Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume III, Microfiche Supplement, National Security Policy; Arms Control and Disarmament

581. Memorandum From Beckler to Goodpaster¹

Washington, July 14, 1960

SUBJECT

• Plowshare Study Proposal

When the Science Advisory Committee met with the President on July 11th there was discussion of the Plowshare program, particularly with respect to the matter of radioactivity and its economic consequences. The Committee recommended that a critical study of the problem be undertaken by the National Academy of Sciences.

Attached is a general description of what is intended to be included in the proposed study. The description is based on a discussion with Dr. Kistiakowsky immediately prior to his departure for Europe, but he has not had an opportunity to see the final language.

D.Z. Beckler

Enclosure

Proposed Study

K–C–10334

July 14, 1960

Proposed Study on Radioactivity Associated with Project Plowshare

It is proposed that, on behalf of the President, the Special Assistant for Science and Technology request the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council to undertake a classified study of the radioactivity associated with use of nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes (Project Plowshare). The purpose of this study would be to provide a basis for government planning concerning Project Plowshare.

The study would be focused on the critical evaluations of the world-wide and local fallout and the ground contamination involved in specific applications of nuclear explosions proposed in Project Plowshare. The study would also make general estimates of the direct and indirect economic effects resulting from precautions against radioactivity contamination. In addition, the study would estimate the duration and magnitude of the research and development effort required to reduce the radioactive contamination involved in various applications.

The study would not attempt to evaluate either the overall comparative economic worth of the proposed applications of Project Plowshare or the psychological aspects of the problem resulting from either the favorable reaction to U.S. technological strength or the unfavorable reaction to fear of radioactivity contamination and the association of the project with nuclear weapons development.

The study would be completed by September 10, 1960 in a form suitable for a briefing for the President. (It must be recognized, however, that the late starting date and the problem of obtaining the services of competent people during August make this completion date uncertain.) The cost of conducting such a study is estimated at some $25,000 to $50,000.

1. Source: Transmits description of Plowshare study proposal. Confidential. 2 pp. Eisenhower Library, White House Office Files, Project Clean Up, Dr. Kistiakowsky.