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NUCLEAR TEST PROGRAM (w)
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- In order to compare the effectiveness of testing nuclear explosives in
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various media 4s requested in NSC Action Memo No. 87 (the various requiremente.,
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for such teste must first be analyzed.
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Although these requixements have been
presented previously, they are reviewed here in a rain framework as a con-
venience to understanding.
The United States pring{pal ‘aims may be categorized
as follows:
9 34
yet
1.
To improve weapons.
2.
To measure the effects of weapons.
3.
To explore peaceful applications of explosions.
In all of these areas some progress can be and is made without nuclear
tests through theoretical analysis and laboratory experiments.
However, in every
ease after such work, full scale nuclear tests are required for confirmation
and extension of the information.
By careful design of tests, while a partic-
ular test may have one primary objective, measurements can be carried out which
support all ef the national aims.
Thus, vitle a test may be required to study
a new weapons design concept, the explosion can be used also to obtain weapons
effects data and to contribute to peaceful applications.
Let us now discuss more fully each of the national aims and indicate the
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kinds of testing required to obtain the measurements of interest.
The objective of nuclear weapons development in the United States is
directed toward satisfying military requirements for bothlimited and general
war.
To the extent practicable, weapons are developed which are discriminating
in effects and which provide flexibility in employment.
Two major areas of
effort in past teats which require continuing emphasi
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