ACO a0) FIRST DRAFT CPerry:re 8/7/58 BARDTACK NUCLRAR TEST CONCLUDED The HARDIACK series of nuclear weapons testa at the Eniwatok Ground and Johnston Island in the Pacific has ended. Danger areas the Proving Ground and Johnston Island whieh were established on April 5, a 1958 and July 25, 1953 respectively have been disestablished following a _ post-operation rediological survey. Regulations prohibiting entry into , the danger areas are no langer in effect. the teats vere successful and contributed materially to further development of methods of defense of the United States end the Free World against military attack. The test series included development and explora~ tory tests designed to lead to development of improved weapons; sualler, more efficient, and more rugged strategic, tactical and defensive weapons with greatly reduced radicactive fallout; proof tests of veapons scheduled for production, and weapons effects tests. The test series included the firing of missiles with nuclear warheads from Johnston Island, located some 540 statute miles southwest of tha nearest in- habited jaland of the Havaiian chain. All other test detonations were conducted at either the Enivetok or Bikint Atolls in the Eatvetok Proving Ground in the Marshall Ialands. The tests were conducted in a manner designed to keep to as low as possible the public exposure to radiation arising from the test detonstions. Precautions taken were successful in keeping significant fallout within the confines of the Enivetok - Bikint danger area. There was no fallout in the (more) BEST COPY AVAILABLE pos ARCHIVES

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