erties
The GAC wishes to reaffirm the views previously expressed with
respect to the importance ‘of tests of nuclear weapon design as a
necessary means of progress. The GAC further strongly endorses the
recommendations in the staff papers with respect to the NPG.
~
However, the GAG does not believe that the number of tests
should be limited to 10 per year as suggested, but that the number
should be determined by the needs of the weapon laboratories and
the Division of Military Application.
The GAC fully endorses the recommendation that each proposal
for a test should be scrutinized with the utmost care as to need,
and that no effort should be spared to exercise the greatest pre~ |
eautions to safeguard the surrounding communities and the test
personnel with respect to fall-out, blast, and blast damage. With
the increased understanding of these proposals, precautionary
measures become more effective.
_ The GAC knows of no substitute for tests on the continental.
site to maintain our lead in the field of atomic weapons. We have
seen no suggestion for another site which. has the advantages of the
NPG,
,
,
:
The GAC therefore recommends that the use of the NPG be continued,
and that no arbitrary limitation should be imposed on the number of
‘tests in any given period. At the same time the GAC recognizes that
unless the greatest precautions are taken, a certain element of
danger will always attend tests of nuclear weapons,
Sincerely yours,
I, I. Rabi
Chairman