Attachment 3

T.L. Shipman to John C. Clark
re:  Rad Safe Considerations
Operation Jangle, 6/18/51





                                                    June 18, 1951

John C. Clark, J-Division

T.L. Shipman, M.D., Health Division Leader

RAD SAFE CONSIDERATIONS, OPERATION JANGLE

SYMBOL:  H-55

A not inconsiderable number of people in the Laboratory have expressed 
definite doubts as to whether or not a deep (50 foot) underground shot 
can be fired at the Nevada Test Site without subjecting nearby towns 
such as Alamo and Caliente to a unjustifiable hazard.  Certain people 
at present are engaged in a variety of calculations in the hope of 
producing more information on the subject.

There is among certain of us a very definite feeling that a deep 
underground shot is the most dangerous of the three under 
consideration; and as its purpose, according to my understanding, is 
simple to determine the advisability of the other two, it would seem 
that the deep shot could be dispensed with if there existed a real 
doubt as to its safety.

May I urge, therefore, that you call a meeting in the relatively near 
future of all the people who have interested themselves in this 
specific problem.  It may be agreed by all participants that plans can 
continue as at present.  If, on the other hand, an unfavorable verdict 
is reached, such an opinion should be placed before the proper 
authorities at the earliest possible time.



                              T. L. SHIPMAN, M.D.
                              Health Division Leader

TLS/es

Distributions:

     John C. Clark - cy 1A
     M.E. Bradbury - cy 2A
     H-Div. File - cy 3A