—g-E-4-LE10. In conjunction with the HARDTACK test program the DOD
will conduct an extensive weapons effects program,
This program
includes the joint AEC/DOD fallout investigation which was
established pursuant to the Commission decision on AEC 952/11 at
Meeting 1301 on August 22, 1957.
11. As noted in paragraph 4 above, the President approved
our proceeding with preparations for starting Operation HARDTACK
on
April 1, 1958.
The joint AEC/DOD public announcement stated
that nuclear tests would begin in April, 1958.
It now appears
that, if the necessary scientific objectives are to be realized
in the shortest test period and at least cost,
the laboratories
should plan on starting their tests on May 1.
This is based on a
realistic evaluation of the schedule of ready dates for the
devices which the laboratories must prepare.
On the other hand,
the DOD is anxious to conduct its weapons effects shots as
scheduled, to
start about April 15, in order to avoid the costly
consequences of a delay to its programs and participants.
If the
interests of both groups, the laboratories and DOD, are satisfied
{DoD to start its tests on April 15, and the laboratories to start
their tests on May 1) it turns out to be especially advantageous
to the over-all schedule as a whole since a scheduling conflict
at Bixini Atoll between large yield laboratory shots and blast
sensitive DOD installations is avoided.
Consequently, it is
recommended that the starting date for Operation HARDTACK be
April 15, with the first laboratory shots scheduled for on or about
May 1.
12. A separate Public Information Plan for Operation HARDTACK
will be submitted to the Commission for consideration as early as
possible.