The Nome Nugget

Particles From Russian Atomic Tests Falling On Japan About 3 Times In 14 Days, Diet Hears

TOKYO. (AP)-A Socialist Diet member said Thursday atomic particles are falling on Japan from Russian A-bomb tests near the Arctic Circle.

Shigeyoshi Matsumae, an engineer, said his information was "gleaned from American military quarters."

He refused to elaborate.

The U.S. Far East Command had no comment.

Matsumae's statement to newsmen followed release of a report by the right wing Socialist Party of which he is a member. The Socialists are pushing a resolution in the Diet calling on the U.S. to ban atomic weapons and urging international control of atomic energy.

The report said small quantities or radioactive ash fall on Japan about three times every two weeks from Russian explosions in Siberia.

"The United States has confirmed through these ashes that Russia possesses atomic bombs," the report said. "The ashes take three days to reach Japan and take one week to circle the globe."

Government weather forecaster Hiroshi Ito told Kyodo News Service Russian atomic particles could fall in Japan. He said prevailing winds are westerly throughout the year.

The report of Russian tests stirred anew the controversy over radiation burns suffered by 23 Japanese fishermen who were too close to a U.S. hydrogen blast at Bikini on March 1.

Developments included:

1. A joint Japan-American group continued work on treatment of the fishermen, all of whom were reported better yesterday by Dr. Masao Tsuzuki.

2. American Ambassador John M. Allison notified the foreign office the United States is ready to pay for medical care and relief of the families of the 23 fishermen. This follows a statement by Chairman Cole (R-NY) of the Joint Congressional Atomic Energy Committee that the United States will make no commitment to pay damages until responsibility is determined.