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Publication Laka-library:
Atomic Australia 1944 - 1990 (1992)

Author	A.Cawte
Date	1992
Classification	4.22.0.00/11 (AUSTRALIA - GENERAL)
Front

ATOMIC AUSTRALIA
reveals the surprising and intriguing story of our flirtation with the atom.

The mass devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki announced the end of the Second 
World War, the beginning of the atomic age and a new world balance of power. 
Uranium became the new magic mineral that would save the 'free world' from 
Communism and provide limitless energy and everlasting prosperity.
With our uranium committed to the West's atomic arsenals, Australia seemed set 
to become a nation powered by the atom. In return for that uranium and the 
unquestioning provision of sites to test Britain's bombs, the Australian government 
believed it had earned the right to American and British atomic secrets. Yet access 
was belated and begrudged, and ultimately disappointing.
ATOMIC AUSTRALIA tells this story and of how successive Australian governments 
pursued the elusive uranium dream. For nearly 50 years the problems of 
environmental damage, Aboriginal land rights and weapons proliferation have 
hardly dampened their enthusiasm. In fact uranium wealth has always been a 
mirage and today's prices are at an all-time low.
ALICE CAWTE studied History at the University of Sydney, graduating in 1989 with 
First Class Honours and the University Medal. In 1989 she joined the Department of 
Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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