Independence and deterrence: Britain and atomic energy,1945-1952.

Independence and Deterrence, commissioned by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, continues the story of Britain's atomic project begun in Britain and Atomic Energy 1939-1945, and covers the years from 1945 to the first British bomb test at the end of 1952. Volume 1 studies policy making at the highest levels the strategic, political and international considerations, the admin istrative and constitutional machinery. It shows how and why Britain decided to make atomic bombs and follows the traumatic negotiations for Anglo-American atomic collaboration and their effect on Britain's relations with Europe and the Commonwealth. There is important material on Anglo-Canadian affairs. The book sheds new light on Britain's rights to consultation on any American use of atomic bombs.

Volume 2 studies the execution of the project. It analyses the cost of the project in money and manpower, the problems of health and safety, secrecy and security, the relationship between government and private industry. Above all it gives a 'nuts and bolts' description of the work of the scientists and engineers in carrying out with great success- a complex techno logical project operating on the furthest frontiers of knowledge, which culminated in making and testing the Mark I weapon. There is an illuminating chapter on the origins of Britain's nuclear power programme and her choice of reactor. These chapters emphasise not only economic, managerial and technological aspects, but also the great influence of personalities.