This week in… 1959

Given the parlous state of relations between Iran and the West, it is easy to forget that things were once very different. This article from

trumpeting the launch of the 'Tehran Nuclear Centre' highlights a dialogue and exchange of ideas that would be unthinkable today.

'Speaking at the opening, [eminent English physicist] Sir John Cockcroft said that the Harwell Establishment of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority would be acting as a parent establishment to the nuclear centre by providing British staff and by helping with the rapid supply of equipment. In addition, there would be rapid communication of ideas and results.'

The article reports that nuclear know-how was unlikely to contribute to the oil-rich nation's energy mix for at least 20 years, but that it was of great promise for medical and industrial uses. 'The immediate benefit was likely to come from the use of radioactive isotopes, said Sir John, and the first and well-tried application was to the diagnosis and treatment of disease.' This application was inspired by success using radioactive isotopes at the 'Baghdad Pact Nuclear Centre'.