JOINT AEC-DOD OPERATION HARDTACK
PUBLIC INFORMATION PLAN
A, PURPOSE
1. Consistent with national policy and security require-
ments of the U. 8S. Atomic Energy Commission and the Department
of Defense, to establish policies and procedures for the
compilation,
control,
review and issuance of public information:
related to Operation HARDTACK at the Commission's Pacific
Proving Ground scheduled to begin about April 15, 1958.
2. These policies and procedures, based on experience
gained in previous test series and public reaction which
occurred during and after preyious tests, are designed:
a. To provide the public promptly with such useful
information regarding Operation HARDTACK as may be
issued with due regard for security.
b. To provide for expedited issuance of official
facts on emergency situations, should any arise,
when such action is necessary to dispel rumor or
speculation harmful to the success of the operation.
e, TO establish 1n the AEC Division of Biology and
Medicine a system for fast compilation in Washington
for public release, if needed, of fallout data in the
Pacific area and, in cooperation with the United States
Public Health Service, in the United States.
3. A special public information plan for the news media
observer program for Operation HARDTACK will be separately
submitted for Commission consideration.
B, RESPONSIBILITY
4, The responsibility for the preparation and issuance of
all public information materials on Operation HARDTACK rests
with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the Department of
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.
SIECRIE|
Appendix "a"