Abstract
THE first report of the Atomic Energy Commission to the Security Council of the United Nations, dated December 31, 1946, includes first reports also on scientific and technical aspects of the problem of control and on the safeguards required to ensure the use of atomic energy only for peaceful purposes*. The Commission records its approval of the former report from the Scientific and Technical Committee and incorporates in its findings the conclusions of that Committee. A summary is given of the second report, also approved by the Commission, which has reached the further general finding that scientifically, technologically and practically, it is feasible to extend among all nations the exchange of basic scientific information on atomic energy for peaceful ends, to control atomic energy to the extent necessary to ensure its use only for peaceful purposes, to eliminate atomic weapons from national armaments and to provide effective safeguards by way of inspection and other means to protect complying States against the hazards of violations and evasions. Effective control of atomic energy depends at present upon effective control of the production and use of uranium, thorium and their fissionable derivatives. The development and use of atomic energy are* not regarded as essentially matters of domestic concern of the individual nations, but rather have predominantly international implications and repercussions. An effective system of control must be international and established by an enforceable multilateral treaty or convention administered and operated by an international organ or operation within the United Nations, possessing adequate powers, and properly organised, staffed and equipped for the purpose. International agreement to outlaw the national production, possession, and use of atomic energy is an essential part of any such international system of control and inspection, although standing alone such agreement would be ineffective.
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Reports of the Atomic Energy Commission. Nature 159, 616–617 (1947). https://doi.org/10.1038/159616a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/159616a0