Say Russian Atomic Particles On Japan
TOKYO (AP)- A Socialist Diet member said today atomic particles are falling
on Japan from Russian A-bomb tests near the Arctic Circle.
Shigeyoshi Matsumae, an engineer, said this information was "gleaned
from American military quarters." He refused to elaborate.
The U. S. Far East Command had no comment.
Matsumae's statement to newsmen followed release of a report yesterday by the
right - wing Socialist party, of which he is a member. The Socialists are pushing
a resolution in the Diet calling on the U. N. to ban atomic weapons and urging
international control of atomic energy.
The report said small quantities of radioactive ash fall on Japan about three
times every two weeks from Russian explosions in Siberia.
"The United States has confirmed through these ashes that Russia possesses
atomic bombs," the report said. "The ashes take three days to reach
Japan and take one week to circle the globe."
Government weather forecaster Hiroshi Ito told Kyodo news service Russian atomic
particles could fall in Japan. He said prevailing winds are westerly throughout
the year.
The report of Russian tests stirred anew the controversy over radiation burns
suffered by 23 Japanese fishermen who were too close to a U. S. hydrogen blast
at Bikini March 1.
Developments included:
A joint Japan-American group continued work on treatment of the fishermen, all
of whom were reported better today by Dr. Masao Tsuzuki.
American Ambassador John M. Allison notified the Foreign Office the United
States is ready to pay for medical care and relief of the families of the 23
fishermen. This follows a statement by Chairman W. Sterling Cole (R-NY) of the
Joint Congressional Atomic Energy Committee that the United States will make
no commitment to pay damages until responsibility is determined.
Japan asked the United States for an explosion timetable on future Marshall
Island tests because of placing of danger signs around the zone is not enough,
Kyodo declared.
Foreign Minister Okazaki said the police have been warned to be on the lookout
for "certain persons" - Communists - trying to buy or steal radioactive
samples from the Lucky Dragon - the fishing boat showered with radioactive ash
near Bikini. |