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b. Directed that the planned firings (approximately
25) be screened to hold to the smallest number
practical without losing essential defense objectives;
ec. Requested that every effort be made to shorten
the length of the test period.
4, On August 13, 1957 the laboratories and ALOO were
informed of the President's desires by a message which stated, in
part:
"Personal and eyes only to Bradbury, York Sewell and
DiLuzio from Starbird
"In our meeting of 1 August we agreed Commission
submission to President of plans for HARDTACK would
be on following basis:
Approximately 25 shots (of
which 5 would be DoD effects shots); series would
begin 1 April 1958 (and I added lasting about 4 months).
Submission was so made,
President expressed interest
in starting earlier but was informed that this was
earliest balanced series could be started. He was
surprised at the high total and directed that number
be held to minimum consistent with realizing essential
military objective.
He directed that plans, preparations and evidence that U.S, intends a series be
carried forward on a classified basis and that there
be no repeat no public release indicating this intent
without his further review,
It is evident that he
hopes to delay this as public information as long as
possible,"
As a result of the meeting which followed, the laboratories
submitted their proposals for shots to be included in the test
program for Operation HARDTACK,
The UCRL proposals are contained
in a letter from Dr. York dated August 23, 1957 (Appendix "A").
Dr. York has been asked since to screen further his plans.
The
LASt, proposals are contained in a letter from Dr, Bradbury
dated September 23, 1957 (Appendix "B").
5. The contribution to world-wide fallout of the test shots
being considered by the laboratories (and including the 5 shots
which are being sponsored by the Department of Defense) has been
estimated from the probable total and fission yields.
The
estimate was based on using 20, 50 and 100 percent of fission
yield distributed world-wide for surface or shallow water barge,