At the time of the nuclear tests, the testers must be responsible for the protection and surveillance of the human beings in the zones directly concerned “They must determine precisely the
rise in the radioactivily level in as large a zone as possible around the pomt of esplosion so that all
Precautionary measures that might prove necessary can be taken in trae
For the projected French nuclear tests in the Pacific. two fechimeab scrvices arcom chigye of
French Polynesia: the Jomt Radiological Security Service (SMISRO) and the fort Beori al © ontrol
Service (SMCB).
The Joint Radiological Sccurity Service (SMSR), which caiploys specilists frome the Armed
Forces and the Atonuc Energy Comoissariat, as tesponsible lor two sertes of operations
e Fallout location through a fixed network of 22 automatic measurement stations now
spread throughout the French Polynesian atolls, at the firing time, this actwork will be supplemented,
depending on how the fallout develops, by dropping buoys equipped with radio transmitters that wall
furnish precise indications on the levels of radioactivity from their drop pomts.
e Broader control of radioactivity through a network of 17 radiological contra posts that
continuously measure the radioactivity in the atmosphere, rainwater and seawater, this network will
be supplemented at the firing time by detection devices onboard French merchant marine ships.
The Joint Biological Control Service (SMCB)is specifically responsible for living creatures -other than man. who comes under the control of the SMSR and the Armed Forces Health Service
—and for inspecting foodstuffs and drinking water.
Among the foodstuffs inspected by this service, very special attention is given to fish. Intensive marine ecology studics have been conducted in the Polynesian area hy teams fron: ORSTOM
(Office of Overseas Scientific and Technical Research) and the French Muscum of Natural History.
These studies confirm the findings of similar projects carried out in Eranee: because radioactivity ts
diluted considerably in seawater, it is practically impossible for the food chain of the inhabited
islands to be contaminated by fish. Special supervisory measures will be taken during the firings by
systematic inspection of fishing banks and examination of fish sold on local markets.
The security conditions to be set up for both the testers and the populations located
-, in the regions outside the firing grounds have been studied and submitted for Gov& “ernmentdecision by a Consultative Committee on Site Security.
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That Committee, presided over by Francis Perrin, Head of the Atomic Energy Com-
' missariat, is formed of persons eminently well-versed in the matters at hand, such as
doctors, meteorologists and atomic scientists.