297. Memorandum for Eisenhower From Cutler1

[Facsimile Page 1]

In our talk last night relative to the importance to the United States of developing “clean” nuclear weapons, I omitted in my advocacy one very important reason:

The ability to set off “clean” nuclear detonations without contaminating nuclear radioactive fallout would have tremendous significance in the peaceful uses of atomic energy. By using greater explosive force than there has ever been known before, when free from contaminating radioactive fallout, land-locked waters can be channeled to desert areas, rock and earth obstructions to industrial and civil progress can be removed, mines can be more easily opened, oil can be freed from non-porous rock where it is now trapped, safe and deep-draught harbors can be developed, and large canals can be dug even through mountainous areas.

Robert Cutler
Special Assistant
  1. Source: Peaceful uses of “clean” nuclear weapons. Confidential. 1 p. Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Administrative Series, Cutler, General Robert L., 1958 (3).