19 September ‘ 19 Septenber l Assembly opens. sixteenth Session of UN Genera ts, con tainment ; orted to XWG on first two tes ha and Cowan reported on alp oe plans. Westervelt and radiochem. from LASL shot. ri V a) UN General Assembly _.» Sixteenth Session of opens. 19 September -6 } P61 19 September AEC to President: notified him of probable need Cc for atmospheric tests. On the 19th of September Seaborg transmitted to the President a paper prepared by DMA, I believe the Test Branch, entitled "Nuclear Test Program", which is in response to an NSC action memo No. 87 which requests a comparison of the effectiveness of testing nuclear explosives in various media. The study addresses the rationale behind the various types of tests of nuclear weapons that are felt to be necessary for tactical weapons, smaller weights in missile warheads, lower fission yields for cleaner warheads, and developments in the ABM effects area. The need for weapons system tests and weapons effects measurements are stressed as well as the continuing need for a Vela program to improve our methods of monitoring a test ban treaty as well as improving our intelligence capabilities. In the environmental impact of the various types of tests be they weapons development or weapons effects are detailed here. The type of testing versus the media in which it can be performed is addressed throughout this study and there are a number of recommendations at the conclusion. First of all that the planned test program proceed for the next year under the assumption that it wil] be conducted underground and that steps be taken to provide for an underground testing capability for the indefinite future and further that preparations be taken for possible atmospheric tests at the NTS up to a few tens of kilotons. Further that plans be made and activites be pursued by both the AEC and the DoD to bring the Eniwetok area to a 35-month readiness posture and that a completely seaborne operation not be ignored. ween An sVannand fA arncnad Further that the Vela and rindarcramnd