Doctor Atomic, Act I, Scene 1: "This is a petition"

This is a petition to the President of the United States. We, the

Undersigned scientists, have been working in the field of atomic

Power. Until recently, we have had to fear that in this war the

United States might be attacked, the United States might be attacked

By atomic bombs, and that our only defense might lie in a

Counterattack by the same means. Today, with the defeat of Germany

This danger is averted, and we feel impelled to say what follows

The machinery has caught us in its trap

And we can't talk now. You want to know if it works

. Atomic bombs may well be effective warfare, but attacks

On Japan cannot be justified until we make clear the

Terms of peace and give them a chance to surrender

What do we know about Japanese psychology? How

Can we scientists judge the way to end the war?

We must first devise a demonstration where there won't be

Any people. Not on a city, on a demonstration, right here

In the desert. Let them send observers, see for themselves