Truman Library, PSF–Subject file, “Atomic Weapons, Thermonuclear”
The President to the Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy (McMahon)
Dear Brien: I have carefully studied your letter of May 30, 19521 regarding the so-called H-bomb Program.
[Page 964]I am glad to have this expression of your views since I know they are based on a patriotic concern for our national security and on the magnificent work which you have done as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy.
The questions which you raise are ones to which I have been giving very serious thought since my basic decision to proceed with the development of the H-bomb. As you know, I have had the Special Committee of the National Security Council keep this matter under continuous study as this program progressed, in order to make appropriate recommendations to me as warranted by developments. I am accordingly referring your letter to the Special Committee for its consideration in this connection.2
You can rest assured that your views will be given the careful study which they deserve.
Sincerely yours,
- Ante, p. 955.↩
- On June 12, Executive Secretary Lay transmitted Senator McMahon’s letter and the President’s reply to the Secretaries of State and Defense and the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, who comprised the Special Committee of the NSC on Atomic Energy. (Truman Library, PSF–Subject file, “Atomic Weapons, Thermonuclear”)↩