on the subject of selection of overseas sites. He enumerates tne preseur
possibilities and states the following: ‘Unless final negotiations for
Christmas Island can be accomplished quickly or support for Eniwetok-Bikini
Operations can be obtained from the highest governmental levels, I strongly
but reluctantly recommend that a decision be made to conduct the tests by
air drops or barge shots in the open sea. I feel that a decision at this
time will provide the guidance needed to piace all technical and operational
preparations on a systematic basis.
With the firm knowledge that the tests
will be conducted at sea, all effort can be applied in this direction and
it is likely that improved techniques can be worked out that will overcome
the inherent disadvanteges of such an operation. Continued delay in selection
of a test site will greatly increase the cost in terms of funds and manpower,
as well as reduce the effectiveness of final operation, since effort must be
directed to support several contingencies instead of supporting a specific
plan of action.
In summary, I recommend that unless there is a good possibility of obtaining Christmas Island or Eniwetok-Bikini Atolls by December 1,
the Commission make a decision to proceed with an open sea test operation,
making use of Johnston Island and Hawaiian support facilities as feasible.
If it appears that agreement for use of Christmas Island might be obtained
with extended negotiations, these negotiations should be continued in order
to provide a more suitable place of operations for tests in the future."
Two letters from Leudeke, the AEC General Manager to the JCAE on November18
address previous requests from that committee for information concerning
Eniwetok in particular and the resumption of atmospheric testing as the AEC
is planning for it. The first letter responds specifically to four questions
raised by the committee on the present status of the Eniwetok area as to its
readiness and response capability for overseas atmospheric testing.
The
answer in part states that "preparations for a limited air drop series with
limited diagnostics could be done so that the first test could be conducted
in 12 weeks. Preparations for an extended test series at Eniwetok with
optimum diagnostics would require up to 6 months." Further Holmes & Narver
as well as EG&G and Sandia and their capabilities to respond with their
organizations manned for a test series are addressed.
Also the fact that
JTF8 is presently being activated by the Department of Defense to conduct
the test series is noted.
A November 18 TWX from Betts to the Lab Directors notes that the President has
appointed a committee chaired by Seaborg and consisting of Weisner, Bundy,
a State Department representative, a DoD representative Gerald Johnson, and
the committee will meet about the week of 20 November to address and evaluate
a proposed US atmospheric test plan and to jointly meet with a similar committee
from the United Kingdom and present the United States's position. Following
the joint US/UK review the President ‘and the Prime Minister will be presented
with the joint plan for their consideration after which a decision as to the use
of Christmas Island will be made.
Betts requests the strongest justification
for the different labs programs due to the importance of the information being
forwarded to the Seaborg committee.
He further notes that DMA has obtained
authority to dispatch a group to inspect Christmas Island and that additional
details of this inspection visit will be forthcoming. On November 20th
Bradbury submitted to Gen. Betts the lengthy LASL reply. On November 21st
Dr. Foster submitted the LRL reply.
i
19 Noveapes
'
Fi hbowl. Plans
x Fis
imiinary plan for
AFSWC Report -- Prelim
n 1 Maren and 1 June 62.
for highaltitude shots betwee
s in this order: 7
Recommend Thor from J.A. for shot
. & 400 km first,
km next.
Details on carrier
rock: ets, etc.
i
rumentation
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