MOT Be?
February 14, 1958
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
it is particularly important at the present time to make the
understand the positive value of continued U.8. nuclear testing.
cessation is now widely regarded as necessary, long overdue, and
world
st
forced from a reluctant United States by the pressure of righteous
world opinion.
The new approach outlined below could regain the initiative for
the U.S. and place the USSR at a disadvantage, as did the Atorns for
Peace and Open Skies proposals. [It should: (1) demonstrate the re
risks for mankind invalvad in test cessation, (Z) show our determination
not to accept such riske lightly, and (3) force maximum concessions
from Russia in return for teat cessation lf we decide to acquiesce
the end. [If skilifully done, this program might pass the onus to Russia
asa the nation willing to perpetuate existing deadly risks to mankind| by
opposing our attempts to control radioactivity.
appear the threat to humanity, not the U.5.
Thus Ruseis might
The case for clean nuclear weapons and testing to develop them
was brilliantly presented by Dr. Teller in the February 10, 1958,
edition of Life. The attachment, which was prepared by Captain Jghn h.
Morse of the AEC staff, presents the case in more detall and inclukles
answers to possible objections to testing for clean weapon development.
If you should conclude that, barring Soviet acceptance of our
package disarmament proposals, test cessation at the present
is
counter to the long-term welfare of mankind as well as national a
{ree world security. I recommend that we make the decision to develop
steps
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Authority
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a atockplie of clean weapons in all yield ranges and take vigorous
to explain our position to the world.
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