As for future weapons
nor oe NAGS
tests, McCone said that "he had expressed the
view at the conference that there is a need for distingui shing between
.
-
2
weapons tests that are absolutely essential and those wtich are desireable.
but have only marginal importance.
As an example, he said at a request
by the DOD for a 20 kiloton weapon with a plus or minus factor of two
kilotons.
Such a weapon would require several test detonations to perfect.
On the other hand, the laborato ties now can develop a 20 kiloton weapon
with a plus or minus factor of 5 kilotons without conducting any test
detonations,
"'
Meeting #1499,' 29 April 59:
McCone read to the Commissioners a draft letter which Eisenhower intended
to send to Khrushchev; Starbird recommended certain changes
to inspections and the new scientific data now available.
pertaining
The Commission
then approved the suggested changes and McCone requested Starbird to
discuss this with Farley of the State Department.
Note that on or just before 8 May 59 Deputy Secretary of Defense Quarles
died,
Note, that in a meeting on 12 May 59, Luedeke reported on the upcoming
adjournment of the Geneva talks until 8 June 59,
that the AEC representatives, Al Graves and
The Commission agreed
Sterling Colgate, should return
to the US and a meeting should be set up with the Commission to discuss the
conference negotiations with them,
97