SE -SRCRER— resources in this matter, we cannot positively assure that no one would receive such damage. In view of the nature of our. responsibility towards these people, we feel that we cannot accept the lack of an absolute assurance in.this regard and have there- fore decided not to conduct these tests at the Eniwetok Proving Ground . Due to the extreme importance of these tests to our national security, we have studied the matter of conducting them safely at some other location, The results of preliminary studies indicate that we can condust these tests most safely at Johnston Island, We are therefore planning, with the concurrence of the Department of Defense, to conduct these tests at Johnston Island as a part of Operation HARDTACK. It is our present objective that these tests will take place prior to or in September of this year, Sincerely yours, [sf W, F. Libby Acting Chairman Honorable Carl T. Durham Chairman, Joint Committee on Atomic Energy Congress of the United States DECLASSIFIND BO. 12968, ise. 3.8 ALA G2 h.206 C ate Pfiares GoEE Sede Nee : Bene — fee re oeGbEhf F- Ete a (7 —_ By Oot