redirection could be made, if necessary. ABMA was amenable to this task also, and the briefing was given. Guidance was still not forthcoming. When it appeared that no action would be taken as a result of the June conference, ABMA, on 10 August, forwarded a document to WDD containing what was felt to be Air Force requirements for operations, GSE, logistic support, and training. WDD was asked to modify the documents as necessary, and confirm the plan as Air Force requirements. No results came from this action, for at the end of the month, WDD (now called AFBMD) suspended all activity pertaining to the JUPITER program pending a decision by DOD on the over-all IRBM program. The JUPITER program appeared to be in a very tenuous position; however, ABMA staff- level planning was to continue in such areas as operations, training, maintenance, and GSE 45 . Termination Threat As of April 1957, there were already indications that one of the IRBM programs might be dropped. The Army had previously placed its request to fund the program between July and November, and OSD-BMC approved the estimated costs in the amount of $35 million. The committee pointed out that this action was consistent with Mr. Wilson's decision to continue both IRBM programs as far into 1957 as needed "in order to get a feeling of confidence that one of the two land-based IRBM programs will be successful" before dropping either of the programs 46 . _____________________________

45. Ref Book, Holifield Committee Hearings, Tab I, subj: ABMA Attempts to Obtain Guidance on AF Opnl Rqmts & MC's for the IRBM, Hist Off files. 46. Memo, OSD to ABMC, 2 Apr 57, subj: FY 58 Fund Rqmts for the JUP Pro, Through 30 Nov 57, Hist Off files.