Mineral Resources and the Atlantic Charter

Abstract

JT is heartening that scientists and technologists are finding time to consider basicproblems extending beyond military preparedness. In the conference on mineral resources and the Atlantic Charter, held July 24 and 25, I942, British scientists showed themselves, as often also in the past, to be aware of the larger social implications of their work and to have the energy for initiating action where action is needed. The conference was a logical unit among three sponsored by the British Association for the Advancement of Science. In September, I94I, some of the social and intemational problems facing science, and in particular the proper utilization of natural resources in general, were examined; in July, i942, the problems of reconstruction as related to the agricultural resources of Europe were considered. Both conferences were duly reported in The Advancement of Science (Nos. 5 and 6, January and July, I942). Both represent a most timely consideration of problems that scientists will be expected to face immediately an armistice is declared, and indeed earlier. Each was well designed, and competent men who were specialists but were also possessed of a broad vision were invited to speak on carefully selected subjects. The report here discussed follows a similar plan. It deals one of the chief problems faced by scientists, that of mineral resources, particularly the key metals, viewed against the background of Article 4 of the Atlantic Charter, that clause by which the United Kingdom and the United States undertook, with due respect for their existing obligations, to further the enjoyment by all States, great or small, victor or vanquished, of access, on equal terms, to the trade and to the raw materials of the world which are needed for their economic prosperity. The keynote of the conference is expressed in the introduction: Systematic intemational planning of mineral production, distribution, and consumption should become an intemational objective after the war. Each country should strive to intensify its own achievements in the domain of mineral development and production while yielding to none in its endeavour to foster world-wide cooperation in the exchange of raw materials and finished products. As complete and accurate a knowledge as possible is required conceming the distribution and assessment of the world's mineral resources, in order that an effective policy of exploitation and distribution can be formulated for the benefit of all peoples. The preceding sentence indicates also one of the facts to which speakers referred again and again-the lack of adequate statistical data to serve as base for a mineral policy. This lack is due to several things: (i) the failure of many nations committed to the theory of laissez faire in trade to compel the submission of basic data by mines, smelters, and other mineral businesses operating within their realms; (2) the lack in many smaller countries and even in some larger ones (for example, China) of funds or organizations to compile the necessary data; and (3) the unwillingness on the part of some governments to publish mineral statistics, even in peacetime.