burned all living things aboard them with invisible and painless but 

 deadly radiation. 



It is too soon to attempt an analysis of all of the implications 

 of the Bikini tests. But it is not too soon to point to the necessity 

 for immediate and intensive research into several unique problems 

 posed by the atomic bomb. The poisoning of large volumes of water 

 presents such a ])roblem. Study must be given to procedures for 

 protecting not only ships' crews but also the populations of cities 

 against such radiological effects as were demonstrated in Bikini 

 lagoon. 



Observations during the two tests have established the general 

 types and range of effectiveness of air and shallow underwater 

 atomic-bomb bursts on naval vessels, army materiel, including a 

 wide variety of Quartermaster stores, and personnel. From these 

 observations and from instrumental data it will now be possible 

 to outline such changes, not only in military and naval design but 

 also in strategy and tactics, as future events may indicate. 



National security dictates the adoption of a policy of instant 

 readiness to defend ourselves vigorously against any threat of 

 atomic weapon attack at any time and adherence to this policy 

 until it is certain that there can never be an atomic war. One en- 

 during princii)le of war has not been altered ])y the advent of the 

 atomic weapon. Offensive strength will remain the best defenses. 

 Therefore, so long as atomic bombs could conceivably be used against 

 this country, the Board urges the continued production of atomic 

 material and research and development in all fields related to 

 atomic warfare. 



199 



