Research, on behalf of that office and the Atomic Energy Commis- sion, made a similar request of the Coast Guard for a vessel, The AEC has been provided a copy of the ONR communication and 11 is noted that it refers to a survey distance of 3,000 to 5,000 miles, and a cruise of about three to four weeks, The cruise should now cover a track of about 12,000 to 14,000 miles and be of a duration of about six to eight weeks, Ideally, a vessel is desired which would cruise at 16 - 1 knots, accommodate six technicians, offer sufficient deck space to mount a hydrographic winch (8! x 6'), and allow approximately 20 square feet of enclosed working space for technicians and electronic gear, In this respect the USS Matagorda would be mos adequate. It is realized, however, that your own demands for such a vessel may be great and that you may find some alternate arrangement more feasible, Should this be the case, we would be prepared to discuss such alternate arrangements, The proposed survey is of vital importance to the atomic energy program and bears significantly on matters of national ~--*>defense,:-We- trust, therefore, that you will give favorable conSideration to this request, If preliminary calculations are correct, the trapped radioactive debris could reach Formosa and Japan as early as March, 1955, It is important, therefore, that the cruise get under way as soon as pessible, preferably on or shortly after March 1, 1955, Dr. John C, Bugher, Director of the Division of Biology and Medicine, AEC, has been aSsigned general responsibility with the AEC for carrying out the mission, Technical execution will be under the AEC's Health and Safety Laboratory, New York Operations Office, New York City. Dr. Bugher's office will be happy to provide whatever additional assistance may be required or provide such additional information as you may need, Sincerely yours, /s8/ RW, Cook K.D, Nichols General Manager . -~6- Enclosure III ,