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(2)
I now come to a matter in which I think we could
make a gesture which should be very pleasing to the
U.K., particularly to Sir Winston. According to
reports, the Australians have objected to large
weapons testing in Australia where the British have
hitherto conducted their weapons tests. My suggestion is that we might offer them the use of our
Pacific Proving Ground (i.e., Bikini-Eniwetok) at a
time which would not conflict with our owm tests.
They could not but regard this as a friendly gesture.
If they accepted it, we would no longer be the sole
target of Communist propaganda and the sole recipient
of irrational protests from Nehru and others. A
further advantage, of course, is that there might
be some intelligence benefits to be derived.
Will you let me know what you think of this?
Respectfully yours,
Raa,
Lewis L. Strauss
The President
The White House
,
. Its transmittal
osure of its cottegts in any manner
to
uthorized person is prohibited.
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