APPENDIX "'B"
DRAFT LETTER TO THE CHATRMAN, MLC
1.
Considering developments during and subsequent to
Operation CASTLE, the Commission believes that news media
representation at one shot in operation REDWING is desirable
to provide opportunity for accurate reporting of events as
a means of promoting public comprehension of test objectives,
dispelling misrepresentations and offsetting attacks on test
‘programs.
The Secretary of Defense agreed that such repre~
sentation is desirable and his office,
|
in letter of February
29, 1956, expressed the belief that a feasible plan, with appropriate security safequards, could be arranged,
Accordingly,
the Atomic Energy Commission and the Devartment of Defense
staffs jointly have prepared a tentative plan and are at
present working out the details of a program,
2.
The program visualized consists of observation of
the large yield shot scheduled for May 1, 1956 by about 16
U.S, news media representatives and about 20 Federal Civil
Defense Administration representatives on the level of Regional
or State Directors, supported by about 20 AEC and DOD classification,
information and security specialists,
“would gather in Hawaii at their own expense,
The observers
proceed as a
group by military aircraft to Kwajalein, berth and mess
abroard ship at the dock in Kwajelein until called forward
by the Commander, Joint Task Force SEVEN, proceed on selected
island tours, view from ship {or single aircraft) and record
on film a megaton yield shot return vie ship (or plane) to
Kwajalein, thence return to Hawali by air.
~ 12 -
Appendix "B"
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