Editor's notebook — Aug. 16

Looking back:

Japan surrendered to the United States and its allies 70 years ago this week, soon after atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

U.S. Sen. Carl Hatch of Clovis was in his hometown and offered this commentary to Ed Hadley of the Clovis News-Journal:

“With proper statesmanship and leadership, I have no doubt that the United States can lead the world into the paths of permanent peace.

“The atomic bomb, if properly used, may be the very weapon that will force the world to peace. If not properly used, it may mean the destruction of all civilization.

“Of course I am confident other nations will discover it eventually, and may even improve on it. But as long as the United States, Great Britain and Canada possess the secret, the world has nothing to fear from its improper use.

“It seems almost providential that the United States was the first to develop the atomic bomb.”

Events of World War II demonstrated that we need fear no nation, Hatch said.

“Our course must be to assume the leadership and remove that element of fear of other peoples.”

Editor’s Notebook is compiled by Editor David Stevens. Contact him at: [email protected] or find him on Facebook.