581. Memorandum From Beckler to Goodpaster1
Washington, July 14,
1960
[Facsimile Page 1]
SUBJECT
When the Science Advisory Committee met with the President on July 11th
there was discussion of the Plowshare program, particularly with respect
to the matter of radioactivity and its economic consequences. The
Committee recommended that a critical study of the problem be undertaken
by the National Academy of Sciences.
Attached is a general description of what is intended to be included in
the proposed study. The description is based on a discussion with
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Dr. Kistiakowsky immediately prior to his
departure for Europe, but he has not had an opportunity to see the final
language.
Enclosure
Proposed Study
[Facsimile Page 2]
Proposed Study on Radioactivity
Associated with Project Plowshare
It is proposed that, on behalf of the President, the Special
Assistant for Science and Technology request the National Academy of
Sciences/National Research Council to undertake a classified study
of the radioactivity associated with use of nuclear explosions for
peaceful purposes (Project Plowshare). The purpose of this study
would be to provide a basis for government planning concerning
Project Plowshare.
The study would be focused on the critical evaluations of the
world-wide and local fallout and the ground contamination involved
in specific applications of nuclear explosions proposed in Project
Plowshare. The study would also make general estimates of the direct
and indirect economic effects resulting from precautions against
radioactivity contamination. In addition, the study would estimate
the duration and magnitude of the research and development effort
required to reduce the radioactive contamination involved in various
applications.
The study would not attempt to evaluate either the overall
comparative economic worth of the proposed applications of Project
Plowshare or the psychological aspects of the problem resulting from
either the favorable reaction to U.S. technological strength or the
unfavorable reaction to fear of radioactivity contamination and the
association of the project with nuclear weapons development.
The study would be completed by September 10, 1960 in a form suitable
for a briefing for the President. (It must be recognized, however,
that the late starting date and the problem of obtaining the
services of competent people during August make this completion date
uncertain.) The cost of conducting such a study is estimated at some
$25,000 to $50,000.
