National Affairs: So Long, Charlie

Test Charlie, the explosion of the sixth atomic bomb (in water three miles deep outside Bikini Lagoon), was postponed indefinitely last week by presidential order. The announced reason: Charlie would not add enough new information to the better-than-expected data collected at the first two Bikini tests. The unannounced and more compelling cause: economy. With both the Army & Navy scrabbling to make a combined $1.6 billion budget cut, Charlie looked like a $35-million baby who would not be missed.

...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!