Fr. Siemes to the Holy See - On the topic of the atomic bombs dropped on Japan

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“Some of us consider the bomb in the same category as poison gas and were against its use on a civilian population.
Others were of the opinion that in total war, as carried on in Japan, there was no difference between civilians and 
soldiers, and that the bomb itself was an effective force tending to end the bloodshed, warning Japan to surrender and 
thus to avoid total destruction. It seems logical that he who supports total war in principle cannot complain of a war 
against civilians. The crux of the matter is whether total war in its present form is justifiable, even when it serves a 
just purpose. Does it not have material and spiritual evil as its consequences which far exceed whatever good might 
result? When will our moralists give us a clear answer to this question?”