1265th AEC Meeting 2-11-57 5 5. ABC 952/32 - Special Test Proposed by ae® ALSO intnuges oO ane Meeting 1262.) E. 0. Lawrence (pp. 4 xceutive Session a Meeting 1963 The Conmissioners considered the feasibility of canductir aA high altitude nuclear test detonation in the Pacific for the purpose of checking U.S. long-range detection capabilities. Mr. Fields referred to his reraons for recommending thot such a teat not be conducted during 1957, (See AEC 3952/3) and sug- ested that before discussing thls matter formally witn the DOL tle Comission reach a decision reyarding tre best. Me. Straus observed that if this particular Gesu wore duLfarred until Operation HARDTACK 2p 1959, and 1f sn agreement coneerning a weapons tast limitation is imminent at that time, the U.5. might have to cnoogse between cancelling the test or proceeding with it concurrently with nepfotiations to halt testing. Mr. Murray suggested that one or more high «altitude tests be conducted during 1957 and that additional high altitude test o@ carried out during Operation HAKDTACK. He indicated that, nalthourh he did not consider a test limitation likely by 1958, ne believed it would be advisable to assume that agreement may pe venched anc therefore a high altitude t st shot should be conducted curing 1y57. Mr. Libby said he believed that con- ducting one such tert “uring 1957 would prove to be of logistic assistance for simillar tesiu eal Operation HARDTACK, Guncral Starbied gai thes ab the present time the naximu height attainable for teucsug 7 nuclear weapon is about 100,000 Leet. He observed that tos abliitv to dotect a shot at this altitude is no aguurance boat + device Ictonated at 160,00C or 180,000 feet could also be Acteeted. He pointed out thet a laycr of air at 160,000 foet tends to deflect shock waves away from a downward path cand therefore, it is much more difficult SEST COPY AVAILASLE REPOSITORY NARA CLASSIFICATION CANCELLED BY AUTHORITY OF BOE/OC COLLECTION Oo z2L St& N BOXNo. ea