811.2423/2–746: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan)
u.s. urgent
237. Top Secret for Kennan. The following replaces my No. 221, February 5, 5 p.m.37 Please deliver the following to Molotov:
Plans to test effect of atomic bomb explosion on warships and vessels are under consideration by the Chiefs of Staff, but final decision has not been reached. Whenever Joint Chiefs complete their plans they will be submitted to me for submission to the President.
Legislation authorizing the use of war vessels and the expenditures for the test is pending but has not been acted upon by the Congress.
I have suggested to the President that invitations be extended to [Page 692] the twelve governments having members on the Atomic Bomb Commission to have two observers and one press representative attend the tests if they so desire. This of course would include the Soviet Government. The United Kingdom whose scientists participated with the United States in the discovery of atomic energy may be invited to have some additional observers, but limited accommodations will necessitate limit of two observers and one press representative for other governments.
If the Congress grants the authority for the test, I will communicate with you as to the plans finally adopted. At this time no plan has been or can be adopted and no invitations can be extended.38