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Subject: Test of Atomic G[eapons on JUM 27, 1347, you approved the Atomic Energy Commission~sproposal for a program to tost atomic weapons early: In 1948, directing that you be informedwhen a definitiveplcn was ready. . On July 19; 1947, you furthor approved a public release whiah stated that the AtoMa Energy Commission is . establishingproving grounds In tho PaOiflO for routine exper% merit;and tests of atomio weapons. The reaommendationof the Commission,ba8ed.m tochnlcal re$uirementr,'thntEniwetok Atoll be the tost alto, was approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. -+_ No other site but Eniuetok +- suitableand none other is as fbaslblo oonsldorlngpresent c installationsand logistic requirements: Other islands Fn the Pacific, includingnon-TrustTerritory,will of course bo involved in the lonistLca1preparationand support of'the test. It has been determinedby the Atomio Energy Commissionthat the use of Euiw&ok will require the evacuationof 145 nstlves. It 1s recommended-thatthe Seoretary of Defense bo directedby thu Presidentto effeot this evacuation. In order to insure that the United States moots fully LL!J internationaloblinationsunder the Charter of the United N;ltlonz and in connectionwith the TrusteeshioAnrocment ontered Into with the United States and the Securita Council respectingtho 1, They will be aocorded nil rigi%s whiah two the normnl Wi who this
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2. The displacement of locnl.inhabitnnts Will be kept to the minimum required for their own safety and well being end will not be accomplished merely for consldei~atlonsof 3. The displacement of local Inhabitants will be cffcctcd by agreements reached with them regarding resettlement, their naw locations. The Atomic Encrm CommlsaLon and the Secretors of Defense will undertake to supply to the State Dcoartment ovldence sufficient to domonstrate in an lntornatloncl forum that in L conductlnp:such experimentation In Eniwotok. the Unlted States'. Is not thorebs sub.iectlnp;the local Inhabitants of the Trust -' Territory of the Pacific to perceptibly mcatcr danger then, 3ay, thd"po~plo of the United Stctus. The operations projected will Involve tho rccuvery of title from tho Chinese Government of surplus Property originally valued at an estimated $l,OOO,OOO. Two shots are deflnltely plnnncd with provisions nado f.sr - o third, in the event data obtained f'ram,thetwo shots prove inadequate, i The target dato for the First shot Is April 15, 1348. The Armed Forcoo will proviao tho militnry npcr3tlonnl nnd loglstloal sup&t necessary to the Commission's sclentlflc requirements. The Joint Chiefs of Stnff have nsnomblecla T:?slr. Force for the purpose, The Commlsslon~s scientific group, headed by a Test Director, has been placed under the Task l'or*ce Commander for over-all opcrotlonal control. It Is estlmatod that the tot+ expenditure will bo. - the portlclpatlon of tho Armed Forces' hove their normal operations. This cost will be borne by the Atomic Ensrey Over-all security will be tho responsibility cf the Tank There will be no public release ‘Jf’ infornntlvn
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8’ . regardingthe test',or the preparationmndo for it, exccnt by : the Secretary of Dofonso. The Joint CongresslondlCommlttco on Atomic Enorgy will bo advlscd of this test program (thoughnot the precise target dnto) upon your approval. UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMlISSION