Attachment 6

Telegram on publicity for Pantex explosive tests

     Telegram for K. F. Hertford, Manager, Santa Fe Operations,
to Brig. Gen. Alfred D. Starbird, Director of Military
Application, AEC, March 19, 1958.
                  U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
               OUTGOING TELECOMMUNICATION MESSAGE
               (See reverse side for instructions)

                                             March 19, 1956

Brid. Gen. Alfred D. Starbird      Brid. Gen R. G. Butler
Director of Military Application   Ordnance Ammunition Command
USAEC                              Joliet, Ill.
Washington, D.C.
                                   Maj. Francis H. Wilson, Jr.,
                                   CGR
                                   Pantex Ordnance Plant
                                   Amarillo, Texas

With further reference to our TWX C-941 dated March 8, 1956, and
subsequent telecons with you, Bradbury and Shipman, this office
still fees that there is no chance that the use of a 1000 curie
rala source in Tee Pantex 150 pound he confinement test will
create a health, film exposure or public relations problem in the
Pantex area.  The average Los Alamos unconfined Bayo test will
equivalent HE involves a rala source about three times the
strength to be used in the Pantex confinement test.  None of the
Bayo tests of this size has created a health or public relations
problem. Para

The zero point at Pantex is 2000 yards removed from the nearest
public highway and from the nearest private home.  This compares
favorably with the Bayo site which is less than 2000 yards
removed from Tee main board entering Los Alamos.  Based on past
favorable experience at Bayo which is being reflected in the
Pantex experiment by use of GMI 5 and H Division personnel plus
the added ten feet of washed sand and gravel confinement feature
at Pantex, we are reasonably confident that little if any
radioactivity will pass out of the immediate test area.  Even if
some 
                               GIF

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                  U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
        OUTGOING TELECOMMUNICATION MESSAGE--CONTINUATION

Brig. Gen. A. D. Starbird                          March 19, 1956

quantity up to the entire 1000 curies did in fact for some
mysterious reason get blown beyond any one of the plant's
boundary fences (which is the most extreme possibility that
anyone can imagine), the radioactivity is certain to be so
diffused in inert gases as to constitute a very nominal control
and public relations problem.  Para

In view  of the public relations implications of this experiment,
However, we submit below our coordinated views as to how the
public relations problem should be handled.  Para

The technical projection indicates that even under the worst
circumstances foreseen, any public relations problem should be
minor.  Weighing past experience at Pantex (and at Los Alamos)
and the probable future requirement for public confirmation that
Pantex works with radioactive materials causes us to recommend
following information handling.  Para

1/   We propose public issuance in immediate Pantex area of
     following type of text when construction arrangements are
     completed, under name of Francis H. Wilson, Jr., Major,
     Ordnance Corps, C.O., Pantex Ordnance Plant:

          "Arrangements have been completed with (number of)
          local contractors for construction on the Pantex plant
          site of a specially-designed, igloo-type structure at a
          total cost approximating $2,000.  Para

          "Conventional high explosives will be deliberately
          detonated in the structure to test the new design's
          explosive-containing characteristics.  Para

          "The explosive force release will approximate that of
          other firings at Pantex which have had no impact
          outside the plant area.

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                  U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
        OUTGOING TELECOMMUNICATION MESSAGE--CONTINUATION

Brig. Gen. A. D. Starbird                          March 19, 1956

          "Considerable instrumentation will be installed to
          determine explosive force experienced in various
          segments of the structure.  This will be supplemented
          by the Use of Radioactive tracers, somewhat as they are
          used today in various research and industrial
          processes.  Materials used have a short half life.  By
          using extremely sensitive instruments immediately after
          the shot, the particles' post shot location may be
          determined.  Para

          "Minute amounts may escape into the air above the
          igloo, but will present no hazard to plant site
          workers."  Para

2/   Any subsequent public inquiries will be answered within the
     announcement's  framework.  If the need develops, plant
     management will refer additionally to the long experience
     with such tests and public safety at Los Alamos.  Para

End Ref SFP:PWA

Typed Cy: N. E. Bradbury, Director, LASL
          H. M. Johnson, Director, E&C Division, SFCO
          R. G. Elliott, Director, Ofc of Information, SFCO




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