My mistake
Nuclear bombs weren't proposeduntil around 1939-40, as far as I've been able to find, though chain reactions were contemplated in 1933, so I guess Russell could have extrapolated that idea. However, you're right, Larry, he wasn't likely talking about nuclear war, that was my erroneous assumption.
(one of the things I like about coming here is that it stimulates self-education, whether to prove one's point or to have to eat crow).
Personally I have a hard time with total pacifism; some wars are necessary given conditions at the time. I don't think the looming war in Iraq is such a war.