4. An 18 February 1959 TWX from STarbird to Hertford with info. to Bradbury and others references a memo from ALO dated February 6, 1959, Subject: - " Weapons Testing - Alternate Methods and Locations." In reference to the results of the planning conference which apparently was held by ALO recently, Starbird concurs that Eniwetok is the preferential solution from the AEC standpoint should it-be available forfuture testing but agrees that ft ts gratifying to know that the conference worked up a reasonable alternative should return to EPG be dented, and this alternative apparently is an open sea test capability. DMA authorizes ALO to take certain preliminary actions ‘to begin to develop a readiness capability for open seas testing: (a) the labs are authorized to submit design criteria to H &N, Sandia and EG&G for the LCU's and for modifications of an LSD to a diagnostic ship. (b) ALO is to authorize H & N, Sandia and EG&G to proceed with design and engineering for LCU shore vehicles, design for médification of an LSD, and design of timing and firing and diagnostics systems. (c) ALO is to exptore further the use of Pear! Harbor and Hilo for such a test capability. | JTF~7 notes that by separate correspondence they are proceeding with the procurement and designation of the appropriate naval ships for this capability. Starbird finally emphasizes that all these investigations and activities relative to alternate methods and locations should be | conducted in a low publicity manner to avoid the misinterpretation that weniger” we are proceeding. towards nuclear testing.By a TWX dated 19 February [959 Hertford passes on to LASL, Livermore, EG&G, H&N and others the DMA author izations for proceeding with the open seas test capability feasibility studies and planning. Hertford proposes that in light of the tow profile desired for this study that perhaps It could be accomplished by a one~time FK