411550
February 27, 1956
MEMORANDUM TO MR.
SUBJECT:
STRAUSS
DEMONSTRATION CLEAW SHOT IN HARDTACK
John McGruder has told you that at yesterday's Commission
meeting the four Commissioners split 2 - 2, Libby and
Vance versus Graham and Floberg against and for the demon-
stration Clean Shot in HARDTACK.
The fact that you voted
YES by proxy did not persuade Dr. Libby to consider the
matter carried by majority vote.
The subject will therefore rise again Friday when I expect it to be carried by a
3 - 2 vote, or possibly 4 - 1, if you are present and I can
change lft. Vance's views meanwnile.
Time in which to organize the observer and technical programs
is critically short.
The laboratories, particularly Los
Alamos, and most of the Division of liilitary Application,
consider the demonstration a waste of time.
If this is reflected in visiblc evidence before the observers, results
for this country inay be adverse rather than favorable.
I therefore strongly recomnend that you make clear to the
General ilanager ard General Starbird that you wish the critical nature of this program made clear to the entire organization, and that it be organized and conducted with the
sreatest care.
if further recommend that Dr. Lawrence or
Dr. Teller, or both, take an active part in briefing the
observers and in seneral supervision of the treatment they
receive.
I believe this a matter of utmost importance, de-
serving of your very close attention throughout.
ols
.
320 U.S. ATOMIC EEs
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