Britain exploded its first nuclear bomb in October 1952. This letter to the Foreign Secretary conveys the widespread alarm generated by the development of nuclear weapons. Southend and District Peace Council was typical of the numerous peace groups that sprang up to register concern at the threat to 'the health of present populations' and of 'irreparable damage to the genetic inheritance of generations yet unborn'.
Catalogue reference: FO 371/129238 (5 April 1957)

Courtesy of Margaret Knill