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DRAFT LETTER TO THE MILITARY LIAISON COMMITTEE
Ll. The Atomic Inergy Commission is considering the occupancy
and use of Taongi Atoll for the conduct of nuclear experiments.
The use of Taongi as a firing site in addition to Eniwetok and
Bikini has certain very desirable features.
From the standpoint
of fallout, Taongi is a safer place to detonate high yield
devices than either Bikini or Eniwetok.
The greater distances
from Taongi to the inhahited areas of the Marshall Islands and
its saperior position with respect to direction from these areas
are distinct advantages and give increased assurance against the
repetition of fallout incidents such as that which occurred in
March 1954,
At the same time the greater ease of firing large
shots from Taongi will have advantages in reducing the length
of 4 test operation,
It is estimated that Operation HARDTACK
as presently Dlanned would probably be shortened by about three
weeks Lf Taonei is used, and in addition Taongi may be the only
place vhere it is feasibile to test any of the very large yield
weapons.
e. It is planned that all firings at Taongi would be barge
shots and all diagnostic data normally taken from land would be
secured from a ship.
The use of Taongi Atoll as an additional
test. site during Operation HARDTACK would require some additional
military support.
The support requirements have been discussed
with the JTF~7/ staff.
3. If Taongi is to be used there must of necessity be
coordination with the Departments of State and Interior.
After
concurrence by these agencies we would request the President to
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