1
e
. The first communication In this folder fs dated 18Mav 1960 and is a
TWX from Starbird to Hertford and Bradbury among others.
It seems to
mark the beginning of serious planning for the seismic improvement pro-
gram and directs ALO to proceed as rapidly as possible with the AEC
portion of that program as opposed to the Department of Defense activities
which come under ARPA. Note that the AEC contractors at the NTS which
f
will obviously be doing the work in preparing for the AEC portion of the
program will also be working for ARPA as ARPA feels they can use such
contractors.
Starbird understands that there is agreement as to the
fJocations for three AEC shots all 5 kt:
one nuclear 5 kt shot in granite
tn Area {5, a 5kt nuclear shot in tuff in tunnel UI2b and a 5 kt HE shot
in tuff in tunnel U!2b.
Starbird further states that the Hockley site
has the approval of a!l concerned as satisfactory for the seismic decoupling
shots and asks that all review this decision and bring forth any dissent
as soon as possible.
As for the funding picture and the ralationship of
thls program to Succotash the following is stated: "FY 1961 funds for
the accomplishment of the AEC portion of the seismic improvement program
have been requested of Congress and there is every evidence that they
will be appropriated.
It now appears that Succotash activities and
expenditures for NTS construction and procurement should be stopped
Immediately except for completion of raw digging for the UI2297 drift
and vertics! shaft.
(If there is any other Succotash effort that
may contribute directly to the seismic program it should be made known
to me.)
|! would plan theretore to direct shortly that the necessary
action be taken to terminate such activity and that the funds concerneg
be diverted to cover the initial funds of the seismic improvement program.
{
request that ALO advise me at the earliest’ practical time as to the
savings thet can be accomplished in FY 1960 thereby and the amount required
for FY 1960 seismic improvement activities."
Here is an interesting TWX dated 19 May 1960 from the Army in Washington
to many subordinate Army units which quotes guidance as follows: "At the request
of the acting Secretary of State, it is requested that no public statements be
made concerning Berlin situation or summit at present time, pending high level
foreign affairs statement espected Thursday."
It goes on to request the Army
Commanders not address these subjects during Armed Forces Week speeches and this
reflects the tensions surrounding the U~2,
test ban negotiations, etc.
TA