a adhe. under study by the staff, Questions by the Commissioners were dis-~ cussed, 2. Designation of Bikini Atoll as a Closed Area General Fields reported that by June 1 of this year construction on Bikini Atoll will have reached the point where, for security reasons, it will be desirable to close the island to observation, Before that time it will be necessary to inform the Security Council of the United Nations to that effect, and the Navy Department would be requested to designate the atoll a danger area, The fact that work at Bikini is continuing has been classified ‘'restricted'’; nevertheless, it is possible that information on these operations will reach the press, Therefore, it might be advisable to issue a public statement on this matter, The Commissions discussed with General Fields the need for such a statement, The Chairman suggested that the Psychological Strategy Board be informed of this problem. 3, MLC Reactions to Declassification of Certain Gaseous Diffusion Information (See minutes of Meetings 835 and 839) Mr. Marshall said that a meeting with representatives of the MLC had recently been held to discuss in greater detail than had formerly been possible the MLC reactions to the declassification of certain gaseous diffusion information, approved by the Commission at Meeting 835. The MLCofficials had indicated that they would prefer to see the objectives of this declassification achieved either by a change in the Atomic Energy Act or by emergency clearances, The Commissioners discussed with Mr, Marshall the problems which these alternatives would entail, Mr. Zuckert asked whether a reply was being prepared to the secent letter from the MLC concerning the military application Classi- fication Guide, Mr. Marshall said that an answering letter was being drafted. At this point, Mr. Snapp left the meeting and Mr. Anamosa entered. 4, Information Services Activities at the Open Shot Mr. Thompson reported on the activities of Information Services personnel at the UPSHOT-KNOTHOLE open shot and commented on the - 182 -