FOREIGN RELATIONS, 19 5 0, VOLUME I


    We should like to believe that all nations genuinely desirous of
        peace will recognize the increased urgency of coming to
        agreements that will tend -to relieve international tension.
  6. Do we know whether the Russians are working on the hydrogen
bomb?
    We have no reason to doubt that they are working on all types
        of atomic weapons.
  7. Do we know how advanced the Russians are in the development
of the hydrogen bomb?
    It would not be compatible with our national security to give out
        any information on this subject at this time.
  8. Do we know whether the Russians have produced a hydrogen
bomb .?
     (Same answer as to 7.)
  9. Is there a danger that the hydrogen bomb could pollute the earth's
atmosphere to a dangerous extent?
    No.
  10. Will the British and Canadians work with us in the develop-
ment of the hydrogen bomb?
    No comment.
  11. What will be the effect of our development of this weapon on
the possibility of war?
    We hope that it will prove a deterrent to war. We shall continue
        to do everything in our power to prevent war, including
        faithful observance of the letter and spirit of the U.N.
        Charter. There is, of course, always the possibility of war,
        but we do not believe that it is inevitable.
    The purpose of our security program as a whole is to maintain
        reasonable preparedness in order to d-eter aggression and
        thus insure conditions under which we and the other free
        nations can develop our economic and social well-being and
        contribute to international peace 'and security.
  12. Will our development of this weapon cause any change in our
policy toward the international control of atomic energy?
    The plan 'approved by the United Nations for the international
         control of atomic energy and the prohibition of atomic weap-
         ons is the only plan developed that is considered would be
         effective, but we are prepared to explore carefully and with
         good will any other proposals which give promise of being
         equally or more effective and workable. M.eanwhile, and unless
         and until a better plan is devised, we shall continue to support
         the U.N. 'plan which has the 'approval of the vast majority
         of the United Nations. We continue to believe that unilateral
         action on our part to restrict our capabilities will not serve


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