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'That Is the End of This Broadcast'

UK declassifies BBC's Cold War script for nuclear attack

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 3, 2008 7:55 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A radio script that the British government planned to broadcast to survivors of a nuclear attack has been made public for the first time, the BBC reports. The script, written in the 1970s and released by the National Archives, warns listeners to stay in hiding for 14 days and to ration essential supplies. Related documents advised that familiar but authoritative voices make the broadcasts.

"This country has been attacked with nuclear weapons. Communications have been severely disrupted and the number of casualties and extent of the damage are not yet known," the script says. "By leaving your homes you could be exposing yourselves to greater danger. If you leave, you may find yourself without food, without water and without protection."

Britain's Houses of Parliament. A script to be used to address survivors of a nuclear attack on Britain has been released by the UK National Archives.
Britain's Houses of Parliament. A script to be used to address survivors of a nuclear attack on Britain has been released by the UK National Archives.   (Flickr)
BBC headquarters in Portland Place, London. The UK National Archives has released scripts that were to be used in the event of a nuclear war.
BBC headquarters in Portland Place, London. The UK National Archives has released scripts that were to be used in the event of a nuclear war.   (AP Photo)
A nuclear test. In the 1970s the BBC scripted an announcement of a nuclear attack on the UK.
A nuclear test. In the 1970s the BBC scripted an announcement of a nuclear attack on the UK.   (Getty Images)
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Transcript of BBC nuclear war script (PDF)
National Archives of the United Kingdom

Brits declassify Cold War nuke attack script
AFP

 
BBC • nuclear weapons • Cold War • survivors • Britain • National Archives • nuclear attack

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