Memorandum of Conference with the President on October 8, 1957, 8:30 am.

SEGRET October 9, 1957 MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH THE PRESIDENT October 8, 1957, 8:30 AM Others present: Secretary Quarles Dr. Waterman Mr. Hagen Mr. Holaday Governor Adams General Persons Mr. Hagerty Governor Pyle Mr. Harlow General Cutler General Goodpaster Secretary Quarles began by reviewing a memorandum prepared in Defense for the President on the subject of the earth satellite (dated October 7, 1957). He left a copy with the President. He reported that the Soviet launching on October 4th had apparently been highly successful. The President asked Secretary Quarles about the report that had come to his attention to the effect that Redstone could have been used and could have placed a satellite in orbit many months ago. Secretary Quarles said there was no doubt that the Redstone, had it been used, could have orbited a satellite a year or more ago. The Science Advisory Committee had felt, however, that it was better to have the earth satellite proceed separately from military development. One reason was to stress the peaceful character of the effort, and a second was to avoid the inclusion of materiel, to which foreign scientists might be given access, which is used in our own military rockets. He said that the Army feels it could erect a satellite four months from now if given the order this would still be one month prior to the estimated date for the Vanguard. The President said that when this information reaches the Congress, they are bound to ask why this action was not taken. He recalled, DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 11 MR 76-49 Document #65 By Jw. Date 11-17-76