CFM files, lot M 88, box 169, “Churchill–Eden Visit”
No. 472
Memorandum by the Chairman of
the Atomic Energy Commission (Strauss) of a
Luncheon Meeting, Washington, June 26, 1954, Noon1
CEV SPEC–2
We have met today for a discussion of certain points raised by the Prime Minister in his conversations with the President.2 These questions, which primarily concern the effects of weapons (notably thermo-nuclear weapons) were detailed by Lord Cherwell and Sir Edwin Plowden. Mr. Strauss explained that the results (effects) of the recent test series conducted by the United States were as yet incomplete but were expected to be coming from the laboratories within the next months. He stated that, pursuant to the agreement initiated in November, 1953,3 to extend the Modus Vivendi to include the effects of weapons on human beings and their environment, it was the intention of the Atomic Energy Commission to volunteer the exchange of this data with the United Kingdom when it was received.
A further question raised by Lord Cherwell having to do with evaluation of Soviet capabilities was discussed in the light of limitations on such discussions now imposed by existing statute and it [Page 1097] was agreed that progress beyond the collaboration now current would need to await enactment of amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1946. The proposed amendments had earlier been discussed with Lord Cherwell.4
- According to a notation on the source text the memorandum was dictated by Strauss on June 26 after a luncheon meeting with Lord Cherwell and Sir Edwin Plowden. It was drafted on July 6.↩
- For a record of the discussion of atomic matters on June 25, see Document 469.↩
- For documentation on the agreement on the exchange of atomic information with the British, initiated in November 1953, see vol. ii, Part 2, pp. 1251 ff.↩
- A further discussion on atomic energy matters held on June 27, CEV SPEC–3a, is in Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CF 336.↩