166. Editorial Note
On March 2, 1962, the President delivered a major radio and television address on nuclear testing and disarmament. The United States had “long urged an effective worldwide end to nuclear tests,” Kennedy declared, and in 1958 had joined the Soviet Union in a nuclear test moratorium. The Soviet Unionʼs breaking of the moratorium in September 1961, however, had prompted his decision soon after to resume underground tests and to begin preparations for atmospheric tests. On March 2, following a careful review of the subject by the National Security Council, he authorized the Atomic Energy Commission and the Department of Defense to conduct a series of atmospheric tests, beginning when preparations were completed in the latter part of April and to be concluded as quickly as possible, within 2 to 3 months. Such series, involving only those tests which could not be held underground, would take place in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. For text, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, 1962, pages 186-192.