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A24
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effort was oriented towards devices that could be stockpiled with adequate
assurance without tests. Thus, the climate was not conducive to beld, new
concepts requiring experimental checks. The possibility of being able to
test seemed very remote.
In contrast, the available evidence indicates
°
from the very outset of the moratorium, the Soviets have anticipated atmospheric testing and have oriented their efforts toward significant advances
requiring such testing.
In summary, it is clear that a rate of progress
adequate to maintain our relative military posture can be attained only through
resort to atmospheric testing; indeed, much vital information on effects and
many posSible technical advances, would not be realized at all through underground tests alone."" The letter also contains 4 lengthy enclosures which
detail the types of tests by category, the types of devices with details
on the diagnostics and type of device, the amount of yield as well as listing
for the President the numbers and types of tests of each of the nuclear
powers since the beginning of nuclear testing.
A TWX dated 30 November from Batzel of LRL to Betts details the plans for
diagnostics and the capabilities for diagnostics for the various types of
atmospheric tests as LRL sees it. They address them by categories of low
yield shots being less than 50 kiloton, high yield shots greater than 50
kiloton, open sea testing and use of aircraft for the atmospheric program
diagnostics.
A 30 November memo from the General Manager's office, to Gen. Betts is a
reminder that Senator Jackson of the JCAE has requested the AEC be ready
when Congre&§reconvenes in January to present to them the alternative test
programs based on the circumstances as they may exist then.
A TWX dated 30 November from Mr. Schwartz of Sandia to DMA notes the change

in the title of the outer space program from the Oats program which stood
for out of the atmosphere testing and was misconstrued by some to mean that
there would be no effects on or in the atmosphere to the new title Wirts
which stands for weapon intermediate range testing system.

A27

A memo from Captain Craig of the DMA Test Office to Gen. Betts on 1 December
covers the last atmospheric tests coordination meeting held by DASA on
28 November since all future meetings will be held under the jurisdiction
of JTF8.
It is noted that General Starbird and a few of his staff are at
ALO and may visit Vandenberg on their way back to Washington. And that on
_ his return Starbird will recommend one of three systems being considered for
high altitude delivery to Genral Booth the director of DASA. Gen. Polhamus
is mentioned here and I infer that he is the deputy director of DASA.
There is little new information here except that a statement that JTF8 is
doing parallel planning for the overseas operation and is considering a

combination air/sea operation perhaps utilizing Hawaii and Johnston Island

and another alternative of using Christmas Island or other island for a
base of operations. The DoD funding picture is presented as follows: they
presently have 18 million dollars for atmospheric operations and expect to
obtain 32 million more from the emergency fund for a total of 50 million for
FY 62 and expect to have 100 million included in their FY 63 budget.

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