Two Years of the Atom

In its fourth semi-annual report to Congress last week, the Atomic Energy Commission barely touched on the most tantalizing atomic secret of 1948. The bulk of the report was devoted to the peacetime uses of atomic energy (see SCIENCE). But the AEC guardedly reported on the "three atomic weapons of new and improved design," tested this year at Eniwetok. Said the AEC: "Operation Sandstone confirms the fact that the position of the U.S. in the field of atomic weapons has been substantially improved."

President Harry Truman had a few words to add to the report. Such advances as Operation Sandstone, he declared, were convincing proof that the atom would thrive under civilian control. He made it clear that he had no intention of turning the bomb back to the military (as the military would like).

He also explained why the U.S. atomic program would continue under wraps. Said the President: "The uncompromising refusal of the Soviet Union to participate in a workable control system has thus far obstructed progress." Until such control was established, Truman concluded, "we cannot, as a nation, afford to disclose the secrets which make this new force the most deadly form of military weapon."

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