The results of both tests are already under study by the Bureau 

 of Ships and will undoubtedly point the way to changes in ships' 

 size, design and structure, both above and below the water line. 

 Such changes can offer increased immunity to flash and blast effect, 

 but protection from catastrophe by deadly gamma and neutron 

 radiations lies rather in wide spacing of task forces and decentral- 

 ization of navy yards, repair and loading facilities, of ships within 

 ports, and amongst all available harbors. We are convinced distance 

 is the best defense. 



As was demonstrated by the terrible havoc wrought at Hiro- 

 shima and Nagasaki, the Bikini tests strongly indicate that future 

 wars employing atomic bombs may well destroy nations and change 

 present standards of civilization. To us who have witnessed the 

 devastating effects of these tests, it is evident that if there is to be 

 any security or safety in the world, war must be eliminated as a 

 means of settling differences among nations. 



204 



