Bongd
for the tests; that the AEC review the DOD safety and operational
plans.
Along these lines, 'General Starbird remarked that the
DOD was particularly anxious to carry out the tests by September 1
in view of a possible test moratorium this year.
Consideration had
also been given to the Secretary of State's statement on April 7,
the tests of this kind
1958,
should be conducted before September 1, 1958.
General Starbird said that he believed that the tests desirable but
expressed concern that the U.S. may be accelerating too many weapons
tests to meet the September 1958 date.
Such action he said might not
prove to be in the best interests of the U.S.
in view of the serious
consideration being given to a test moratorium."
Along these lines of a possible test suspension the following was stated”
"Phe Commissioners discussed with the General Manager and General
Starbird the question of suspension of nuclear weapons tests in connection
with its consideration during the forthcoming meeting of President
Eisenhower and Prime Minister Macmillan.
The Commissioners agreed
that in view of the possibility of an establish rent of a moratorium on
weapons testing, the Commission should be informed on the advantages
and disadvantages of underground weapons testing in the event that it is
considered desirable to propose continuation of such tests.
The
Commissioners requested Starbird to arrange a meeting of the Commissioners
with Messrs
Bradbury,
Teller and others on May 28 to discuss the
question of underground shots."
75