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Briefing Paper for the President's Press Conference
April 27, 1960
GENEVA TEST BAN NEGOTIATIONS
QUESTION
Mr. President, at recent Congressional hearings a number of
scientists have indicated that an effectively controlled test ban
agreement will require supplementing the presently planned net of
180 stations by a considerably greater number. In view of this
testimony, are we planning to ask the Soviet Union to consider
such a supplement to the existing network?
ANSWER
We have proposed a controlled treaty which would ban all
nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, the oceans, at high
altitudes and above a seismic magnitude of 4.75 in the underground
area. This proposal was made on the basis of a worldwide control
system as recommended in 1958 by the Geneva Technical Conference
of Experts. We believe that in terms of our present proposal this
system will provide for the controls we deem as necessary and
adequate.
For small underground disturbances below the seismic threshold
of 4.75 there is no question but, that, if tests in this area are to
be banned we will need an improved control system. It was precisely
for this reason that we suggested that a coordinated research program
be carried out to determine just what improvements could be made t,
permit adequate controls to be established over this area.
:
QUESTION
Mr. President, have we yet determined a specific time limit
that we could accept over a moratorium on small underground
disturbances?
REPRODUCED AT THE DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER LIBRARY
ANSWER
A good deal of thought has been given to this matter, but at
this time I wish to say nothing more than that we are prepared to
accept a short term, voluntary moratorium. Any final decision on
COLLECTION
BOX No.
FOLDER
10
27/60