Nuclear power in Czechoslovakia: Yes or No?

The article is a contribution to the discussion on basic problems of nuclear power in Czechoslovakia, initiated by the Editor of the journal. Attention is paid particularly to the scientific and technological basis of Czechoslovak nuclear industry. It is concluded that the construction of units 1 and 2 of the Temelin nuclear power plant should be completed as soon as possible, and units 3 and 4 should be built following Western designs which exhibit a higher design basis safety. It is imperative that the Czechoslovak scientific and technological potential should not hesitate and lose its position during the passage of developed industrial countries from the first atomic age to the second atomic age after 2000. The latter era will be characterized by a further extension of nuclear industry, of its economic advantages combined with a higher safety. (Z.M.)