STWX dated 9 February 1960 from Starbird to Hertford, Teller and Bradbury. , Date group is 092031Z Feb. 60. Number is Sierra 65. Starbird notes yreller's recommendations for an NTS readiness status for the four shots I AA VTC discussed above and lists his own beliefs as to the target readiness status which are the 47 safety shot at 21 days beginning on 15 April, the 47 tegt at 40 days beginning 15 June, the Arrow at 60 days beginning 15 June, and the Fyfe at 40 days beginning 25 July. Starbird authorizes excavation to be accomplished, equipment requiring long lead time to be purchased, installation of diagnostic main cable runs, and other construction necessary to reach the just mentioned readiness dates within the following cost ceiling: no more than 3.3 million dollars is allocated and must be costed within FY 60. As for Starbird's feelings about Teller's recommendations to revise the scaling law to 450w! °, Starbird agrees with such change if LRL indeed feels ‘that this will ensure that there is no escape of any significant radioactivity and that it is not satisfactory merely to state that no significant radioactivity will be carried off-site. Starbird notes the current talk about a threshhold test ban where shots with a signal lower than 4. 75 on the Richter scale would be permitted and he requests LRL to inform himif there are any preparations on-going for shots that would not fit in this category. Starbird addresses possible LASL desires for readiness preparations at NTS. And quote from this paragraph, :''As I discussed with Bradbury last week, the Commission made available some .7 million dollars additional for possible use by LASL. This would be used to advance LASL readinessto fire in the 500 ft holes already excavated at NTS. It is my understanding, Dr. Bradbury will consult shorily with ALO and propose some plan for advanced readiness of LASL essential shots, which should be fired ona relatively short time scale after any clearance to fire was granted. It is also my understanding that this plan may recommend excavation of one or more of the deep holes earlier planned....I wish to have you emphasize that this readiness preparation does not constitute any indication real or implied that a series will be carried out. It is rather an extension of our efforts aimed at a more advanced readiness status. It is desired that no, repeat no, publicity be given to this authorization for added work at NTS. If questions should arise necessitating answer, this should be explained as mercly continuation of work to retain site readiness." TTnn