The other other missiles of October: the Thor IRBMs and the Cuban missile crisis

The Cuban missile crisis of 1962 occurred when the USSR deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba, within range of the USA. Yet by 1962 the US had deployed Thor missiles in the UK and Jupiter missiles in Italy and Turkey, within range of the USSR. The story of British-American negotiations to deploy Thor has already been told, as has the story of the Jupiter deployment in Turkey and Italy. This article tells the story of the Thor deployment, in particular in the context of the Cuban crisis. During the crisis the operational condition of both the Soviet missiles in Cuba and the Jupiter missiles were major concerns of the US government. The article demonstrates the very high state of Thor missile readiness, and clarifies several controversies concerning the operational readiness of Bomber Command in October 1962. It then shows that despite their military importance, and potential diplomatic value, the Thors were of nugatory political significance

Making Atomic Dreams Real: 1956–1958

Japan’s dream of introducing nuclear power became more real during the years 1956–1958. The period coincided with the extended absence overseas of the Hiroshima panels painted by Akamatsu Toshiko and Maruki Iri. Key figures such as media mogul Shōriki Matsutarō and the politician Nakasone Yasuhiro played leading roles in promoting civilian nuclear power during this period. The Atoms for Peace exhibition continued its tour of Japan in 1956 and the Atomic Energy Basic Law came into effect. Nuclear infrastructure was established during this crucial time and foreign experts such as Christopher Hinton (UK Atomic Energy Authority) visited Japan, spruiking the merits of the British Calder Hall reactor which Americans criticized but which was nevertheless purchased by the Japanese, followed by orders for American light-water reactors. This chapter outlines the rivalry between the UK, USA and USSR, all vying for Japanese attention at conferences, trade fairs and international exhibitions