Evening star., 1953-01-18
Dispersal Plan
Is Revived for
u. 5. Agencies
Universities Report
Sees Knockout
Attack Possible

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Attack Possible
The Eisenhower administra-
ton will be faced with a recon-
mendation for the dispersal Of
Government agencies into the
suburban area as defense mea-
sure, backed by a survey group
Of unquestioned prestige. =.
Similar to earlier dispersal
recommendations. the latest re-
suits from a survey carried out
by Associated Universities. Inc.
This is a group of nine Eastern
universities which operates the
Brookhaven Laboratory on Long
Island for the Atomic Energy
Commission.
The survey was made for the
Defense Department, the Ma
tional Security Resources Board
and the Civil Defense Admini-
stration. 1t was launched in
June. 1851. More than 100 SCI
entists. educators, businessmen
and Government experts took
part.
Warns Of Attack.
The purpose of the survey was
to determine measures to mini
mize effects on population and
industry of attack by atomic.
biological. chemical and other
weapons. The report was based
on what the survey group be-
lieved to be a thorough analysis
of the threat. 1t warned of the
possibility of a Knockout satu-
ration attack" in the not too
distant future.
The section of the length, re-
port, bearing on dispersal of Gov
ernment is this:
"Since late 1850, the President
has sought legislative authority
and funds to initiate the dis
persal of essential functions of
the Government from the CEN
ter of Washington to the periph-
cry Of the Metropolitan area in
Maryland and Virginia. To date
the Congress has not approved
this proposal.
Its favorable reconsideration
is urged. since such a policy
would help to relieve the
congestion in the Capital City,
would reduce its attractiveness
as a remunerative target, would
largely prevent the disruption Of
those functions considered to be
essential in the event of a ma
tional emergency, and. finally.
would be proof positive of the
Federal Governments genuine
concern for civil defense"
Dispersal in Other Areas.
The report also described as
worth planning a dispersal pro-
gram for Government agencies
in the New York-New Jersey and
the San Francisco-Oakland areas.
The number of Federal employees
in those two areas combined is
approximately equal to the num-
ber in the Washington area.
The survey was directed by
Maj. Gen. Otto L. Nelson, jr.,
retired. He is now vice presi-
dent of the New York Life In
surance Co. His background
would appear to indicate strong
support for his recommendations
by the Defense Department.
A West Point graduate, 1924.
he was assistant deputy chief of
staff in 1942-1944 and was a
member of the committee which
prepared the plans for the War
Department reorganization in
1912. Later he was deputy thea
ter commander in the Mediter-
ranean area. He has been as
Sociated with Gen. Eisenhower
and John Foster Dulles, Secre-
tary of State e-designate, in the.
Carnegie Endowment for Inter-
national Peace. He is a trustee
of that organization and men,
ber of the executive committee.
Dispersal was first recon-
mended by Mr.. Truman in 1850.
The program, quickly whipped
together, got nowhere in Con-
gresS.
1t was submitted to Congress
again the next year. This called
for construction of four buildings
in outlying areas to house 90
900 workers and the shifting Of
$4,000 jobs to cities outside the
Washington area. The flimsy
World War II temporary build
ings would have been razed.
This program received the
support of the Senate Public
Works Committee. but it was
pigeonholed by a Senate vote
on August %, 1851. The House
Public Works Committee held
hearings but made no report.
Dondero Sees No Action.
Chairman Dondero of the
House Public Works Committee
in the new Congress, asked yes
terday about prospects Of action
this year. replied he had not
even thought about the subject.
IT can't see any prospect Of
action, but the situation might
be different in a month" he said
when informed of the Nelson re-
ports recommendation. He
wanted to know how much it
would cost. The report carries
no estimate.
The objection to the program
on the grounds of expense may
be met, at least in part. through
a measure permitting the Gov
to acquire new buildings
on a lease-purchase arrange
ment.
This has already been before
Congress. but has beep feintro-
duced by Representa- re Tr,m-
BILE, Democrat, of Arkansas.
Buildings would be erected
by private industry. They would
be paid for over a period of 25
years at yearly cost amount