Mr. MCMAHON, from the Special Committee on Atomic Energy, submitted the following

REPORT

[To accompany S. 1717]

The Special Committee on Atomic Energy, to whom were referred various bills for the control of atomic energy, report back to the Senate S. 1717 with amendment and recommend that the bill do pass. The report submitted herewith outlines in part I the history of the work of the special committee to date, with statements on all other bills and resolutions referred to it and not reported out at this time. Part II consists of an analysis and discussion of each section of S. 1717, giving the reasons behind the various provisions. The appendix to this report contains certain basic information on atomic energy essential to an understanding of the scientific and technical development which forms the background of this legislation.

PART I. HISTORY OF THE LEGISLATION

Within 3 months after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a series of measures was introduced in the Senate to meet the alarming and unprecedented problems created by this revolutionary development of science. Some of the measures sought to establish permanent domestic machinery for the control of atomic energy; some to meet the international problems; others provided simply for studies of the issues involved.

DOMESTIC CONTROL BILLS

On September 6 Senator McMahon introduced S. 1359, establishing an Atomic Energy Control Board composed of five Cabinet officers, the Chairman of the Federal Power Commission, and a public member to serve as Chairman. This bill charged the Board with the responsibility of developing atomic energy domestically and controlling its It contained also a provision for sharing information with other

use.

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members of the Security Council of the United Nations on a reciprocal basis, subject to the establishment of a system for the international inspection of munitions production.

S. 1463, introduced by Senator Johnson of Colorado on October 3, a bill originating in the War Department, provided for a part-time commission of nine members, with broad controls over the domestic development of atomic energy. Military officials were permitted to serve as members of the Commission or as the full-time administrator or deputy administrator.

S. 1557, introduced on November 6 by Senator Ball, provided for the establishment of a part-time commission of nine members, four of whom would be Cabinet members. Broad authority and general controls similar to those conferred on the managerial boards by S. 1463 and S. 1359 were vested in the Commission.

INTERNATIONAL MEASURES

On October 29, Senator O'Mahoney introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 38, calling for a universal international agreement to outlaw the atomic bomb. Senator McKellar, on November 8, introduced Senate Resolution 186, which took cognizance of the threat of the atomic bomb and requested that the President enter into international negotiations to outlaw the bomb and to strengthen the United Nations organization. S. 1359, discussed above, contained special provisions to meet the international problem.

SPECIAL STUDIES

On September 6, Senator Vandenberg introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 28 to establish a joint congressional committee to make a full and complete study of the development, control, and use of atomic energy. This measure passed the Senate but was not acted upon in the House. Senate Joint Resolution 93, introduced September 12, by Senator Thomas of Utah, provided for a commission consisting of Members of Congress, public members, and a Supreme Court Justice. This Commission was to be charged with the duty of formulating immediate policies on atomic energy and recommending legislation to the Congress. Senate Resolution 179, introduced on October 29, by Senator McMahon, proposed the establishment of a Senate Special Committee on Atomic Energy to

make a full, complete, and continuing study and investigation with respect to problems relating to the development, use, and control of atomic energy. The committee was to report on bills and resolutions relating to atomic energy referred to it from the Senate and to make recommendations as to legislation.

PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE, OCTOBER 3, 1945

On October 3, 1945, the President sent a message to the Congress stressing the necessity of legislation. This message emphasized the need for a national policy for the control of atomic energy to assure its use for peaceful ends and for the safety of the Nation.

The President outlined provisions to be included in the legislation as follows: