UNITED STATES
111553
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON 25,D. C.
Nhe eet gran
January 4, 1955
MEMORANDUM FOR CHAIRMAN LEWIS L. STRAUSS
Dear Lewis:
SUBJECT:
U. N. Observers at Operation TEAPOT
You will recall that in a memorandum to you dated
October 12, 1953, I recommended that U.N. observers be
invited to witness a test shot in connection with Operation
CASTLE.
I continued to urge an uncleared observer program
in subsequent memoranda. You are also familiar with my
letter to The President on this subject.
Operation TEAPOT presents us with a new opportunity
for an uncleared observer program.
I recommend that such a
program be approved and specifically that U. N. observers
be invited.
The arguments in favor of such a course remain com-
pelling. It is remotely possible, though unlikely, that the
Soviets would counter with a similar invitation.
Certainly
this would be welcomed as the preliminary to any negotiations
looking to possible eventual curtailment of the weapons race.
In any event a considerable propaganda advantage would accrue
to the United States.
As you know, approval is now being sought for observers
at TEAPOT from Canada and the NATO organization. With adequate
safeguards, I am generally in favor of granting such approval.
At the same time, according such permission without providing
for U. N. representation would, in my opinion, be a grave
mistake.
I trust that the Commission will approve the Canadian
and NATO observers and will also provide for U. N. representation,
all, of course, with adequate safeguards.
LEM:
Thomas E. Murray
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Dr. Libby
K. D. Nichols
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