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As stated in paragraph 4, General Luedecke's Novenbe 29, 1958
memorandum proposes changes in the Task Force cOncept and organization to permit greater economy, efficiency and harmony in the conduct
of nuclear tests at the Eniwetok Proving Ground.
However, the larger problem requiring resolution, before deciding on
JIF-7 reorganization, is the future of EPG as a test site. We have
been advised that the Commission does not desire to go back to testing
at EPG.
In order to permit a difinite decision, alternate overseas
test sites mist be evaluated to determine whether a new location will
in fact reduce international and other problems or rather increase
them.
JIF-7 is proceeding with studies of weather and shipping problems
in alternate locations particularly south of Hilo and east of
Christmas. The Navy is evaluating barge handling problems in the
open sea including feasibility of recovery by an LSD.
Should open sea handling prove feasible and our laboratories
indicate that adequate diagnostics can be accomplished in the open
sea, then falicut problems, size of necessary danger areas, interference with fishing and commerce and mmber of suitable firing days
mist be determined. A close look must be taken at new international
problems that these factors may raise. The results of such a study
would probably be presented to the Commission for a decision on the
future of EPG. Should it be decided to abandon further testing at
EPG, more than $1 million per month can be saved by early discontimance
of its support. If, on the other hand, we find that the reasons which
dictated going to EPG are still overwhelming, General Luedecke's
suggestions mist be considered along with the opposite approach some
laboratory personnel have suggested, that of going to a civilian run
operation similar to NTS.
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DEPARTMENT DERN ERGY DECLASSIFICATION REVIEW
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