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BOX No. 182 (NN3 - 326 -V7-0/ )
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Copies, Series 4
June 25, 1958
408831
FOLDER Mentteek,V Y
Dear Mr.
Durham:
On February 13, 1958, I wrote you concerning the establishment of
the danger area surrounding the atolls of Bikini and Eniwetok in
connection with Operation HARDTACK.
In the interim period it has become necessary to move the firing
site for the two very high altitude shots to Johnston Island in
order to insure that all safety criteria for these shots can be
completely met.
Therefore, it becomes necessary to establish a
surface danger area surrounding Johnston Isiand which it is planned
will be publicly announced on June 26, 1958, and which will become
effective on July 25, 1958.
Tt is hoped that the Johnston Island
danger area can be disestablished on or about August 17, 1958,
shortly after the firing of the last shot at Johnston Island.
The surface danger area, as defined in the attached proposed
notices, was determined after extensive studies of the eye damage
problem which is associated with high altitude, large yield
detonations.
There is little or no radiological fallout problem
associated with this type of shot.
The operation at the Eniwetok Proving Ground will still be active
during the period that the Johnston Island danger area is effective;
hence, there will be two Pacific danger areas concurrently effective
for an approximate three to four week period.
Attached for your information is a proposed Notice to Mariners and
a proposed public release on this subject.
The Civil Aeronautics
Administration will be advised by the Commander, Joint Task Force
SEVEN when an air hazard exists requiring the interruption of aircraft flights.
‘This procedure will permit maximum use of the
affected area during period when no danger exists.
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