FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

v) Continued pressure for the reduction of personnel throughout the Government, with a percentage goal to be determined later.

vi) A basic presumption that going programs in 1961 should be reduced by, say, five per cent from 1960 level, subject to increases above this point for new legislation and other uncontrollable circumstances.

vii) Continued resistance in this Congress to legislation proposing new programs or providing programs above those recommended by the Administration, with particular opposition to legislation providing built-in increases affecting future years.

viii) Consideration to establishing reserves and thereby deferring the use of authorizations enacted by the Congress for the 1960 or 1961 budgets in excess of Administration proposals.

ix) Avoidance of supplemental appropriation proposals for fiscal 1960, both in the current and in next year's session of Congress, to the maximum extent possible.

x) Augmentations made by the Congress to 1960 Administration proposals to be applied as advances against 1961 programs, to the maximum extent possible.

b. The President requested that paragraph i) above be interpreted to mean considerably below $30 billion, if possible below current levels.

c. The President approved interpreting sub-paragraphs (ii), (iii), (v), (vi), and (vii) above to include the flexibility for substituting new, particularly desirable programs for existing ones or for increasing the support for existing programs, by eliminating or reducing other existing programs in such a manner that the over-all total for the Government remains as specified.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

ATOMS-FOR-SPACE: A CHALLENGE

TO U. S. LEADERSHIP

## Background

In December 1953 the President electrified the world with his atoms-for-
peace proposal; captured the initiative for the U. S. and inaugurated the peace-
time atomic age. In October 1957 the Soviets dramatically launched the space
age with their first Sputnik. Since then a struggle has been going on between
the free and communist worlds to wrest leadership in scientific advancement and
prestige.

This cold war of science is underlined by the recent summit breakup-- a
sharp reminder that we are in a long term, demanding struggle with a tenacious
adversary. This presents a real challenge for U. S. leadership in the decade ahead
and calls for imagination, together with a renewed sense of purpose.

## The Challenge

A worthy challenge to U. S. ingenuity and leadership, in the struggle
for men's minds throughout the world, is the application of nuclear energy to the
conquest of space, the great new frontier of our age. What better way to dramatize
to the world our vitality, vision, sense of purpose? The means: a quantum jump
over the Soviets in deep space exploration with large payloads through use of nuclear
rockets. The atom can also provide a vitually unlimited source of power in space
for reconnaissance, communications and other uses not presently feasible. These
developments are not just theoretical concepts; they are well on their way. Given
the necessary support and encouragement, they could revolutionize the field of space
exploration.

## Present Program

Since early 1955, the U. S. has had a program under the direction of the
AEC (later in cooperation with NASA) to develop a nuclear rocket for space travel.
an
There has been accompanying program directed at producing large quantities of electrical

energy for space applications in small, long-lived packages. As an extension of
this program, plans are underway for development of Ion and plasma engines for
propulsion in deep space over extended periods of time.

The first experimental reactor designed to prove the feasibility of the
nuclear rocket was tested in the Nevada desert last July. This historic first
step was described by the project directors as "successful beyond our original
expectations" and improved versions are to be tested in Nevada this summer.

## Advantages of Nuclear Rocket

Chief advantages of the nuclear rocket over chemical systems are:
greater efficiency in carrying large payloads over long distances in space; greater
growth potential than advanced chemical systems; inherent simplicity, combining
in one stage equipment-such as pumps-which must be reproduced several times in
comparable multistage chemical rockets; and virtually inexhaustible fuel supply.

As an example of these advantages, it is estimated that a space assignment
requiring 3 million pounds of thrust with a chemical engine would require less than
1 million pounds of nuclear thrust. This is due primarily to the lower weight
of the entire system.

In larger sized rockets with substantial payloads, the "specific impulse"
or efficiency of nuclear rockets ranges from two to three times that of chemical
rockets. In terms of total weight, the difference is even more striking. For
example: it has been estimated that to lift a 30,000 pound earth satellite into
orbit would require a three stage chemical rocket with a total weight of 1.2
million pounds. It is estimated that the same job could be done with a one stage
nuclear rocket weighing 210,000 pounds, about a sixth as much.

Or take the example of a deeper space mission to Mars. Assuming a total
weight limitation of 150,000 pounds for the rocket and payload, a chemical system
could place about 7,500 pounds of payload into orbit versus 55,000 pounds of payload
for a nuclear system. On the return mission the chemical system could carry 750

pounds of payload and the nuclear about 25,000 pounds. The implications of this in
terms of manned space flight are clear.

## Advantages of Nuclear Power Sources

One of the main problems in space exploration is to develop light, compact and reliable sources of electrical energy with sufficient power to operate communications and other equipment over extended periods of time, ranging from month to years. As power requirements mount, it will be increasingly difficult to provide such energy from conventional battery sources because of increases in weight and bulk, which rapidly become prohibitive beyond the 10 watt level. Yet, larger missions into space, particularly manned missions, will require multi-kilowatt sources of electric power. Aside from solar energy, which is limited by bulky equipment to ranges below one kilowatt, the only known means of meeting the above requirements is through the use of nuclear energy.

A program to develop nuclear sources of power for space has been carried on by the AEC concurrently with the nuclear rocket program. Smaller devices utilizing the heat of radioisotopes have been developed which are capable of providing power for present day satellites over extended periods. (It is estimated that the small 5 watt device demonstrated by President Eisenhower over a year ago will continue to produce power for about 5 years). These isotope sources are practical up to the 500 watt level, but beyond this point, small compact reactors are necessary. One of these, designed to produce 3 kilowatts of electricity and weighing about 500 pounds, has been in operation since last fall. Along with the Rover experiment in Nevada, this reactor has exceeded expectations of the project directors in its performance. More powerful reactors, designed to produce up to 60 kilowatts of electricity, are in the development stage. Such large sources of energy in relatively lightweight units represent a quantum jump over anything now known to exist in either the free world or Soviet world. Their development has, quite obviously, important military as well as civilian implications.

## Promise of Ion and Plasma Reproduction

Aside from providing a substantial improvement in our communications and reconnaissance capabilities in space, these large sources of power may provide sufficient energy to operate an ion or plasma propulsion system. Ion systems, although low in thrust, will be able to provide steady sources of propulsion for deep space extending over months or even years. Another approach under active study is the use of controlled themonuclear energy -- or fusion --/the form of plasma reactors for propulsion. Harnessing the forces of the sun for exploration of the solar system is admittedly a long range task but one which is worthy of determined effort.

## Need for Leadership and Initiative

As with the development of the nuclear submarine, leadership and initiative are going to be required if we are to develop the full potentials of the "atoms for space" program. Unfortunately, the performance of the Executive Branch to date has not been too promising: The project has been the subject of sniping and "stretchouts" by the Budget Bureau ever since its inception, despite steady technical progress and although the amounts involved so far have been relatively modest; a sense of urgency and impetus has been lacking at high levels, although Chairman McGone of the AEC has come out in strong support; the National Aeronautics and Space Agency, which shares responsibility with AEC for the nuclear rocket program, has apparently given it such low priority that the nuclear rocket project wasn't even mentioned in NASA's recent report describing possible space applications for the next 10 years; despite the fact that the nuclear rocket program has been underway for five years, and the first experimental reactor tested successfully last summer, the government has still not established any firm objectives, requirements or target dates for flight testing; no effective central direction for the program (like Rickover) has been set up, with duplication and friction between agencies on the rise; there has been an absence of clearcut policy decisions

and a multiplicity of review committees, which has seriously impeded progress of the program.

## Proposed: A Vigorous "atoms for space" Program

In the aftermath of the summit collapse and the renewed Soviet challenge, it is proposed that the United States retake the initiative with a vigorous "atoms for space" program. Such a program will serve the national interest both in terms of scientific advancement and in renewing world confidence in America's scientific capabilities. It will capture the world's imagination and revive the spirit engendered by the President's original atoms-for-peace proposal, which had such a profound effect on world opinion. Finally, it would represent a quantum jump over the Soviets in the realm of space, in which they presently hold the initiative.

For such a program to be successful, it is essential that it receive whole-hearted support in both branches of government and on a bipartisan basis; that this support include adequate financial backing; that clear cut decisions be made on basic policy matters and that effective central direction be provided, as in the nuclear submarine program; that the program be conducted in an orderly manner, without recourse to Vanguard-type philosophy and above the clatter of interagency rivalry and multiple review committees.

Such an effort would be in the best traditions of America and would reawaken our sense of purpose. The task would be a noble and challenging one. It is time we got started.

May 6, 1960

Mr. Eli Shapiro
Deputy Director of Research
Commission on Money and Credit
New York 22, New York
711 Fifth Avenue

With kind regards.

I look forward to getting the appendices.

caused. It has been very helpful, and
you for sending the material we had dis-
This is just a note to thank

Dear Eli:

-3-

D. Department of State Bulletin, January 1 to present.

E. Congressional Reports and Studies, including the current studies by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on U. S. foreign policy and the Joint Economic Committee's reports.

F. Speech File: NAR's statements since September, 1959

G. Regional Editorial Reaction: Surveys available of editorial positions of 30 cross country newspapers on individual domestic and international issues.

## IV. Speech Material and Human Resources:

For the benefit of the speech writers, we have excerpted key paragraphs and phrases from each basic study. The passages have been typed on separate sheets of paper which are attached to the study.

Researchers are available to assist speech writers. If DNA could receive drafts of speeches on national and international issues, we could check them for accuracy. This could help avoid such errors as the following:

> "...American private investors have staked twenty-five billion dollars in the Hemisphere as against less than sixteen billion dollars in all the rest of the world." (National Foreign Trade Council Dinner, November 18, 1959, New York, New York; World Affairs Council, December 17, 1959, Dallas Texas.)

The Department of Commerce estimates that direct private investment in the Hemisphere in 1959 totaled $18.7 billion ($9.2 in Latin America and $9.5 in Canada). The 1958 total was $17.6 billion for the Hemisphere ($8.7 in Latin America and $8.9 in Canada).

OR

> "...I believe too that the federal government should increase federal scholarships for students" (American Association of School Administrators, Atlantic City, February 14, 1960).

There are no federal scholarships, only federal fellowships for graduate work under NDEA. These are matched by grants to the graduate schools, and part of the purpose is to encourage the development of new graduate schools. Federal scholarships would be a new idea, and a rather doubtful one. It is part of the ADA program - they want 100,000 federal college scholarships.

# LIST OF STUDY PAPERS

## I. AREA PAPERS

### EUROPE (WESTERN)

- Problems, Opportunities & Immediate Tasks

- NATO - Problems of Security & Collaboration

- NATO - General

- Economic Problems - Common Market and Free Trade Area

### EUROPE (EASTERN)

- Political Trends in Eastern Europe

- Economic Aspects of Eastern Europe

- Yugoslavia and the Soviet Bloc

- Eastern Europe and the Soviet Bloc

### LATIN AMERICA (WESTERN HEMISPHERE)

- Nationalism in Latin America

- The Western Hemisphere in a 10-year Perspective

### FAR EAST (CHINA & ASIA)

- South Asian Agricultural Development

- American Information Policy in South Asia

- Indian Political Trends

- American Assistance & the Indian 5-year Plan

- China in a Ten-year Perspective

- The Off-Shore Islands

### SOVIET UNION

- Soviet Internal Developments and Foreign Relations

- Soviet Trends (5-year period)

### AFRICA

- Problems, Opportunities and Immediate Tasks

- West Africa

### MIDDLE EAST

- Middle East

- Middle East - 10-year Perspective

(all papers)

NAR News Spots

" " NAR Editorials

" " NAR Columnists

" " Draft NAR Organizations and References

" " Primaries General

" " Republican Internal Strife (national level)

" " State Elections and Issues (including individual state primaries and GOP strife by state)
- file for each state (x ref to Nat Stu)

" " Polls General

Nat Stu papers
only

NAR Positions on Specific Subjects (x ref to Nat Stu)

Nixon Position on Specific Subjects (x ref to Nat Stu)

" Democrats Positions (x ref to Nat Stu)
- Brown
- Humphrey
-- Johnson
- Kennedy
- Stevenson
- Symington

" Democratic Advisory Committee

" Percy Committee

DNA RESEARCH
ROOM 629
10 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK 20, NEW YORK

January 14, 1960

Mr. David A. Phillips
Humboldt 106
Havana, Cuba

Dear Dave:

Many thanks for your Christmas card. Did I send you one? In the Christmas panic I had no recollection of whom I had remembered and whom I had forgotten.

It may have come to your well-attuned ears that I am at the moment on leave from Life and working for Governor Rockefeller. This was a considerably more strenuous enterprize before his withdrawal announcement than it is today. However, in his withdrawal statement, the Governor did say that he was going to continue to speak out on issues of national importance. And I suppose Cuba will continue to be one of those issues.

I don't know whether Fidel will let you do this, but if he will, and if you feel like it, could you sometime in the next few weeks sit down and dictate (a) your observations on what the situation is in Cuba today - who holds the key to political power, military power, economics, etc., and (b) what should the United States do about the Cuban situation, if anything. Make this as free-wheeling a document as you like with any observations you care to include on past U. S. policy mistakes, adequacies or inadequacies of our diplomatic and military representatives down there now, and sense or nonsense that the attitude of the American business community in Cuba represents, etc.

I am only suggesting this in case you would enjoy another brief fling at playing Lord Almighty. Just throw the request in the wastebasket if it is improper or inconvenient. If you can do it, I would be very grateful.

Have you heard the slogan that is gradually gaining ground up here? "What Cuba should do is to raise less hair and more cane."

When do we see you in New York? Best to Helen and you.

EH:det

Wednesday-December 16, 1959

TO: HUGH MORROW
FROM: THOMAS P. LOSEE

RE: SUBSTANCE-CREATIVE GROUP
Proposed Meetings

Hugh -- Henry and Rod and I had an opportunity to spend a few unharassed moments together yesterday. During this time we agreed that it would be both desirable and necessary if we had periodic meetings so that Henry, Rod, and the Group would have the opportunity to brainwash your writers (Enno and John) and you in turn would have the opportunity to retaliate with some of your wonderful, colorful, spoken words and phrases.

The net of the whole thing is that "togetherness" must be our watchword; a complete integration of substance and creative effort our goal.

Let's you and I discuss this upon your return and then we'll get together with Rod and Henry.

ls/co-Henry Kissinger
Harry J. O'Donnell
Roswell B. Perkins
M. Murphy