A TWX from Bradbury to Betts on 19 October refers to a TWX from Shuster
dated October 13 which refers to one particular type of testing which I
believe is high altitude rocket testing and a response time of 6 to 12
months. Bradbury stresses the fact that this seems to be a highly feasible
method of testing and that we should certainly include it in our plans for
future tests even if only a test of a particular method.
A TWX on 18 October from Hertford of ALO to Betts refers to a meeting on
the 17th with representatives from AFSWC, Field Command, LRL, EG&G, Sandia,
and ALO, considering the LRL device overseas program. Also the LASL requirements for devices and ready dates for the devices are noted here and there
is listed themini al requirements stated by LRL for diagnostics on their

tests which afF}}eball,

Ais

, rad chem, HE transit time, and

Bhangmeter. Some of the open questions are noted here and whereas one of
the LRL devices is a very large device it is noted that Gen. Betts in an
informal meeting with the commission has said there is a very small probability
of a proof test of this stockpile device and therefore requests permission
to drop this particular device from future planning. ALO states that they
have authorized EG&G, LASL and H&N and have requested LRL to prepare for
the overseas atmospheric test operation as follows: preparation for earliest
possible airlift of ground based diagnostic gear to Johnston Island, and
installation of airborne diagnostic gear in the aircraft. Among other things
it is noted that the crop aircraft are expected to be and plans are being
made for B52 aircraft.
Further, ALO states that they need authorizations for
further preparation in the areas of: authority to reenter JI, authority to
ship diagnostic equipment to JI, earlier authorization to prepare for and
conduct dry runs over selected ground zero, and some action to be taken in
the area of forming and putting into operation a task force. Further. ALO
notes that "there is some possibility that an air drop over the open ocean
off Hilo might be required by October 31.
In this case, assuming a week's
notice, plans are being made as follows:

device would be a LASL 28 or 43,

diagnostics would be mipimay, and aaymana would be from Hickam and
Ve.
Barbers Point.
(hamgmiten c
D2. cfprdberm
pov

AlG

Betts reply to Hertford on the message just discussed on 20 October is
quoted here ''continue preparations for air dropsin Hawaii-Johnston Island
area. Designation of task force commander by Air Force for this operation
expected by October 23. Assuming support of operation requires reentry
to Johnston Island, authority to move personnel and equipment as you
requested will be obtained as soon as possible.
In the meantime make all
possible preparations for the movement without risking leak to the public."
On 23 October Betts sent a TWX to ALO and Labs on the subject of further
planning for khe atmospheric test resumption.

He lays out here a list by

item and device ready date for the air drop program which runs from November
12 through December or January and includes about 6 or 7 shots. He excludes
certain proposed shots from LRL in the high yield area and from LASL in the
area of Tsetses and requests further justification from them if they so
desire to make it. He also refers here to a program called the balloon
acceleration program of Nougat and Ivanhoe shots and lists those shots by
nickname which apparently are being moved up in the schedule and the dates
to which they are being moved.

Also he specifically lists the materials

to be expended in the different shots and notes the DoD operational systems
tests which are in planning and requests the labs to cooperate with the DoD
on any technical problems with these shots. He requests full review of the
text of this TWX and any comments or verification as appropriate to be into

Select target paragraph3