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The Decision to use the Atomic Bomb - Pros
There were many reasons why the bomb should be used against Japan.
Many people also thought that it would be acceptable is
it was used against a city will important military presence. Some people felt that although civilians would die
in the end many lives would be saved because the bomb may force Japan to surrender. Some people projected that
if Japan was invaded more that 100,000 Americans would die. Others felt a
demonstration was needed, "From this point of view a demonstration of the new weapon may best be
made before the eyes of representatives of all United Nations, on the desert or a barren island." was
stated in the Franck Report. A. H. Compton, E. O. Lawrence, J. R. Oppenheimer, E. Fermi wrote a letter on how atomic
technology should be used. This is part of the letter the was written:
"You have asked us to comment on the initial use of the new weapon. This use, in our opinion, should be such as to promote a satisfactory adjustment of our
international relations. At the same time, we recognize our obligation to our nation to use the weapons to help save American lives in the Japanese war...
we can propose no technical demonstration likely to bring an end
to the war; we see no acceptable alternative to direct military use."
In the end President Trunman made the decision to use the bomb on Japan, a decision
which will forever be debated.
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