ATTACHMENT 6 Copy No. _35 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE COPY RDB-AE 203/1 23 February 1951 MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHAIRMAN, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD SUBJECT: Department of Defense Biomedical Participation in Atomic Weapons Tests 1. It is considered of great importance that a continuing effort be made by the Department of Defense to obtain needed biomedical information on every occasion of test detonation of atomic weapons. This information is necessary in order that we can adequately inform military field commanders of probable biomedical consequences of exposure of their personnel to the effects of such weapons. 2. I have noted with concern that there was no biomedical participation by the Department of Defense in Operation RANGER and that there are no approved plans for controlled biomedical investigations in Operation WINDSTORM. 3. It is essential that we all give further consideration to the incorporation of biomedical tests into the plans for Operation WINDSTORM and that a determined effort be made to arrange for necessary and practicable biomedical participation in all other future atomic weapons tests. /s/ Richard L. Meiling, M.D. RICHARD L. MEILING, M.D. Chairman Armed Forces Medical Policy Council Copy No.__35 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD Washington 25, D.C. COPY AE 202/1 27 April 1951 MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE ON MEDICAL SCIENCES SUBJECT: Department of Defense Biomedical Participation in Future Atomic Weapons Tests 1. By attached memorandum dated 23 February 1951, the Chairman, Armed Forces Medical Policy Council expressed concern regarding biomedical participation in certain atomic weapons tests, and stated that he believed it essential that a determined effort be made to arrange for necessary and practicable biomedical participation in all other future atomic weapons tests. 2. Biomedical participation in Operation WINDSTORM was discussed further with the Task Force Commander to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. A copy of the memorandum from the Chairman, Armed Forces Medical Policy Council was also transmitted to the Chief, AFSWP, for his information and considered in connection with assigned responsibilities in preliminary planning for military participation in future atomic weapons tests. 3. The Committee on Atomic Energy believes that in order to insure that the requirements for biomedical data to be obtained from each atomic weapons test are met, there should be available a statement of the essential information of this type which can be obtained only on the occasion of an atomic weapon detonation. Such information would be of considerable aid in test program planning, and would facilitate the establishment of a continuing program designed to take maximum advantage of actual tests which often are carried out on very short notice. 4. It is therefore requested that the Joint Panel on Medical Aspects of Atomic Warfare be requested to submit for approval jointly by the Committee on Medical Sciences and the Committee on Atomic Energy, a statement of the medical and biomedical information they consider essential for the Department of Defense to obtain through participation in atomic weapons tests conducted in the future without regard to a specific type or location of test. FOR THE COMMITTEE: /s/ Robert F. Bacher ROBERT F. BACHER Chairman Committee on Atomic Energy Incl. Cyo Memo for Chairman, RDB frm Richard L. Meiling, M.D. AFMPC Same subj., dtd 23 Feb 51 COPY