Letter: Shame on America for atomic attacks
On August 6 and August 9 it will be the 70th anniversary of the destruction of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by American atom bombs.
This resulted, as expected, in the murder of huge numbers of innocent people. There was no excuse for this mass destruction and murder. The mothers and babies in the hospitals, the children at school, the old people in their homes were not combatants and had not tortured any prisoners of war. Nor had the salary men in their offices, the factory workers nor most of those who died.
Dropping the bombs did not hasten the end of the war. It is now well known that the American Government was aware that the Japanese Government was about to give up anyway. The US was clearly guilty of mass murder. Many Americans acknowledge this. Unfortunately there are also Americans who condone this slaughter. All Americans should be ashamed of their country.
It is high time we all realise the enormous power of atom bombs and their indiscriminate killing. All wars are stupid because nobody really wins if for no other reason. Yet Conservative and Labour politicians have all supported the Trident weapon of mass destruction and are prepared to spend £100,000 million on renewing it. That's money better spent on the NHS, education, social services and local government.
We can only hope to God that they won't actually use this horrible thing.
When will they ever learn?
George Evans, Wellington
Letter: Shame on America for atomic attacks
