C CLP Y 
\ 
\ 
In Reply- 
Ref er to: 
SERIAL - 335 
fast' 
JOINT TASK FORCE ONE 
NAVY DEPARTMENT 
V^ashington 25, D. C. 
6 March 1946 
Dr. Frank B. Jewett, 
National Academy of Sciences 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Dr. Jewett: 
By direction of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and with the approval of the President, 
the Army and Navy and certain civilian scientists have been joined into an organiza¬ 
tion to conduct and supervise atonic bomb tests against military and naval targets. 
This integrated group, known as Joint Task Force One, is under my command. The first 
test in the impending operation, known by the identification of ''Crossroads", will 
be conducted 15 May (weather conditions must be absolutely right before the test will 
be made, therefore, there may be several days delay). The second test will be on 
or about 1 July. Observers for the first test will sail from San Francisco, California, 
on 26 April. 
Being aware of the intense interest which you, and other prominent scientists, 
have in the original development and future significance of the atomic bomb, the 
Secretaries of War and Navy have asked me to request from you, after your careful 
consideration, the names of* twenty representatives to be selected to watch these 
tests. 
Every precaution for the safety of both observers and participants will, of 
§©U»se, be effected. However, due to the purposes and requirements of the operation, 
the Services will, regrettably, be unable to provide the personal comforts which 
they would prefer to extend to distinguished visitors. The unavoidable congestion 
aboard ship, with strained physical accommodations, will, undoubtedly, be aggravated 
by the prevailing tropical climate. The interests of safety will limit the visual 
observation of the events, and the journey to and from the target area will involve 
a sea voyage of approximately one months duration. It is believed these conditions 
should be carefully considered by those who contemplate embarking on this rather 
arduous venture. 
As will be readily appreciated, facilities for observing these scientific 
experiments will be somewhat limited, and adequate provisions for safety can be 
afforded to only a limited number of observers. Arrangements are being concluded 
which will provide for the observation of each test by twenty civilian scientists. 
An invitation is hereby cordially extended to you with the request that you 
nominate the gentlemen who will comprise the group of scientific observers. These 
twenty can observe both tests, or, it is contemplated a ship will return to the 
United States, and other scientists may embark for the second test, providing the 
number never exceeds twenty. 
IRhile specific details as to arrangements and procedures are incomplete, 
Brigadier General T. J. Betts, and Colonel H. B. Smith, of my staff, (Room 4710, 
Navy Building, telephone REpublic 7400, Extension 63055)^ave been designated to 
furnish on call such pertinent information as is no»< available. As time for the 
first test grows imminent, a member of Joint Task Force One will be assigned to 
attend the convenience of the group. 
'tl 
■ f ■" * 
Alt 
/ 
W 
Very sincerely yours, 
W.H.P. Blandy, 
Vice Admiral, USN 
' • Commanding Joint Task , o, ce One 
