A2 - page 6 maintenance stand-by status and that expenditures should be limited on EPG to those funds necessary to prevent deterioration of essential facilities to the point where their replacement or repair could cause a long-term delay in getting tests underway. I+ would appear reasonable to assume that after receiving the authority to resume testing there would be a period of nine to twelve months before extensive firings would commence. In the section entitled "Facts Bearing on the Problem," significant facts noted include "JTF7 under current JCS directives is responsible for directives for and conducting tests involving nuclear weapons and devices outside the continental U.S. When deployed in the EPG, CJTF7 has been jointly responsible to the DOD and AEC and in this capacity is responsible for the EPG and all related activities. During the period between tests, the EPG, except for the military support, is a responsibility of the AEC." Further, the Army has programmed for the development of JI for launching missiles for the Nike Zeus test program with jurisdiction scheduled to pass from the Air Force to the Army on or around | January 1960. Also, it is stated that the EPG is the most suitable land mass outside the conus for conducting atmospheric tests. authority Finally, it is stated "guidance from higher indicates that the closing of EPG at this time, even could have serious political and psychological consequences". heavy investments there as well as the possibility of if desirable, Also, the important usage for various other agencies is noted. The missions and detailed responsibilities of joint task force 7 during operation HARDTACK are detailed in Appendix B to enclosure F. The 1959 agreement between the AEC and the DOD on costs and responsibilities