H.G. Baker 1716 Tacoma Ave. So. Tacoma 3.. Wash.

Emergency Comm. of Atomic Scientists 118 Nassau Street, Princeton, N.J.

Gentlemen:

Atomic WAR OR PEACE is received, read and greatly appreciated. Thanks. You cover so much in such a practical way, and yet I fell that I should make some comments:

"So far the United States has shown no interest in preserving the security of the Soviet Union." The Russians feel that we have shown a tremendous interest in the destruction of their security and history has build up that feeling. Our open declaration that we must make strenuous efforts to prevent the spread of communism in Europe and Asia, our propaganda of hate and falsification (enclosed clipping is an example), our meddling in civil wars in Greece and China, our piling up of Atomic Bombs to be used in war against Russia, our cold war which is really not so cold, our fortifying strategic islands with maps showing how easily we can reach Russian industries from them, and various other activities have thoroughly convincing the Russians that we are not their friends, but are very much their enemies. Under such conditions would it be possibly for Russia to join supranational government which would be dominated by the United States and her allies? Gentlemen, you know it would know. First of all, we much change our foreign policy and our general attitude to one of friendship and cooperation and then talk of binding the Soviet Union into a unified government with authority to keep peace.

Now why isn't Russia willing to have an international comm. to inspect industries in all nations to see that no bombs are made? The answer is that the U.S. already has bombs stock-piled in unknown quantities and could easily hide away a sufficient number, unreported, to destroy Russian industries. Russia wishes to be on equal footing in this respect and so will not agree to international inspection and prohibition until she, too, has bombs of her own. She, too, then will probably hide away a quantity of bombs. When that time comes, will the United States be willing to outlaw atomic bombs? We might as well outlaw them now, before inspection and prohibition of their manufacture, as to wait until the Russians have them, too.

Our first step, as it seems to me, is to make friends with the Russians. The U.N. first step is to outlaw wars of aggression, and forever outlaw Atomic weapons. Inspection should follow, not proceed, such action.

Pardon me for trying to offer anything to ones so thoroughly acquainted with the entire situation as you gentlemen are. At least you know what another layman thinks about it, now. Thanks.

Yours sincerely, H.G. Baker 1716 So. Tac. Ave., Tacoma, Wash.