Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume III, National Security Policy; Arms Control and Disarmament, Microfiche Supplement

16. Memorandum of Conference with the President¹

Washington, February 25, 1958

OTHERS PRESENT

• Dr. Killian
• Admiral Strauss
• General Goodpaster

Dr. Killian reported on an unexpected effect anticipated from exploding nuclear weapons at very high altitude. An “electron capture” phenomenon is anticipated which might have major effects on communication and radar. There was discussion of the possibilities in relation to “blanking out” of radars of certain wavelength.

The significance of this discovery to the shot planned for 250,000 feet altitude during the weapons tests this year was also discussed.

A.J. Goodpaster
Brigadier General, USA

1. Source: High-altitude nuclear explosions. Top Secret. 1 p. Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, DDE Diaries.