tests are not uncontrollable (Mr. Warbey said they were); an international conference is not out of the question; and more information can n. be obtained from America, and possibly obtained quite quickly. if British Members of Parliament would refrain from regarding a n that information as something to be taken down and used in evidence against Americans., But the hydrogen bomb cannot be un-invented. All the solemn speeches in the world cannot make any difference to a problem which every thinking citizen already knows is very serious.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly said that he gives more concentrated attention to this than to any other single problem. That should carry some reassurance. It is not suggestion that " leave it to Winston " is a good slogan. But it is worth remem- bering that the Prime Minister has much wisdom, much experience of atomic questions, a persistent faith in Great Power meetings, and a very high reputation among Americans. In all matters concerning atomic weapons, he has made right judgements and right decisions more often than anyone else in the House of Commons. On Tuesday he almost begged the House not to drive him into wrong courses, vis-a-vis the Americans. It is very much to be hoped that he will stick to his chosen course of patient and friendly relations with the United States, the dominant Power in the atomic field, and not be driven from it by a storm of loose talk.
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