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PROPOSAL
If IS PROPOSED THAT TAONGI (POKAAKKU) ATOLL, MARSHALL ISLANDS, BE UTILIZED AS A
NUCLEAR TEST SITE DURING OPERATION HARDTACK, 1958.

Factors Considered in Proposal
1.

Scope of Operation Hardtack
The proposal for the use of Taongi Atoll is based on a scope of operation for
Hardtack as stated in a meeting at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, 31 Janu-

ary 1957 (Ref - JDO 632, Graves to Distribution, Meeting Minutes).

The

assumption is made that the following scope is representative of the program

as it will be approved with the exception of the possible deletion of two to

six devices, Three agencies desire to field test a total of approximately
25 to 31 devices. The University of CaliforniaRadiation Laboratory will fire

14, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory will fire 12, and the Department of

Defense is planning 5 shots according to preliminary mximum scope planning.
The following table gives the approximate yield categories by agency:

UCRL

2.

DOD

LASL

A.

Greater than 5 Mf

3

0

1

B,
Cc.
D.

1-5
100 KT - 1M
Less than 20 KT

3
3
5

2
0
3

3
2
6

"

Concept of Operation
The concept of Operetion Hardtack, as outlined and tentatively agreed to by
representatives of UCRL, LASL, DOD, and Sandia Corporation in attendance at
the above mentioned meeting on the 31st of January, is as follows:

/A.

, B.
C.

UCRL shots will be fired at Bikini Atoll and Taongi Atoll, or Bikini.

Atoll only.

LASL shots will be fired at Eniwetok Atoll with the exception of their

largest yield shot (approximately 7 Mf) which will be fired at Bikini.

DOD will attempt to fire the three high altitude shots at Bikini Atoll
and the underwater shots at Eniwetok.

, D.

The starting date of 1 May 1958 for Operation Hardtack will be mintained.

. E,

UCRL will fire five barge shots at Taongi, if available, with the first
zero point chosen so as to broach the| reef, probably toward the northern end on the leeward side.

Select target paragraph3