HEADQUARTERS
TEST SERVICES UNIT, PROVISIONAL
APO 187, c/o POSTMASTER
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
SUBJECT:
Press Release
TO:
Commander,
Comnancer,
Commander,
Comaanaer,
Comminder,
Communder,
Communications Element, Provisional
Weather Central Element, Frevisicnal
1500-2 Air Base Wing Detachment FacD
Woather Peperting Ziement, Frovisicnal
Search and Rescue Element, Provisional
Weather Paconnaissa.+¢ “lement, Provisional
Commander, Documentary Photogy:.1..7 Floment, Provisimal (Air)
~
1.
The following official press release was made by the Atomic
Energy Commission 11 March 1954, Washington time:
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= ~
"During the course of routine atomic tests in the Marshall Islan,
28 U.S. personnel and 236 residents were transported from neighboring stc ils
to Kwajalein Island according to plan as a precautionary measure, These
individuals were unexpectedly exposed to some radioactivity. There were no
burns. All were reported well. After the completion of the atomic tests,
they will be returned to their homes,"
2. Commander-in-Chief, Pacific has wired the following self explcnatory message which is being distributed to all personnel with the rcpeated
precaution that no information beyond the content of the official releases
is to be made public by statements, letters, interviews or conversations,
"Honolulu Star Bulletin 12 Merch 1954 carries offer '$25,00 of-
fered for best report on impending "H" Bomb blast! also 'The offer is cpen
to Congressmen who will witness the test as well as service personncl,'!"
"Requirements for special precauticns to all possible witnesses
to protect security information is imperative,"
3. All personnel will be reminded of their rcsponsibility concerning
the release of classificd information. The success cf this opzration cer nds
directly upon the individual efforts of every participant.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER:
or
Yygwitd cH Play: i ed
(
JAMES '!, MONTGOMERY,”
Najor, USAF
“
Executive
np fe eye