November 04 1946
The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio, Monday, November 04, 1946
The A-Bomb.
To The Editor of The Enquirer.
Few Americans, few newsmen even as it seems, care to ponder the international dilemma of the A-bomb. But foreign policy, as conducted by diplomats, still revolves around power politics therefore around the A-bomb, germ warfare and the like.
I wish to touch on one phase of A-bomb politics.
The Russian scientist Kapitza has said that to think of, atomic power in terms of A-bombs is like thinking of electricity in terms of the electric chair. What a true, human statement! Already, according to good authority, atomic power can be produced at a cost only about 25 more than that of coal. This means, because enough coal is not always available, or conveniently or economically transportable not to mention other factors that peacetime use of atomic power is practical right now. But more important is the consideration that science at its frontiers may make gigantic strides in a short time. Especially when the concentration on the atomic problem is on a scale without precedent in the history of science.
Our military folk, financiers and industrialists shy away from the industrial development of atomic power. That would undercut the coal, oil, gas and electric interests, necessitate government ownership and operation of industrial atomic power be a big step toward socialism. But socialist Russia is free to develop industrial atomic power to the limit. No doubt she counts the potentialities of such development as second to nothing in her social-economic-strategic plans. The oil of Iran is like a child's puddle in comparison.
Peacetime development of atomic power merges imperceptibly into military preparation. If the UN, or the Security Council, controls the manufacture of the A-bomb it will inevitably control the industrial uses of atomic power. On disputable interpretations Russia is sure to be out-voted. That's why Baruch's plan will never be accepted by Russia. His adamant attitude comprises the cause of peace.
The maneuvers of Russia, Britain and the U. S. A. at the peace table do not grip essences. What counts most is unspoken. No nation opens her heart to others.
The dilemma of the A-bomb is the dilemma of the ages that's what humanity is up against. It is an issue that transcends political and national differences. Let us not assume that any man or group of men as yet possesses the wisdom to cope with this problem. There must be resolute and widespread search, in all humility, with endless patience. We must divest ourselves of self-righteousness, preconceptions, inflexibility of mind. Einstein discarded a hundred theories before he found right one. If we conscientiously labor in that spirit we may be able to arrest the descent to the abyss, and convert to beneficence the terrible weapons man has invented for self-destruction.
Henry Blumberg. 7 East Blake Columbus, Ohio.
