Operation Plan
CTG 7.3 Ne. 1-53

be much more difficult,

Uscful information by this moans could be obtained

at consiccrablc distances from the Atoll.

(B)

To observe and chotograrh tho installations ind ¢ctonations.

The linitctions of sutmarine periscope observation and photography are such

that a submarinc would have to approach within three (3) miles, and prcfcrably
ons (1) mile, to obtcin uscful information of shot sites.

Even then, it is

highly dcubtful if any dctailed information could be obtained, but only
information indicating the goneral progress of work, including instrumcntation.
Radar observation or radar phetogravhs could supplement the information
obtained by other means, Uscful visual, radar or photographic information
of the detonations could, of course, be obtained from much greater distances.
Oe ReRN

would rrebably result in little damoge tc installaticns or injury to personnel.
On the other hand, such attacks would result in the detection and probable
eventual cestruction of the submarine. While no information is available

indicating that the USSR have mcdificd submarines for guidcd missile launching, there is no reasen to believe that they could not do so if they so
desired, in view of the relatively simplo modifications required snd the
widely publicized 0.S. accorplishments in this field. A properly directed,
submarinc-leunched guided missile, fitted with an atcmic warhead, could
inflict great damege to installaticns and injury to personnel and thus
seriously interfcre with the Operation.

USSR submarines also have the capa-

bility cof attacking ships of the Joint Task Force with torpedoes.

The przsence

of an escort cculd indicate that the ship or ships escorted are coensiderad

valuable. It is consicored that direct attack probably would preecde or
accompany the opening of hostilities by the USSR, although the USSR might
possibly take the risk of attempting to launch an unietected submarinc-

launched guided missile in the hope that the resulting atomic -xplosion

might be considered (by the U.S.) as the xccident=l or premature cxplosion
of one of the test devices or a component thercof.

(D)
(%)

Raids and Sabotage.

As discussed above.

Lagoon penetration could be atterpted by a submarine

assigned any of the forogoing missions. However, lagoon penetraticn is not
neccssary for the accomplishment of any of thom and involves definite
acditicnal risks of dctection and cestruction.

(2)

Other YSSR Naval Gapabilitios.

SSR surface ships also have

enpibilitics for unauthorizzd instrunmentaticn, cbscrvation, photography,
landing of raiders ond sabeteurs and dircet attack, but cxecpt as note? belcw,

it is nest unlikcly their encloyment would be attomptcd, short of actual

Ded

Select target paragraph3