REGULATION OF AR           NTS


10 Files:-US/I/I%14
Memnorandw'I of Conversations, by Mr. G. Hayden Raynor, Adviser,
           United States Delegation to the General Assembly

CONFIDENTIAL                           [NEW Yomi,] December 1, 1950.
Subject: President's Statement on Use of the Atomic Bomb'
Participants:   Various European and Commonwealth Delegations
                Mr. Hayden Raynor, United States Delegation
  Many European and Commonwealth delegations expressed to me
yesterday great apprehension with respect to the President's state-
ment and the hope that it didn't mean what it seemed to mean. The
reaction was quite a serious one up until the time the clarifying state-
ment was issued. This statement appeared to clear the atmosphere
and I heard little about it in thex latter part of the day.
   In the earlier comment the most serious question was raised about
that portion relating to the use of it being decided by the commander
in the field," although there appeared to be great shock over the part
which indicated that consideration was being given to its use. This
latter feeling I believe still exists and I do not think that the clarify-
ing statement removed the original impression which was created,
although as indicated, it-calmed down the atmosphere considerably.

  Reference is ,to a remark by President Truman during his press conference
of November 30. In the course of discussion on the Korean crisis, )the following
exchange occurred: "The President: We will take whatever steps are necessary
to meet the military situation, just as we always have. [12.] Q& Will
that in-
clude the atomic bomb? The President: That includes every weapon that we
have. Q. Mr. President, you said 'every weapon that we have.' Does that mean
that there is active consideration of the use of the atomic bomb? The President:
There has always been active consideration of its use. I don't want to see
it used.
It is a terrible weapon, and it should not be used on innocent men, women,
and
children who have nothing whatever to do with this military aggression. That
happens when it is used."
  Later the same day the White House issued the following press release:
"The
President wants to make it certain that there is no misinterpretation of
his
answers to questions at his press conference today about the use of the atomý
bomb. Naturally, there has been consideration of this subject since the outbreak
of the hostilities in Korea, just as there is consideration of the use of
all
military weapons whenever our forces are in combat.
  "Consideration of the use of any weapon is always implicit in 'the
very
possession of that weapon.
  "However, it should be emphasized, that, by law, only the President
can
authorize the use of the atom bomb, and no such authorization has been given.
If and when such authorization should be given, 'the military commander in
the field would have charge of the 'tactical delivery of ithe weapon.
  "In brief, the replies to the questions at today's press conference
do not repre-
sent any change in this situation."
  For the complete text of the press conference of November 30, see Public
Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1950, pp.
724-
728. For additional documentation relating to the President's statement,
see
vol. vil, pp. 1237 ff.


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