“a states underground tests should come first and a program for this "should be carried to within a few days of firing time.'' Also plans of weapons tests outside the atmosphere should be mage immediately. Flavor is certainly that test resumption8 GAC s and ps ans must be made. at Z27- 24 Aer ¢| 11 May 61 itr from Betts - labs (MASP:SHS Chairman stresses confidential nature of Yest vesunption discussions! Note of large amount of discussion going on in Wash. on test ban talks Aé and test resumption. Notes Seaborg ltr to McCloy (Pres. advisor on disarmament on 5 May) with AEC views: recommended, if President decides to resume,U. S. announce resumption of underground weapons tests, Vela Uniform detonations, and Plowshare detonations. First Plowshare shot would be Gnome in Dec 61. Notes to Pres. readiness to do lst Vela Uniform shot (Orchid) on 10 week notice. Ltr further presented general time schedule and shot list: Arrow Davy Crocket or Polaris Chickadee Calliope Cinderella Owl Marshmallow _. ~~ ad ~ 10 weeks just after S$ 6 mos. just after <6 mos. ~ 1] year <1 year Asks Bradbury and Foster to evaluate tentative program and make suggestions; commence planning and prens (without voveoaling anything). Strong reply from Bradbury )only 1 LASL device and that on an alternative basis) on May 18 plus LASL device test recommendations, etc. * Memo from Betts to AEC Gen. Manager Luedecke on 25 May 61 sums up test preparedness: notes tunnel systems and holes in being; impact of Vela U.; status of diagnostics capability; need for definite program for labs to plan and make realistic estimates on. States device availability is not pacing so much as site availability, diagnostics, cable procurement and installation, and contractor technical support. Recommends "direct contact with the field," a proposed program of events. and instituting procurement action, construction and scientific installations as required. Asks concurrence. 26 May Memo from Betts to Luedecke responding specifically to Pitzer!s recommendations: (1) On achieving underground readiness posture of a few days -- this means having a detailed plan of lab and field activities, long-lead time item purchase; major construction of holes and tunnels, and a general substantial increase in spending and lab and field activities. Betts' comment - Any disclosure of such activities might indicate U. S. not negotiating in good faith at Geneva. In-house (quiet and less extensive) preps seem to give readiness of a few weeks.