Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Radiation Weapon Plot Comes to Light

Cold War scheme included assassination, broad contamination

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 8, 2007 3:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – Newly declassified Army documents reveal the US mulled the use of a radioactive weapon to assassinate “important individuals” and contaminate “critical areas for long periods of time.” The heavily censored records date to 1948 and show the weapon was approved for development at the highest levels, reports the AP, which originally requested the documents in 1995.

The secret program was born after the atomic bombing of Japan, when the government noted fission materials could be used for targeted warfare. But the heavily redacted text  doesn’t reveal the extent of the program, which apparently ended around 1954. The AP attributes the censorship to concerns about generation-old plans falling into the hands of modern extremists.

The top priorities of the projects were reportedly weapons to contaminate populated areas for long periods of time, possibly enhanced with conventional munitions.
The top priorities of the projects were reportedly weapons to contaminate populated areas for long periods of time, possibly enhanced with conventional munitions.   (Getty Images)
One documented priority of the radiological weapons program was specified as munitions for attack on individuals using radioactive agents for which there is no means of therapy...proposed for use by secret agents or subversive units for lethal attacks against small groups of important individuals, e.g., during meetings of...
One documented priority of the radiological weapons program was specified as "munitions for attack on individuals" using radioactive agents for which there is "no means of therapy...proposed for use by...   (Shutterstock.com)
The U.S. army recently revealed thoroughly conceived plans to use radiological weapons on both a mass and individual scale during the cold war.
The U.S. army recently revealed thoroughly conceived plans to use radiological weapons on both a mass and individual scale during the cold war.   (Shutterstock.com)
Seaman Buck Johnson, and other sailors aboard the USS Millius, partake in a chemical biological and radiological drill in this 2003 file photo. The army recently revealed that it researched heavily the potential use of radiological weapons and poisons during the cold war.
Seaman Buck Johnson, and other sailors aboard the USS Millius, partake in a chemical biological and radiological drill in this 2003 file photo. The army recently revealed that it researched heavily the...   (KRT Photos)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Are Cold War's Lost Nukes Still Ticking?

Judge Orders Rosenberg Evidence Kept Secret

Hiroshima Bomb Pilot Dead at 92

Radiation Found in Japanese Baby Formula

New Leak Found at Fukushima


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne