o 2
On 24 November Gen. Betts sent a memorandum cover letter with 3 attachments
to Chairman Seaborg in preparation for the meeting of the Seaborg committee
which summarized DMA's position on the atmospheric test series proposals.
The cover letter addresses the 3 general categories of tests the first of
which is verification of designs and a few words on the LASL and LRL proposals
are made. The second category is that of effects tests and the overlap between
the AEC interests and the DoD interests in particular the two very high altitude
recommendations of the DoD are noted. The third category of proposals is
called advanced concepts and a good deal of detail of the LASL and LRL
proposals is noted in the cover letter. The three attachments are the
letter from Johnson of DoD which I just discussed above and second a DMA
study entitled "Discussion of Proposed Atmospheric TestProgram" which is a
lengthy look at both the LASL and LRL proposed tests in exhaustive detail
as to the device and the justification as well as some comments by DMA on
the overall need for atmospheric testing and the third enclosure entitled
"Proposed Atmospheric Tests" which is an abbreviated listing of thcse
>
tests selected by DMA as those most desirable for a test series, containing

_. LASL shots and

&

LRL shots and including 2 high altitude tests.

A 27 November TWX from Betts to Hertford of ALO discusses the final arrangements
for the Christmas Island Tour which will include Ogle and Ryan.
In addition
to the dates of the tour which is to take place beginning about 5 December,
the need for strict security is emphasized and a story for local consumption
xkat Christmas Island and only then if necessary is "the purpose of the
party on Christmas is connection with survey work for possible use of the
island in extension of satellite tracking facilities."
Note snouid be made nere of the 3 November ietter from a Mr. James Carr,
the Acting Secretary of the Interior, to Chairman Seaborg which expresses
deep concern over the possibility of use of the trust territory i.e.
Eniwetok and Bikini for the testing of atomic devices.
It's a strong letter
which lists some reasons briefly and states a strong recommendation from
the Department of the Interior that they recommend against any further testing
in the trust territory.

A23

A 29 November letter was sent by Dr. Seaborg as Chairman of the NSC Committee
on Atmospheric Testing Policy to the President and the contents of this letter
are extremely important, of course, so I will have a copy of this made for our
use after getting permission since it is Secret RD. The letter begins by
noting that a careful study has been made of all of the nuclear test shots
proposed by the weapens labs and the DoD for inclusion in the possible shot
window which may be authorized for a 3-month period beginning in the spring
of '62 and it is noted that the proposals were reviewed in light of the
continuing objectives of our nuclear weapons program, our position relative
to the USSR and our current state of readiness as adversely affected by the
test moratorium.
It states that "some 49 possible test shots were reviewed,
of which a minimum of

are recommended for inclusion in the early program."

The letter notes the 3 general categories of testing which are in order of
discussion. One, effects of nuclear weapons on such things as hardened
missile bases, missiles in flight, radar and communication, and on Naval

vessels and their equipment.
It is stated also "the area of greatest interest
lies in effects at very high altitudes as they apply to AICBM defenses and
to the kill capability of our own AICBM warheads. A series of 5 such tests

Select target paragraph3