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WASHINGTON 25, D.C.
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AJOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
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BOX No.
6 7 (nn
FOLDER 400.92 !
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10 June 1947
6-4-4
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MEMORANDUM TO:
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Mr. Lilienthal
Dr.
Bacher
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Pike
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Mr. Strauss
Mr. Waymack
Subject:
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SNE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DECLASSIFICATION REVIEW Ne
VIEW AUTHORIZED BY: DETERMINATION [CIRCLE NUMBER(S)]
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1. CLASSIFICATION RETAINED
2. CLASSIFICATION CHANGED To:
REVIEWER(ADD):
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CONTAINS
DOE ¢CLASSIFIEDNE
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NATENOAOe
D[ ATE: BAsge CLASSIFICATION CANCELLED
CLASSIFIED INFO BRACKETED
Scientific Re-survey of Bikini.
The Navy Department with the approval of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
is undertaking a scientific re-survey of Bikini Atoll particularly with
respect to Test Baker during the summer of 1947. The expedition expects
to leave San Diego July 1 and begin operations at Bikini about July 15
to last approximately six weeks.
Admiral Parsons, Chairman of the Joinl Crossroads Committee, has
that the Commission should support the expedition by authorizing and
underwriting a group from the University of Washington, Dr. Donaldson
and about ten of his associates, at a cost of approximately $25,000.
It was not deemed advisable at that time to agree to the inclusion
in the expedition of Drs. Overstreet and Jacobson, of the University
of California, nor sny other radio-chemists from California, Argonne,
or Clinton since it was felt radio-chemical analyses could only be
carried on adequately at home laboratories in the States. On 9 June,
Li -o-)
requested the Commission, via the Military Liaison Committee, to approve
Admiral Parsons! request for the requirements of the Joint Crossroads
Committee.
Commander Revelle first approached General McCormack and
stated the views contained in memorandum prepared by General McCormack.
Commander Revelle was referred to the writer, and the memorandum of
Admiral Parsons discussed was supported with names and requirements.
On June 6, Mr. Wilson and the writer met with Dr. Stafford Warren to
Giscuss the Bikini expedition. At that time, a conclusion was reached
the writer explained the above position to Admiral Parsons who reiterated
the need for Drs. Overstreet and Jacobson as essential to the expedition
for the supervision of the collection of samples, determination of the
locations to take samples, and evaluation of the sampling work done at
Bikini. It was not felt necessary to have other radio-chemists join them.
The writer reluctantly agreed that if Drs. Overstreet and Jacobson can
agree to go, the Commission would probably approve. This opinion was
checked with Mr. Strauss who indicated concurrence.
However, Admiral Parsons has now telephoned again, apparently after
talking with Commander Revelle, and has requested additional radio=chemists
to accompany Drs. Overstreet and Jacobson, namely Mr. Larsen and
a
Lt. Col. Hirsch, of the University of California, the latter of whom is
MAY assigned to Special Weapons, and two other technicians from Clinton Laboratory
\e
VEN
who have apparently indicated they" would like to go on the expedition.
—D§
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amnemel
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