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DECLASSIFIED
rity LOA 79-25 FLR
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T
FORTIONS EXEMPTED
SEGRE
E.0. 12065, Sec. eal G-.90/
UNITED STATES
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
a NLE Date Sole
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
rhs
NIE Date—____$720/7.
pages
3
This document consiste of
Sovenber 23;398T- of Lo. Copies, Sertos A
MCD by7 Mt
BearMr. President:
on August 2, 1957 I wrote you concerning Gperetion EANDISCK, ‘ths
mclear test series planned for the Spring of 1953 st the Eniwetok
Proving Ground.
I pointed out that the then estinsted mmber of
amclear shots for the series was 25, that it was planed to initiate
the series as early as possible and that this date eypeared to beApril 1, 1958. Ny letter also requestedthat you note that the.
Atomic Energy Comaission and Department of Defense were proceeding
‘with preparations for the series.
On Auguat 9 you discussedthe .
matter of HARDTACK with me and approved starting the series as early
as possible, directing thet the muber of muclear shots be held to
the minimum necessary for attaining the essential defense objectives.
Purguant to your approval we have gone forward with preparations for
the cerles. It is eyparent now that, if the necessary ecientific
objectives are to be realized in the shortest test period and at
least cost, the first shot should be fired on or abont April 15. th
renatning shots would follow as quickly thereafter as devices could
be emplaced and desired weather conditions occur.
The Atomic Energy Commissaion and the Department of Defense have
reviewed individually and collectively our pleamed firings with the
objective of redmacing the musber to the minimm conaistent with fulfilling essential defense objectives. Approximately 17 laboratory
diagnostic shots will be required to fulfill needed Departazent of
pefense weepons applications’
In addition, the Department of Defense mst
conduct five weapons effects tests. Three of these are intended to
determine high altitude detonation phenomena comercted with missile
and counter-miasile design. Two are designed to examine the effect
on vessels of a detonation |
.
One additional proven
: “elean" design may have to be fired for United Nations cbaervation.
Thies latter matter is under intensive study and you will be asked to
—_RESTRICIED_DATA
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