Allemande
23-03-2005, 22:42
OOC: This is a continuation of the thread entitled "Allemande to Commence Peaceful Fission Research (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=404518)"
<NEWSFEED>
Source: Allemande Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) World Service
Dateline: March 23th, 2005
In response to news leaks, Jon Cartier, Allemande's Secretary of Energy, confirmed that an effort is underway to develop a "nuclear explosive device", but denied that such a device could be considered "an atomic bomb."
When challenged on this point, Secretary Cartier denied that he was splitting hairs.
"A bomb is something that can be delivered in the heat of battle, to the detriment of enemy forces, The device we are developing can not be used in that way: it is an explosive, not a bomb. It's like the difference between a mortar round or hand grenade on the one hand and blasting powder on the other."
When pressed, Cartier conceded that there might be situations where such a device could be employed to cause damage to an enemy, but pointed out that all such situations were essentially defensive ones.
"It could indeed be used as a kind of mine, although it would take some ingenuity to rig up a triggering mechanism that would provide the functionality needed to make it effective in that role." Cartier also went on to remind his audience that developing such a triggering mechanism could be seen as a violation of United Nations Resolution #40.
"Allemande would therefore never coinsider deploying such a device in this mode, which means that - as envisioned - it can not possibly be used as a weapon."
A number of Senators expressed shock at the revelation of the effort, and promised that hearings would be undertaken on the subject. Separately, the Administration denied a rumor that President Blum would ask Secretary Cartier to step down.
"The President has the utmost confidence in Secretary Cartier and has no desire to see him leave his post," stated Press Secretary Anne Gilliard. "Rumors to the contrary are utterly unfounded."
</NEWSFEED>
<NEWSFEED>
Source: Allemande Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) World Service
Dateline: March 23th, 2005
In response to news leaks, Jon Cartier, Allemande's Secretary of Energy, confirmed that an effort is underway to develop a "nuclear explosive device", but denied that such a device could be considered "an atomic bomb."
When challenged on this point, Secretary Cartier denied that he was splitting hairs.
"A bomb is something that can be delivered in the heat of battle, to the detriment of enemy forces, The device we are developing can not be used in that way: it is an explosive, not a bomb. It's like the difference between a mortar round or hand grenade on the one hand and blasting powder on the other."
When pressed, Cartier conceded that there might be situations where such a device could be employed to cause damage to an enemy, but pointed out that all such situations were essentially defensive ones.
"It could indeed be used as a kind of mine, although it would take some ingenuity to rig up a triggering mechanism that would provide the functionality needed to make it effective in that role." Cartier also went on to remind his audience that developing such a triggering mechanism could be seen as a violation of United Nations Resolution #40.
"Allemande would therefore never coinsider deploying such a device in this mode, which means that - as envisioned - it can not possibly be used as a weapon."
A number of Senators expressed shock at the revelation of the effort, and promised that hearings would be undertaken on the subject. Separately, the Administration denied a rumor that President Blum would ask Secretary Cartier to step down.
"The President has the utmost confidence in Secretary Cartier and has no desire to see him leave his post," stated Press Secretary Anne Gilliard. "Rumors to the contrary are utterly unfounded."
</NEWSFEED>