scope and its sponsorship will be authoratative, It is the Commission's belief that greater and more prompt knowledge will be derived from this study than would be possible under any international undertaking to determine the effects of atomic radiation on living organisms, The National Academy of Sciences will have access to classified information of the Commission dealing with the types and yields of nuclear weapons which could not, in the vital interest of our national security, be made available to an international panel of scientists, Access to such classified weapons data is essential toa comprehensive study of radiation effects, Furthermore, an international undertaking of this sort might conceivably be frustrated by world politics and most certainly could nct begin to function as quickly as the thoroughly objective appraisal which the National Academy is undertaking, It is important to bear in mind the extent to which our security and the security of the free world is dependent upon the nuclear tests -- both the testing of the so-called H-bombs in the Pacific and the smaller atomic devices in Nevada, These tests involve more than the developing of atomic weapons, important as that obligation is, which can be obtained in no other manner, They provide vital data, on which to build a sound and effective system of civil defense against the eventuality of an enemy attack, - j2 - pa