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In Search oF Atomic Truth
The development of atomic power could not be separated from technological development essential for and largely sufficient for the manufacture of atomic weapons. On the other hand, neither the development of power nor the effective and widespread use ofthe new tools of research and technology could prosper fully without a very considerable openness and candour with regard to the technical realities -an openness and candour difficult to reconcile with the traditional requirements of military security about the development of weapons of war. . . although the peaceful use of atomic energy might well challenge the interests of technical people and appear as an inspiration to statesmen concerned with the welfare of mankind, it could hardly make a direct appeal to the weary, hungry, almost desperate peoples of a war-ravaged world. Such an appeal, if made, could hardly be made in honesty.
-J. Robert Oppenheimer
(June 1946)
Whatever might happen, whatever the circumstances, we shall never use atomic energy for evil purposes.
-Jawaharlal Nehru
(January 1957)
The Face of Truth is covered with a Golden Disc. Unveil it O Pusan, so that I who love Truth may see it.
Isa-Upanishad, 15
(c. 900 B.C.)
Acknowledgement
THIS study began as a personal enquiry into nuclear energy and its role in development of Third World. Many Indian scientists and techno-crats have provided background information which was "not to be quoted". I cannot betray their trust by a formal acknowledgement. But I must record my gratitude to B.D. Nag Chaudhuri who encouraged me in many ways but in no way is responsible for the outcome. I am grateful to Ajit K. Saha (SINP) who permitted me to examine the personal papers of his father, late Prof. Meghnad Saha.
My thanks are also due to Maurice Goldsmith (Science Policy Foundation) for many useful contacts in the UK AEA; to John Tinker (Earthscan) for introducing me to many scholars in the Friends ofthe Earth Movement; to Ward Morehouse (Columbia University) for drawing my attention to some earlier attempts in this field which have been forgotten in India; to Zores Medvedev, the exiled dissident Soviet scientist now in England, for information about nuclear accidents in the USSR; to James Daglish (Editor, ATOM) and Terence Price (Uranium...