APPENDIX
DRAF? MEMORANDUM TO THE CHAIRMAN, MILITARY LIAISON COMMITTEE ,
REGARDING SPECIAL ATOMIC DETONATION FOR WEAPONS
BEFRECTS AND TRAINING
peal
1. The Atomic Energy Commission has reviewed the advantages
and disadvantages to be realized from a special atomic detonation
to study weapons effects
in connection with one of its regular
development tests at the Nevada Test Site.
2.
Lt appears that such a shot would be valuable to the
Department of Defense,
the Federal Civil Defense Adininistration,
and the Atomic Enersey Commission, provided sufficient requirements
could be generated by these agencies to justify the expenditure
of fissionablic material for the shot.
These requirements might
consist of a need for further weapons effects information,
troop
training, and orientation of military and civilian personnel.
3. As you know, the Nevada Test Site was obtained by the
Commission for development tests as requirements dictate.
Because
Che yield of experimental devices is not known accurately prior to
detonation, pianning and design of efficient effects programs
combination with development functions are difficult.
in
The
administrative problems of security and logistics inherent in a
Joint effects and development program also force compromises which
limit the effectiveness of each prograia.
4. We believe that the Department of Defense and the Commission have a joint interest in both development and effects of atomic
weapons, We further believe these two intercsts can best be served
by forumiation or a policy assigning primary and secondary responSibilities for given areas of operations.
Compoay IE
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Appendix.