-2(b) The development of designs of smaller configuration
and lighter weight with the objective of providing
weapons which can be more readily and effectively
used,
(c) The development of high-yield thermonuclear weapons,
This development has been of vital importance to our
striking force and to its capability to deter aggression.
(d) In the more recent tests the development of warheads
for missiles designed to defend our populations and
important installations against enemy attack, In the
most recent tests, the development of weapons of high
yield but low production of fission products. The
an
.
3
successful attainment of this objective will make it
.
possible for us to have weapons with greatly reduced 5
radiological hazard (fall-out),
8.
zy
a
ea
A major effort in our test series has been to secure information for
the protection of our civil population in the event of attack with nuclear
weapons, This information has been disseminated to our people through
and by the Federal Civil Defense Administration,
9, The time required to prepare for a test series depends upon a number
of variables such as:
(a) The state of readiness of devices for test.
(b) Whether the tests are to be conducted at our
Eniwetok Froving Grounds or within the Con-
tinental limits of the United States (where only
small devices can be accommodated).
{c) The number and complexity of the test devices
and of the measurements and observations to be
made,
The period required for preparation has varied from a minimum of months
REPRODUCED AT THE DWIGHT, D. BISENHOWER LIBRARY
for the test of simpler, small devices at the Nevada Test Site of the
Commission to from 1 to 2 years for tests of larger yield thermonuclear
devices at the Eniwetok Proving Grounds,
IL FALLOUT FROM ATOMIC TESTS
10, This phenomenon associated with atomic explosions has been known
since Operation TRINITY. It acquired a greatly increased importance with
the advent of early thermonuclear weapons although the objectionable fallout
of an atomic explosion, especially the component strontium 90, is the result
of atornic fission, which is the specific reaction in existing small atomic
weapons,
11,
The Atomic Energy Commission has been continuously engaged in the
study of the biological effect of radiation, both from the point of view of
determining safety standards in its installations and for those individuals
and institutions to whom radioactive isotopes are supplied, and in connection
with the testing operations of the Commission.
more