Here is a copy of a_6Dec. letter from Seaborg to Johnson on the
Gl
activities of JTF-8 which begins "The Commission was pleased to hear of
intention of the Dept. of Defense to appoint Major Gen. Starbird to the
Command of JTF-8.
The Commission is pleased to concur in this appointment
and has full confidence in Gen. Starbird as a result of extended experience
during his term as Director of our
Division of Military Application.
The
Commission is, as you know, engaged in developing, with the coordination of
your office, a test program for an overseas test operation.
awaits Presidental action.
Such program
In accordance with the recommendations of the
National Security Council meeting of Nov. 2, 1961, the Commission is studying
possible sites for overseas and will make a selection after further
consultations with the Dept. of Defense and Dept. of State.
...Asa
consequence of the above requirement, it is the Commission's intention, after
site selection and development of a test program, to designate the Commander,
JTF-8 as the senior AEC representative at the overseas test site, or sites
during the operational phase of the test operation.
designation is requested.
Your concurrence in this
Such responsibilities and authorities that are
delegated to Gen. Starbird will be operational in nature and will be limited
to the period of overseas test operations and should not impose excessive
administrative burdens on Task Force Commander.
In fact, it is not intended
that this delegation include administrative and technical responsibilities
and authorities now exercised by the Commissions Albuquerque Operations Office,
its weapons laboratories and its contractors."
Note that on the same day
Johnson sent a letter back to Seaborg concurring in the appointment of
Starbird and his designation as AEC senior representative.