Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, General; the United Nations, Volume I, Part 2

Department of State Atomic Energy Files

The British Embassy to the Department of State ¹

top secret

Washington, October 27, 1948.

Development of Atomic Energy in New Zealand

In the discussions which took place early this year, prior to the conclusion of the modus vivendi, the British representatives explained to the United States representatives that a New Zealand team of scientists was responsible for the design of the low powered piles in Canada and at Harwell. It was accordingly agreed between the United States and British representatives that New Zealand should be free to construct such a pile if they wished to do so, provided, of course, that adequate security precautions were taken. The provision of information to the New Zealand Government concerning a low energy pile was specifically provided for in the modus vivendi.

The New Zealand Government subsequently asked the opinion of His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom on the value, from the general Commonwealth point of view, of the erection in New Zealand of a graphite low energy experimental atomic pile. His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom have considered this matter most carefully, particularly in regard to its security aspect, and the Prime Minister has now written to the Prime Minister of New Zealand² expressing the view that there would be an advantage to the Commonwealth in the development by the New Zealand Government of this project. Mr. Attlee has added that His Majesty’s Government would be glad to assist the New Zealand Government, should they decide to proceed with the project, although no definite guarantee can be given that any materials required from the United Kingdom would be available at any specific time. Mr. Attlee also referred to the importance of introducing adequate security arrangements in connection with the project.

His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom consider that the above information may be interest to the United States Government.

1. Transmitted by Sir Gordon Munro to Lovett on October 27 with the notation that copies were also being sent to Carroll Wilson, General Manager of the United States Atomic Energy Commission, and to Canadian Ambassador Hume Wrong. Lovett acknowledged receipt on November 22 without comment (Department of State Atomic Energy Files).
2. Peter Fraser.