335. Memorandum of Conversation1
SUBJECT
- Proposed Nuclear Test Detection Discussions
PARTICIPANTS
- Admiral Lewis Strauss, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission
- Dr. James B. Fisk
- Dr. Robert F. Bacher
- Dr. Ernest O. Lawrence
- Mr. Spurgeon Keeny
- Mr. Donald R. Morris, S/AE
During the course of a background briefing on the preparations for the proposed Geneva nuclear test detection discussion, Dr. Lawrence told Admiral Strauss that they strongly felt the need for some under-ground shots to gain data on seismic coupling. Admiral Strauss noted that preparations for such shots were currently being made at the Ranier site and that he thought these could be speeded up. He would, on the basis of this oral request, undertake to facilitate such shots, but would need a formal letter during the course of the next week from Dr. Fisk. It was generally agreed that several underground shots of varying yields were necessary in order to obtain a picture of the yield versus seismic signal function. In addition, it would be very helpful to have one shot of the same yield as one of the series shots under conditions designed to decouple.
- Source: Proposed nuclear test detection discussions. Secret. 1 p. NARA, RG 59, Central Files, 700.5611/6–658.↩