VELA UNIFORM UNDERGROUND NUCLEAR TEST IN ALASKA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R000100130025-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 29, 2005
• Sequence Number: 25
• Publication Date: March 12, 1965
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Rele 2005/08/02 : CIA-RDP80B01676R001,0130025-2
State Drtment, NSC, OSD, DOE, USAF reviews completed
MAR 12 1965
MEMORANDUM FOR MEMBERS OF THE REVIEW COM:viITTEE
ON UNDERGROUND NUCLEAR TESTS
SUBJECT: VELA UNIFORM Underground Nuclear Test in Alaska
This is to record the fact that on March 8, 1965, the Review
Committee on Underground Nuclear Tests, established by NSAM
No. 307, considered- the proposal contained in a memorandum
dated February 25, 1965, from the Deputy Secretary of Defense
to me, that a VELA UNIFORM underground nuclear test (known
as LONG SHOT) be conducted in Alaska during the fourth quarter
of 1965.
The agencies represented on the Review Committee concurred in
the test from the standpoint of scientific research and its probable
bearing on future test ban negotiations. The Committee noted that
the Bureau of the Budget, although concurring in the desirability
of the test, has raised a question as to whether the benefits are
worth the increased costs as now estimated and will review the
financial aspects of the proposed test with the Department of
Defense.
The Committee also noted that the Department of Defense intended
to give public notice and explanation of the test sufficiently in advance
of the event to alert other coi:nt s and specifically the scientists
and seismologists of other col_nL:cs.
The Committee also noted that ti-: , event would be coordinated closely
with the Department of State, AC)A, and the White House with
respect to the actual date for the event to ensure that a last minute
political judgment is exercised prior to the conduct of the experiment,
and that the Department of Defense had indicated that the project
could be postponed without adverse affect at any time up until the
device has been put in place.
mJ 6
McGeorge Bundy
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Approved For Release 2005/08/02 :CB0B01676R000100130025-2
 'Approved For Rele 2005/08/02 CIA-RDP80BOl676R000100130025-2
THE WHITE HOUSE
SECRET
March 13, 1965
MEMORANDUM FOR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY,
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
SUBJECT:. VELA UNIFORM Underground Nuclear Test
in Alaska
The recommendation contained in your memorandum to me of
February 25, 1965, 'which was discussed by the Review Committee
on Underground Nuclear Tests at its meeting on March 8, 1965,
requesting approval of a VELA UNIFORM underground nuclear
test in Alaska, Project LONG SHOT, has been approved for
execution during the fourth quarter of 1965.
The project should be carried out in close coordination with the
Department of State and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
with respect to the actual date for the event to ensure that a last
minute political judgment-is exercised prior to the conduct of the
experiment.'
McGeorge Bundy
Approved For Release 2005/08/02 : CIA-RDP80BO1676R000100130025-2
 -Approved For Releaass~e_ 2005/08/0rrm f P80B01676R0001100130025-2
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(CLASSIFICATION)
EXECUTIVE MEMORANDUM
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE MEMORANDUM No.13 9
DATE 16 March 1965
TO:
Deputy Director (Plans)
Deputy Director (Intelligence)
Deputy Director (Science & Technology)
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EA/DCI
EA / DDCI
ROOM NO.
NOTE: Reference is Executive Memorandum No. 132, dated
23 June 1964, ER 64-4473.
This memorandum contains information for the addressees. Ad-
dressees may give this memorandum additional circulation within
their components as required. All copies should be destroyed, not
filed, upon completion of circulation. A master file will be kept in
the Executive Director's Office and will be available upon request.
Approved For Release 2005/081c CT JRDP80B01676R0001Q
(CLASSIFICATION)
u u . from oummure
downgrading and
dedoaigwrion
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