’
c. knowledge of atomic energy and its immediate
potential, as well as the existence of competent
scientific commnities, varies greatly among the
nations of the world;
d. there was a general tendency, particularly
among developing countries, at first to regard atomic
energy as an immediate opportunity to achieve a more
abundant and healthy life for their people;
e. there are considerations other than those related
to scientific and technical development which affect
material progress abroad; among these are local
financial conditions and dollar exchange positions,
internal politics and struggles for leadership, and
administrative and legal problems, such as the question
of third party liability.
There are also administrative
and legal problems within the U. S. which affect the
international program.
For the most part, U. S. Govermment representatives engaged iy the
program have been sensitive to the danger of over=-selling the potential [for
immediate tangible benefits from the peaceful uses of atomic energy.
Aq a
result of the International Atomic Energy Geneva Conference, technical apa
economic conferences and discussions with representatives. of cooperating
countries, Atoms for Peace missions abroad, and the general educative prp cess
which has taken place, a greater understanding now exists concerning the
inherent complexities of atomic energy programs, the extensive time schefules
involved, the economies of nuclear power, and the necessity for first espablishing
sound political and administrative and scientific and technical bases.
[he
promise is as great as in 1954; the obstacles to its fulfillment are norb
clearly seen.
Accordingly, the effort in underdeveloped countries now ebnters
around training in basic as well as muclear sciences, assistance in the
stab-
lishment of research facilities, in the development of programs for the
application of radioisotopes in medicine and agriculture, and encouragempnt
NSC 5507/2
-8s-
“SECRET
Part It