Research, on behalf of that office and the Atomic Energy Commission, madé a similar request of the Coast Guard for a vessel,
The AEC has been provided a copy of the ONR communication and it
is noted that it refers to a survey distance of 3,000 to 5,000
miles, and a cruise of about three to four weeks,
The cruise
should now cover a track of about 12,000 to 14,000 miles and be
of a duration of about six to eight weeks,
Ideally, a vessel is desired which would cruise at 16 - 18
knots, accommodate six technicians, offer sufficient deck space
to mount a hydrographic winch (8' x 6'), and allow approximately
20 square feet of enclosed working space for technicians and
electronic gear,
In this respect the USS Matagorda would be most
adequate, It is realized, however, that your own demands for
such a vessel may be great and that you may find some alternate
arrangement more feasible. Should this be the case, we would
be prepared to discuss such alternate arrangements,
The proposed survey is of vital importance to the atomic
energy program and bears significantly on matters of national
defense, We trust, therefore, that you will give favorable consideration to this request,
If preliminary calculations are
correct, the trapped radioactive debris could reach Formosa and
Japan as early as March, 1955,
It is important, therefore,
that the cruise get under way as soon as pcessible, preferably
on or shortly after March 1, 1955,
Dr. John C, Bugher, Director of the Division of Biclogy
and Medicine, AEC, has been assigned general responsibility within
the AEC for carrying out the mission.
Technical execution will
be uncer the AEC's Health and Safety Laboratory, New York Operations Office, New York City,
Dr, Bugher's office will be happy
to provide whatever additional assistance may be required or
provide such additional information aS you may need,
Sincerely yours,
/8/ RW. Cook
K.D. Nichols
General Manager
Enclosure III
°