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resulting from a total suspension of nuclear tests, (b) a symmetrical
study of the losses to the USSR, and (c) a study of the technical feasibility
of monitoring a test suspension. The Panel also recommended a second
study covering the technical factors involved in monitoring a long-range
rocket test agreement. The substance of this report was conveyed to
the National Security Council on January 6, and the studies of nuclear
test cessation and monitoring a rocket test agreement were directed by
the President.
20. Nuclear Test Cessation Study
As requested at the January 6, 1958, meeting of the National Security
Council, a nuclear test cessation study was undertaken by an Ad Hoc
Working Group under the chairmanship of Dr. Bethe with representatives
of the AEC, Department of Defense, CIA, andthe PSAC. The Working
Group considered the technical feasibility of monitoring a test suspension
and the losses to the U. S. and USSR of such a suspension. The report
of this Working Group was submitted to the National Security Council on
March 28, 1958, without recommendations.
21.
Puerto Rico Report
Following the submission of the Nuclear Test Cessation Report, the
Science Advisory Committee met at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto
Rico on April 8, 9, 10 where the implications of the report were dis-
cussed in detail. As a consequence of this discussion, a report was
prepared by the Committee which numbered among its conclusions the
statement that a test cessation agreement would leave the U. S. ina
position of technical superiority for at least several years, a position
which could not otherwise be maintained.
The Committee believed that
it was greatly to the technical advantage of the U. S. to obtain a satis-
factory agreement for sustained test cessation as soon as possible
after the completion of the Hardtack tests. This report was trans mitted by the Special Assistant to the members of the Cabinet Committee
on Preparations for a Summit Conference on April 17, 1958.
In late April of 1958 a diplomatic exchange was initiated which led
to the meeting in Geneva during July and August 1958 of the Conference
of Experts to Study the Possibility of Detecting Violations of a Possible
Agreement on Suspension of Nuclear Tests. The Chairman of the
delegation was Dr. Fisk of the FSAC. Two other members of the PSAC
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