Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-10-29
Prefuctory Statement
on H-Bomb

several days ago ffeSlOenL Ell
senhower submitted to the pdblic
a statement on the H-bomb. con-
tanning reasons why, in his opir-
ion, test explosions should not
be discontinued.
In order to help the public get
at the truth Of this controversy
between the President and my
self, I am herewith making pub
lie a memorandum which ex-
amines in detail Mr.. Eisenhower's
claims and the evidence he adj
vances to support them.
l believe this study speaks for
itself. but, in summary. I would
call attention to these principal
points:
/. It seems to me that, after
all Mr.. Eisenhowers arguments
are shaken down. the net effect
is one of hopeless defeatism. The
President is not only hostile to
new constructive thinking by
others on how to save the world
from hydrogen devastation. but
he quite clearly has no creative
or hopeful ideas Of his own in
this critical field AS in so many
other fields. the President simply
offers another do-nothing So
luton.
Remarkable for Distortion"
2. The President presented his
document to America and the
world as an official statement,
but 1t appears to be no more than
campaign pamphlet. And even
as q political paper it is re-
markable for misStatements and
distortions.
These Misrepresentation are
dealt with separately in the at
tached study, but special atten-
ton should be called to the
Presidents effort to create the
impression that my proposal
would somehow weaken the de-
lenses of the United States. He
knows better. or at least should
know better. Along with other
Democrats. l have been doing all
l can to keep the Eisenhower ad-
ministration from slashing our
defense establishment during the
last four years. 1t i'll becomes the
President to talk about dropping
our guard when his administra-
ton has consistently put dollars
ahead OF defense. I want to see
our defenses strengthened. not
weakened. and there is nothing
in my H-bomb proposal incon-
Slstent with this object.
And let me add this. NV pro-
posal for an agreement to stou
the test-explosion of the big H.
bombs would, if accepted
strengthen the military position
OF the United States In relation
TO Russia. We are ahead of the
Russians in H-bomb develop-
ment, as the President himself
has said, and to freeze the H.
bomo race at the present levels
would prevent the Russians from
catching up with us. so long as
the agreement is in force in this
very important weapon.
"Insensitivity" Charged
8. The President seems insensi-
tive to the danger of radioactive
Iailout from H-bomb explosions.
Despite the growing doubts of
eminent scientists. the President
assures the people that they need
not be concerned over the conse-
ouences Of this dangerous fall
out.
4. The President seems content
to rest the future security of the
United States exclusively on
nuclear weapons. call atten-
ton to the fact that only a few
years ago we thought the A.
bomb guaranteed us military
dominance. Yet the Russians
quickly overcame this advantage
Our H-bomb advantage-such as
II may be-is already disappear
ing. In a short time Russia will
nave as many H-bombs as we
nave. or more. What then? The
President has no answer. NV
own answer is that when we
reach point where terror can.
GELS out terror we must turn &c
diplomacy and new ideas to fine
way toward non-nuclear peace
Ihat is what l seek and that i,
what / intend to fight for.
5. Most Of the world is sitting
on the sidelines as helpless spec.
tators of this nuclear race. Lei
us not overlook them for with
them may lie the future peace
OF the world and therefore oul
security. The Presidents ex.
elusive concern with a possible
not war must not be permitted
to blind us to the cold war ano
the contest for the allegiance
or at least the independence OF
those vast areas of the yorlc
in Asia, the Middle East and
Africa. which would like to look
to the United States for leader
ship, for peace and security.
Einstein Quoted
Finally. l would commend Ia
Mr.. Eisenhower and to all OF
our people what Albert Einsteiu
is reported to have said when
he was asked what kind OF
weapons would be used in World
War III. His reply was: Il dom
know what terrible weapons will
be used in World War III. But
l do know the weapons which
will be used in World War ~
they will be sticks and stones"
The modern technology Of wal
has put humanity on the road
back to the cave.
I believe that humanity ha.
some higher and nobler destiny
H-Bomb Memorandum
The President issued severa
memoranda in support OF his
statement calling for the con.
tinuance Of exploding large H.
bombs.
will take up the major point,
included in these memoranda In
some detail.