Policy Planning Staff Files
President Truman to the Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy (McMahon)1
Dear Senator McMahon: Thank you for your letters of September 28, 1949,2 concerning two most important aspects of the great central problem now facing us of how best to deal with the atom. Since the content of the letters is so closely related, I am taking the liberty of replying to them both under the same cover.
I have discussed with the Acting Secretary of State your views regarding the probable consequences of our announcement that Russia has achieved an atomic explosion. He informs me that the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff is making a thorough reassessment of the impact of this event, not only on the international control problem but on our foreign policy generally. This survey is being conducted quietly and confidentially, but I am sure you will be pleased to learn that it is under way. Your views have been made available to the Staff. Pending the outcome of this study, I feel it would be premature to pass judgment on any particular proposal.
Concerning your letter, together with its enclosure, urging an acceleration of the production program of the Atomic Energy Commission, I can inform you that a projected increase in the atomic energy production program is under very active study on the part of the interested Executive agencies, the results of which should soon be in hand.
With renewed thanks for your helpful views and with best personal wishes, I am
Sincerely yours,