Y.
It is now definitely indicated that the military should
conduct 8 weapuns effects test at the Nevada Test Site in the
spring of 1953.
The advantages accruing from such a test and
pertinent considerations are as follows:
a. The yield of the weapon would be established in
advance, thereby permitting orderly planning of a test
program.
The time interval of 17 months would insure
complete evaluation of GREENHOUSE and BUSTER-JANGLE data
and integration thereaf into the test program,
organi-
zation of staff to conduct the test, and adequate time
for construction and instrumentation.
b. The military would contrel factors of time, ailocation of area surrounding ground zero to desired projects,
types of shots (air burst, surface or unterground), al-
location of air space in general vicinity, personnel involved and radiological safety operations in the test
area.
e. Reduced security regulations, consistent with data
obtained, would expedite release of information and allow
maximum participation.
There is no need for "Restricted
Data" classification of the results.of exploding a 10 to
30 KT equivalent bomb.
This is manifestly opposite from
a development test, wherein the yield is "Restricted Data"
which hampers seriously the compilation and distribution
ef test data and studies.
:
d. Maximum utilization of terrain would be afforded
for maneuver purposes under conditions as realistic as
safety conditions would permit.
eo. An all-military operation would afford an opportunity for one or more of the services to test operational procedures for delivery, including the assembly
of a stockpile weapon with nuclear components of the
desired yield, transportation from the designated
national stcrage area to the test site, and final delivery with the desired ground Zero.as the target.
f. For early 1953, there is no other announced atomic
test.
Seientiffiic personnel, project personnel, instruments and other equipment will have served their purpose
at the tests planned for 1952, including IVY as now
scheduled, and will be available.
generally
now is most
which
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ee Seresult or viNGLE,It
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is probable tha
urther information on either a surface or an underground burst,
or both, may be necessary for the proper eveluation of this type
of weapon and another experiment of this neture may be necessary.
9.
It is recommended that you request the JcSto:
a.
Obtain Presidential approval
of a military effects
test to be conducted by the military services early in
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