ntation, Bradbury replied to Betts
In relation to the reactivity experime
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on 15 November that, due to operatio
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for overseas testing, there are no
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Subjects of discussion are
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interest if air testing of weapons
altitude
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neutron output measurements on the
shots,
the two laboratories, alpha and
weapons effects of joint interest in
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On 15 November Chairman Seaborg sent to the AEC General Manager a copy of
the "Presidential Instructions to the NSC Committee on Atmospheric Testing
Policy" which gives the guidance for this committee to consider the proposed
programs submitted by the Atomic Energy Commission.
In part the Presidential
instructions contain the following guidelines:
the atmosphere only if:
"tests will be conducted in
(a) the test will provide information of substantial
importance to the national defense.
(b) The information needed can be obtained
no other way, with reasonable time and effort.
{(c) Atmospheric fallout is
minimized in all practicable ways.
(d) The military need for the tests out
weighs the desirability of avoiding all atmospheric fallout.
Preparations for atmospheric testing will be directed toward:
(a) Test
readiness in 4 months.
(b) Concentration of atmospheric tests in the
shortest possible time period with a target of about 3 months.
The committee will consider and recommend to the President on the need for
providing the capability
to conduct follow-on tests.
The study requested by the President (NSC record of action 2440-c) of the
availability of sites for atmospheric tests will be directed toward obtaining,
on a priority basis, a suitable island test base.
The committee will submit to the President for decision the carrying out
of each atmospheric test.
(a) For the present, the committee should limit
its recommendations to tests which relate to important questions of weapons
development and weapons effects.
(b) Approval of either proof tests or
systems tests can be expected only if there is convincing demonstration of
unusual need in each case.