3s A TWX on 17 Dec. from Mr. Reeves of ALO to Gen. Betts seems to be addressing the need for information by the beginning of work on Dec. 18 by a man named Anderson of DMA and Reeves is stating there is no time to call a planning board meeting to arrive at the information requested prior to that time but he presents the information as ALO is able to come up with it in this TWX. Az] Apparently, based on the current LRL and LASL underground test schedules, ALO was asked to come up with detailed cost and schedule figures and to discuss and perhaps address various alternative methods of saving money and improving schedules, etc. The TWX goes into a great deal of detail on the advisability of hiring extra crews at the NTS,of working extra shifts, of changing the number of hours per work week, of shutting down rigs for weekends, etc. On 17 Dec, Bill Ogle sent a report on a summary of his visit to Christmas Island to Gen. Betts which is enclosed here and I believe we have a copy of at LASL, the number being JO-541. I will quote herethe conclusion of this report. “While Christmas Island is not developed to the extent that is Eniwetok-Bikini, it could be made into an emminently satisfactory site for atmospheric tests. The main point that strikes the observer immediately is that there is so much space,all flat. Air fields, parking ramps, etc. can be as large as necessary. Buildings need not be crowded together, scientific stations can be properly placed. There is no serious fallout hazard. The weather is good. The site seems to be ideal for balloon sites and air drops. It is more difficult for barge shots because of deep anchorage. us how to do even this properly. But experience would probably teach While there are many problems, it appears that the most serious ones that arise in considering a quick operation have to do with the technical facilities, in particular those concerned with Alpha. For longer range planning the main problem is clearly that of docking facilities for large ships. Therefore, from an operational and technical point of view, Christmas Island is to be highly recommended. Politically of course, the finger may point elsewhere." An 18 Dec. memo from Col. Anderson, Deputy to Gen. Betts, to Gen. Betts discusses the results of a meeting with Gen. Starbird and includes the following items among others. DMA has issued authority to ALO authorizing Reeves to direct H&N to begin hiring personnel immediately and H&N plans to have about 1000 people ultimately involved in the JTF operations. The first DOD high altitude shot is scheduled for 7 May at Johnston Island with actual work towards this date beginning at Johnston Island on Jan 3. It is stated also that Johnston will not be used as a base for sampler aircraft. The Honolulu newspapers have written a couple of articles which are regarded as "surmise" articles, addressing the H§&N hiring. The JTF generated cover story is that the hiring is for strictly DOD work at Johnston Island for construction, rehabilitation and service support for Johnston Air Force Base. As for funding for Johnston Island build-up, it is tentatively decided that DOD will pey for construction which relates to the DOD technical program, whereas the rehabilitation of the administrative facilities will be