OFFICIAL USE ONIY ~34. Morse Salisbury advised that AEC would not initiate comment on the NAS Report but would be prepared to answer specitic queries from the press along the lines indicated in the Staff Study: "Does the Commission have any comment on the report? ANSWeR: The Commission is gratified that this distinguished group of scientists has given such extensive study to the facts available on the biological effects of radiation, and has issued its initial findings and recommendations. The Commission since inception has been aware of the importance of obtaining all possible informa~ tion regarding radiation effects, and has sponsored much of the research upon which the N.A.S. findings were based. The Commission cooperated fully with the National Academy of Sciences in providing data for this independent study and, of course, intends to give the report careful study. (Correspondents also may be told that, although we are not commenting on the report at this time, we will be glad to Supply background on the Commission's radiological safety standards and procedures.) (p. 11) 5. After consultation with members of the Working Group, I feel that the NAS Stuly wild continue to pose a difficult public relations problem fcr the government in dealing with quotations taken out of context and that the two NAS documents provide fertile materials for propagandists who are adjiteting against continuation of weapons tests, The reports elso raise, tor the first time, the question of long-range hazards to life which might be created by the adoption of nuclear power on a large scale.throughout the world. Over the course of the next year or so we might find increasing misunderstandings and actual hesitancies on the part of potential users to enter into this field util the questions raised by the geneticists have been more satisfactorily answered. 6. AvC feels generally that they are not able to predict the press play which this may receive and are inclined to await developments after Wednesday rather than venture rash predictions. Attachment: AW Staff Report on NAS Rediation Study. ec: Mr. Melbourne Dr. Lilly Mr. Mrozinski OUB :FHirsch:mas OFFICIAT UE ONLY