Atomic weapons mentioned in two articles today. Once, Baldwin says the Germans can’t win unless they can come up with atomic weapons or something similar. The other is the report from Sweden on the V-2, and Goebbels’ hint that the Germans may be developing atomic bombs.
But I am reassured by the distinguished Swedish scientist that talk of atomic weapons is a bunch of “hooey.” Still, it would be nice if we could build such a thing.
Some interesting takes here:
1. Back in the late 1930s, the NYT was following atomic research, and the possibility of atomic weapons was discussed.
2. Starting sometime in 1940, the Times “went dark” on all reporting regarding atomic research, and have reported nothing since then.
3. Hanson Baldwin has twice or three times now in the past month made reference to atomic weapons, without making much other reference to their potential destructiveness. On all occasions he’s talked about the possibility of the Germans building such weapons. He hasn’t even hinted that we might be doing the same.
4. The Swedish article is the first time I’ve seen the concept of atomic weapons paired with intercontinental ballistic missiles.
5. Once again I strongly suspect that Baldwin has deduced we are building atom bombs.
6. When we do use the bombs a year from now, astute Americans should not be surprised. In fact, during the flight to Hiroshima, Tibbets finally discussed some of the nature of the bomb without specifically telling the crew what it was. One of the crew said “that thing sounds like a chemist’s nightmare.” To which Tibbets replied “more like a physicist’s nightmare.” The crew member thought for a moment and then asked Tibbets “Sir; are we splitting atoms today?” It was then that Tibbets decided to tell the crew exactly what was in the bomb bay.
But the astute people who had been current with scientific developments were not surprised.
“As Time Goes By”
music and words by Herman Hupfeld
“This day and age we’re living in Gives cause for apprehension with speed and new invention And things like fourth dimension.
Yet we get a trifle weary With Mr. Einstein’s theory. So we must get down to earth at times Relax relieve the tension
And no matter what the progress Or what may yet be proved The simple facts of life are such They cannot be removed.
You must remember this A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply As time goes by.”
The verse of “As Time Goes By” which most people don’t know because it was not used in the movie Casablanca references Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. It was originally written in 1931. I don’t think Herman Hupfeld would have used the line if it wasn’t common knowledge.
I think there is another 1930s song that directly references atomic weapons but I cannot think of what it is.
You need to find the Rudy Valle version to hear the verse (there are other versions with the verse).