British Prime Minister says "too bad" about genetic effects on troops and population of Australia

Click Here to read comment of British Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden about the effects of nuclear radiation on 14th November, 1955.

Dear Consultative Forum Members

The attached document was discovered by ANVA. Note the UK Public Records Office reference.

The comment by the British Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden, concerning the genetic effects of nuclear radiation indicate a complete disregard for the health of nuclear participants and their offspring. The need to join the thermonuclear club in the little time that was left before a Moratorium on nuclear tests was declared, was a factor that over-rode all other considerations.

The health of those involved and the need for followup observation and care were not worthy of comment. If any consideration had been shown by the PM at the time, it would surely have been considered worthy of comment by the Lord President's Office.

Sir Harold Himsworth was the Secretary (now known as the Chief Executive Officer) of the Medical Research Council during the period 1949 - 1968.

In April 1955, Sir Harold was appointed chair of a Committee to report on medical and genetic aspects of nuclear radiation.

The title of the report was "Hazards to Man of Nuclear and Allied Radiations." A second version of the Report was presented to Parliament in June 1956. This version was divided into six Sections (and nine Appendices):

Introduction

Types of Radiation and their Biological Effects

Effects of Radiation on the Health of the Individual

Genetic Effects of Radiation

Existing and Forseeable Levels of Exposure to Radiation

Assessment of the Hazards of Exposure to Radiation

There is no doubt that the British Prime Minister was fully aware of the potential biological and genetic effects of nuclear radiation, but considered that prior warning and follow up care, if provided to the participants, would have been detrimental to the achievment of nuclear weapon objectives.

Followup care was initiated in Australia by the RAAF Director General of Medical Services (DGMS) after he was made aware of the lack of safety considerations provided in the planning and execution of the cloud penetration tasks carried out by Australian aircrew during Operations Hurricane and Totem. This was discontinued at the intervention of the Army DGMS, who considered that participants and the Public could become alarmed if they became aware of the potential for long term and serious health effects. Studies of genetic outcomes for those Australians closely associated with the tests have been avoided like a plague ever since.

Anyone interested in commenting on the Protocol currently under preparation by the Adelaide University should read the thesis written by Robert William Varney, also from the Adelaide University, as part of his submission for a Master of Professional Studies (Honours). The title of the paper is "The British Nuclear Tests: Was the Test Policy Indifferent to Human Suffering?" The document can be found at:
http://www.country-liberal-party.com/pages/Bob_Varney_Thesis-Ch1-2-3.htm
Individual chapters can be accessed from the Menu sidebar.

   Sign or View Guestbook   

Email: nucvet@bigpond.net.au

Ric Johnstone, ANVA National President

P.O. Box 6201

West Gosford 2250 N.S.W. Australia

Phone: (02) 4322-1777 --- Fax: (02) 4322-0776