Evening star., 1948-05-24

should We not say, Yes, the door Is open-we
said 1t and we meant it. We will talk to you.
discuss anything with you-but we make no
advance promises? SIMPLICIMUS.
Outline of Atomic Conspiracy
To the Editor of The Star:
In these cynical times of ruthless treachery.
our minds recall December, Z, 1941. OF late
there has been alarming evidence of indecision,
disunity and inexcusable blundering in high
places. Thoughtful citizens are asking them
selves: Are We prepared for an atomic Pearl
Harbor? )
Cryptic releases on our atomic defense appear
to have three dangerous assumptions: First
the high level assurance that we possess atomic
superiority and probably will continue to pos
sess it for several years. Obviously this Is
predicated on the belief that the soviets must
duplicate in kind our costly complex and gi-
gantic facilities But this theory ignores logical
patterns of intensified research suggested by
prenuclear physics. For instance, Soviet physi-
cists may be concentrating upon several logical
short cuts. They may be searching for
principle of nuclear levers capable of prying
loose atomic power. Or they may be seeking
a nuclear catalyst which will facilitate nuclear
reactions in q manner identical with chemical
catalysts. But far more likely they are con-
centrating on practical ways of utilizing 1907
of the primary power in fashionable materials
at hand These may be ridiculous conjectures,
but we are dealing with fantastic and un-
practicable subject.
Second, it is assumed we will have immediate
intelligence when the Soviet explodes its frst
experimental atomic bomb. There is hopeful
expectation they will duplicate our Bikini and
Eniwetok demonstrations of mass destructive
ness. But with the dependable scientific &C
curacy of fnicroanalysis available. such massive
tests would be q wasteful give-away. For their
purposes they could get as much prognostic
data from an atomic bomb weighing gram as
from one weighing several tons. Hiroshima
Nagasaki ard Bikini already have provided
paralyzing proof of the terrible effect of atomic
aggression on land mass physical structures
and vulnerable populations. Such microtests
would not betray Soviet readiness for atomic
aggression. We would live in . FOOLS paradise
until the hour Of doom.
But our most dangerous assumption is the
probable role enemy air power will play In
atomic aggression. Our atomic defense Is in
terms of our problems should we either wage
atomic war or retaliate against 1t. The Soviet
does not have reciprocal difficulties. We do not
have an impenetrable iron curtain. We have
the lOglStlc prODlem Oh distant poilpiHs Will
questionable and wasteful accuracy. The So
Wet has both time and freedom of movement
to assemble and plant their atomic bombs with
decisive accuracy. Study of the past techniques
of Soviet stealth lead us to believe they will
wage atomic aggression according to this pat
tern: Their conspirators will assemble small
bombs Of maximal efficiency where terror and
sabotage will be decisive. When ready to strike.
their key conspirators will abandon the doomed
area Their stooges will be ltQuidated because
they viii know too much. Aradar mechanism
will detonate their bombs by dependable re-
mote control There will be no warning alert
of IN enemy air raid. Should their bombs
fail there is no give-away.e The colsptfators
merely return and leisurely repair their failure.
Time is on their side. Successful humiliation
Of any critical area would force surrender of
all the rest.
This means the emphasis in atomic defense
must be on prevention rather than retaliation
To this end we must create effective, resource
full and aggressive intelligence. We should rule
participation in atomic conspiracy as treason
and crime against humanity. Immunity and
sanctuary should be given those who betray or
reveal it, Death without exception should be
the inescapable penalty of any and all con-
victed Of conspiring to destroy civilization
Those who conspire merciless doom for others
deserve death themselves.
THOMAS E. MATTINGLY, M. d.