50. Editorial Note

During a discussion on atomic weapons requirements held after the National Security Council meeting on February 12, 1959, with McElroy, Twining, and others, President Eisenhower commented as follows:

“The President understands the need for small weapons in air defense and missile defense, although he pointed out that the three scientists who had visited him the day before (Drs. Land, Purcell and Killian) had shown less enthusiasm than he has heard at other times in this area. The President continued that when we come to supplying small yield weapons for the Infantry and the Marines we are getting into the area of marginal utility. He does not visualize great stockpiles of these weapons around the periphery of the USSR. He pointed out further that our total current megaton capability is estimated so high that if we should employ this quantity of atomic weapons, the fallout from our own weapons could destroy our own country, and indeed the entire Northern Hemisphere. He further expressed the view that we are taking counsel of our fears. He reiterated that we should push atomic weapons [Page 184] for air defense but be more moderate in development of tactical atomic weapons. He suggested that we indoctrinate ourselves that there is such a thing as common sense. Mr. McElroy agreed and stated that the Department of Defense had fought this line of reasoning when they cut service requests.” (Memorandum of Conference with the President by John S.D. Eisenhower; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries) see the Supplement.