SELF INTEREST
1.
To reduce the unevaluated hazard of radioactive contamination,
both world-wide and local.
There is no reason why weapons used
own defense should be dirty. Allies who plan their defenses with ou
weapons would have a similar interest in clean weapons if they but
our
er-
stood the implications: neutrals, too, in view of the risk to themselyes,
wherever they are, if dirty weapons are used.
2.
To reduce the risk of limited war expandinginto ali-out
nuclear war. This well founded fear, diligently fostered by Russia,| is
largely due to the common reputation of present nuclear weapons for
indiscriminate destruction.
If thelr radioactivity and energy can be
reduced, and used with discrimination and discretion to oppose local
military aggression by destruction of military forces alone, the risk of
expansion is correspondingly reduced.
It is to everybody's interest/that
local engagernents remain local. The closer nuclear weapons approach
conventional weapons in characteristics and reputation, the more
effectively they can be used to replace cnnventional defensive capabilities.
3.
To develop peaceful applications. Energy serves man tp the
extent he tames it. Nuclear explosives are no exception. If small ¢nough
and clean, nuclear dynamite will became cormmonplace, working fon
rather than against man - easier, quicker, and perhaps in time even
cheaper than conventional explosives. We could demonstrate some
applications now. Most will be blocked by test cessation.
MORAL
Needless destruction or injury in pursuit of national or military
objectives is immoral. Both Russia and America seem immoral by/thetr
willingness to use indiscriminate weapons whose radioactivity is beyond
control, and whose energy is usually excessive.
We may be sacrificing a latent leadership and the inspiration
inberent in the posture of a moral nation determined and able to fight
clean, and with diecrimination, if forced to fight in self defense. Sucha
posture is denled us without clean weapons of all sizes and publicly
stated intent to control the destruction of our weapons.
SEGRET