New atomic blast slated for today

Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 29.-(U.P.)

The Atomic Energy commission banned airplane flights in the vicinity of its Frenchman's Flat proving ground today indicating the seventh atomic explosion in the current series of nuclear tests would be fired this morning.

The AEC issued a warning to aircraft through the civil aeronautics administration to stay outside a radius of 140 miles of Caliente, Nev., near the test site, from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The warning was similar to the one issued Nov. 19 when the first baby blast in the "effects" phase of the atomic tests was touched off. It indicated the bonb would be fired either on the ground or atop a tower at the site and not dropped from a bomber as in earlier tests.

There was some speculation, however, that the charge might be fired underground.

The "effects" tests are aimed primarily at determining the effect of atomic explosions on military equipment, fortifications and civilian construction; information needed by both the military and civilian defense agencies.

A temporary Army camp set up for the recent weapons tests has been converted into a permanent installation, enabling military specialists to come here to observe the blasts.

Troops will be present at the firing range for today's test but they will be observers and will not participate in the detonation. Some high ranking Army officers also were known to be at the proving ground for the test.

Army chief of staff Gen. J. Lawton Collins was reported to be at Frenchman's Flat to witness the blast. He will be the first member of the joint chiefs of staff to watch a test in the current series.


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