we 22 in a fully airborne operation. Such a short-term test program with optimum diagnostics could be conducted in connection with Eningexmk either Eniwetok or Johnston Island, but would obviously be easier to support technically and logistically if conducted in connection with the EPG. The considerable acceleration of our developmental test program that could be possible by turning to this intermediate type testing program leads logically to the conclusion that the Commission should strongly support a recommendation that we be released immediately to plan for and execute such an operation. dexpixexthextechnigcai Despite the technical and logistic advantages of conducting such a short-term test program at the EPG, to avoid the problem raised by the trust territory situ- ation, we recommend the operation be based on Johnston Island." A 2 Nov. TWX from Reeves of ALO to Betts replies to Betts' questions about the advantages of atmospheric versus underground testing, etc. contained in a 27 Oct. TWX and in addition to addressing questions about the feasibility and requirements for surveying underground test locations and preparing them, Reeves argues about the advisability of going all out on atmospheric testing in light of the public opinion. He feels that even given the go~ahead to test in the atmosphere, we should realize that there is a certain probability from the public opinion of forced termination of atmospheric testing either completely or at an unnecessarily early date and Reeves recommends that atmospheric testing be held to a minimum even at the expense of increased cost and acceptable delay in order to decrease the probability of public opinion forcing such an early termination. Batzel of LKL in a TWX to Betts on 2 Nov. makes some remarks about the present situation with regard to diagnostic measurements. He feels that with the airborne diagnostics in the C-130 and the X unit signal tele- metered from the drop case Hett and . time measurements can be made. Also bhangmeter and radiochemistry data will be available but there is considerable question about a reliable fireball yield. It is stated that a ground-based radar-tracked optical system is being prepared for shipment by Nov. 15 and that such a system would insure ~ _: time measurements and therefore it is requested that operations be planned, if possible, to provide a land base for the time and fireball photography which LRL feels is highly desirable. On 2 Nov. Bradbury responds to Betts' TWX of 27 Oct. asking for comments on atmospheric versus underground testing and Bradbury makes a strong case for the lack of real advantages from underground testing as opposed to the attainment of a number of advantages if we could go to atmospheric testing. His TWX stands in stark contrast to that of ALO. Even though he states it would be “hard to understand why we should willingly agree to stopping air testing once started and returning underground" he urges that a stockpile of holes be accumulated. Gen. Betts wrote a memo on 2 Nov. detailing a meeting he attended in the office of a Mr. Howard Furnas of the State Department on Oct. 23 with the Department of the Interior, Department of Defense, Department of State