How we cite our quotes: Chapter name.(Chapter Number).Paragraph
Quote #4
The German-born physicist Hans Bethe even had an idea of what to do about it. "Kidnapping Heisenberg," said Bethe, "would greatly limit the German project."
Groves considered the idea. Kidnapping was not part of his job description, but he was ready to do whatever it took to win this race. (Dirty Work.(20).13-14)
As much as we joke about the "race" metaphor, try not to lose sight of the fact that it was serious business. Thousands of lives were at stake, and Groves really was willing to do anything in order to come out on top, including kidnapping (or killing) one of Germany's top physicists.
Quote #5
What if Americans succeeded in building atomic bombs and they were the only ones to have them? Would the United States be more likely to use atomic bombs, knowing no one else could strike back? Wouldn't the world be safer if a second major power also knew how to build atomic bombs? That way, neither country would use the bomb- knowing they'd have the bomb used on them. (Born Rebel.(23).33)
These are all good questions. Sometimes a little healthy competition is good to keep power in check. Unfortunately, though, we're talking about nuclear weapons, so maybe this is an exception to the rule and the less bombs, the better.
Quote #6
Germany did not have the atomic bomb. Now Groves was determined to keep the Soviet Union from getting it. "Our principle concern," he explained, "was to keep information and atomic scientists from falling into the hands of the Russians." (Falling Stars.(28).36)
Just because the Germans didn't have one didn't mean the danger was over. Groves wanted America to be the only nuclear power because distrust of the Soviets was steadily growing.