SECRET APPENDIX "B!' DRAPT LETTER OF INVITATION 1. As had been customary for past test operations, an official observer program is contemplated for Operation HARDTACK. It is intended through this program to offer to responsible governmental authorities having responsibility in the military nuclear field the opportunity to observe one of the more significant test detonations. It is my hope that you and others of the Joint Committee will be able to spare the time to see one of the shots and to be briefed in the Proving Ground of activities there, 2. The initial shot of the series is scheduled to occur shortly after mid-April, Special mission aircraft will be arranged to leave Washington periodically, to remain in the Proving Ground for a reasonable time, and then to return the observers to the United States. The first trip is tentatively scheduled to leave on or about 15 April; the second about 28 April; the third about 15 May; and the fourth in early June. The aircraft will proceed directly from Washington to the Proving Ground, arriving approx- imately two days before the shot is ready. It will remain there up to ten days unless the shot to be observed is fired earlier and thereafter return to Washington, The total time that an observer could be expected to be away from Washington would be between ten days and two weeks, 3- On January 21 the Military Applications Subcommittee of your Committee was briefed on the plans for HARDTACK, During the briefing certain members asked that investigation be made as to the possibility of advancing the series so that a Congressional group could witness a shot during the Easter recess from approx- imately April 4 to April 13. We have investigated this matter -7- er Amira oieAAI Appendix "B"