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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Kaplan, Irving (1912-1997) Preliminary statement on legislation referring to the future development of atomic energy

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03152.04 Author/Creator: Kaplan, Irving (1912-1997) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Manuscript document Date: circa August 1945 Pagination: 4 p. ; 27.5 x 21.6 cm. Order a Copy

Apparently issued by the Association of Manhattan District Scientists in conjunction with GLC03152.03. The Association states, "It has been established beyond doubt that the atomic bomb, because of its tremendous destructive power and the improbability of finding a defense against it, constitutes a grave hazard to the advance of civilization." Urges the United States government to openly declare its intentions in the development of atomic energy. Argues there should be international control of the military aspects of the bomb. Asserts that new legislation is necessary to dictate the study and use of atomic energy in peacetime. Notes that the Atomic Energy Act of 1945 is not adequate, criticizing several aspects of the Act including it's clarity. Reports that the Association is unanimously opposed to the Act. Presents detailed principles and recommendations the Association believes should be considered in new legislation related to atomic energy.

Kaplan, Irving, 1912-1997
Urey, Harold Clayton, 1893-1981

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