"h. PUBLIC RELATIONS "It was recognized that adequate public relations is necessary to the successful operation of the Nevada test site. The off-site program was designed to facilitate good public relations. This was accomplished by contacts and talks prior to the series, by the system of zone commanders who were largely responsible for good relations within a specified area, by following up each incident reported immediately and, of course, by the general program carried out by the Joint Office of Test Information. "The public relations program during the operation laid the general ground work for a continuing public relations program to be carried out in the interim periods. "In general, relations with the off-site populace were good. People were particularly appreciative of the fact that monitors were permanently stationed in their communities. Opinions expressed to monitors indicated that local populations felt more secure with this ‘arrangement with regard to radiation hazards and that they appreciate having a local contact to go to for information or with complaints. Off-site personnel were able to carry out a continuous educational program since full advantage of their presence in the community was taken and they were asked to be on the programs of civic clubs and other organizations, to furnish material for radio programs and newspapers and to aid in school programs. "Prior arrangements.--Prior to the start of the series, all of the large population centers in the area were visited by off-site personnel to inform people of the forthcoming tests and the manner in which offsite problems would be handled. "Immediately before the start of the series most of these communities were revisited by a group consisting of the Test Manager, Scientific Advisor, Test Director, Support Director, Information Director, Off-Site Operations Chief, and the senior PHS officer. A series of talks were given in Caliente, Pioche, Ely, and Tonopah, Ney., and St. George and Salt Lake City, Utah. In these talks the value of continental nucleartests to the country was stressed and the precautionary measures to be taken with regard to public safety were outlined. People were informed of the plans to station monitors in their community and that these men were expected to become a part of the community during their stay and to be of service to it in regard to public safety, information or in any other way. "From 7 to 10 days before the initial detonation, the monitors with their equipment moved into the community, familiarized them- selves with the area, made acquaintsnces and actively took over the job of public relations. 2h9 1Ot4Bb2