to stress the more conservative energy production aspect of
atomic research rather than the building of a bomb. This was
considered more feasible and so gives us an insight into the
German atomic program and its thinking (32).
One example of their optimism was the participation of Diebner in
plans for building an atomic power plant for Germany's submarine
fleet. The year 1945 was mentioned as a target date for this to
happen (33)(34).
Diebner's relationship to Schumann is made clear by Powers.
Powers also introduces us to two additional players who were not
officially involved with this project but who somehow interject
themselves into things making their view heard.
The first is industrial physicist, Carl Ramsauer. Ramsauer was
the head of the German Physical Society and a leading researcher
for the electrical firm Allgemeine Elektrizitaetsgesellschaft.
Ramsauer urged the German research establishment to rid itself of
ethnic physics and get down to the business of using science to
win a war (35).
A second scientist interjected himself into the fray in support
of Ramsauer. This was none other than Ludwig Prandtl whom we
have met earlier (36). Prandtl was familiar with the potential
of fission's use in the war effort and insisted that the Nazis
let scientists do science without reference to ethnic background
or politics. Why was German atomic research so important to an a
scientist involved in aeronautics? What aims did Prandtl have in
common with these other individuals which linked them together?
What was the urgency that compelled Ramsauer and Prandtl to
interven R