Scientists Concur On Civil Control Of Atomic Power

Atomic energy brought the social scientist face to face with the natural scientist as guests of the University over the weekend, with 109 savants primarily from the Boston area, gathering to tussle with the problem of government control. One tangible outcome was the appointment of a permanent committee of nine as continue the investigation.

Unanimous disapproval of Armed forces monopoly of the atom emerged from the two-day session as a situation detrimental to scientific initiative. William A. Higinbotham, executive secretary of the Federation of American Scientists, saw the absence of a presidential appointment to the chairmanship of the Atomic Energy Commission as a distinct trend is the militaristic direction.

Truman Stumped

He pointed out that under the McMain Bill passed just before the adjournment of Congress, President Truman is authorized to appoint the head of the Commission. Higinbothem asserted that Truman is unable to find a leading scientist to assume the responsibility.

The nine Soviet astronomers now visiting the University observatory were included in the mailing list of invitations. An official of the conference noted that the Russians expressed their appreciation but nevertheless declined. Relations with Russia as pertaining to the atomic energy question, however, were still discussed.

Merle Fainsed, chairman of the Government Department, was elected to bead the permanent nine-man committee. Other members of the faculty chosen as members were Seymour E. Harris '20. associate professor of Economics, Donald C. NcKay, chairman of the committee on Regional Studies, and Talcott Parsons, chairman of the Department of Social Relations.