®
TOP-SECRET
In the organization of the report, we have chosen to exercise the latitude permitted in the approach
to the basic assignment. It has seemed most useful to address ourselvesfirst to the last item of the re
ment. We have felt that from an analytical estimate of probable physical, sociological and psycholbgical
effects of a nuclear attack on this country we could more readily adduce judgments bearing on rejevant
attitudes.
A final observation is in order. The estimates that follow constitute our best judgment, but th¢y are
only a judgment. They are supported by current knowledge of the workings of the human mifd, of
human reactions and motivations, and of human interactions that make up organized society.
e are
acutely aware, however, that there are vast uncharted areas in these regions, and recognize that thefe is a
substantial deficit in available information and in the needed basic social and psychological resfarch.
FY
_
OPED rerbate agFOB!|ene hoes
Howes TUF ae4
oP Pee! -
ee
Yeurnrs ooo.
=.
EE
Weg ee
It is our hope that in the years ahead there may be found fruitful ways for private institutions and gpvernment to cooperate in the support of an accelerated program of both basic and applied social science research, which have not yet been sufficiently focussed on these problems.
408136—56—_8
—~—~FOR-SECGRET
te Me,
@