USSR atomic bomb intentionIn 1945, a warning about Russian atomic bomb development was sent by an attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Thomas P. Whitney wrote: “the U.S.S.R. is out to get the atomic bomb. This has been officially stated. The meager evidence available indicates that great efforts are being made and that super-priority will be given to the enterprise.” It was only four months since two atomic bombs had been dropped on Japan to end WW II. At first, military leaders were sceptical of Russia's ability to accomplish such an undertaking. Yet, the interest of Russia in atomic power was also documented by their removal of scientists from Berlin after WW II. The first Soviet atomic bomb was detonated on 29 Aug 1949, and announced by President Truman on 23 Sep 1949, less than four years since Whitney's prediction.« |
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