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C00002 00002	Emphasize improving training and discipline.
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Emphasize improving training and discipline.

In some important ways, the Soviets have reacted correctly to Chernobyl in
avoiding panic and have reduced the costs of over-reaction.

[panel wants to see wording].

[The liberal press will react favorably to including some favorable remarks
about  the Soviets]

Does Chernobyl approximate worst case?  

What about a NYT magazine or Scientific American article based on the report?
Bethe and Cohen ?and Ray

How we know what we know.
How do we know:

Our conclusions about Chernobyl are mainly based on what the Soviets have said
supplemented by observations made in Europe.  Many people ask whether the reality
might be quite different.  they speculate that the soviets may be concealing
thousands of fatalities as certain U.S. officials stated, on the basis of
misinterpreted satellite data, shortly after the accident.

Our opinion is that the incomplete information so far furnished by the Soviets
about the extent of the accident, the number of who died, the number with serious
radiation injury, and the measures taken to deal with the crisis are substantially
accurate. They agree with what foreign doctors have observed, with the results of 
foreign journalist intervies with evacuees from Pripyat (including children),
and with later interpretation of satellite data, and with the reports of travellers
to Kiev.

Moreover, if the number of dead is more than a thousand, as was speculated, 
this will become increasingly known to the public in Kiev and from them to 
Russian speaking visitors.

The main facts about the reactor design were published by the Soviets in many 
articles in their engineering journals long before the accident . Many foreign
nuclear engineers have visited them.

Furthermore, many Soviet scientists and engineers have personal relationships
with foreign colleagues and are very reluctant to lie to them. They prefer
to say nothing when telling the truth is not allowed. Of course, this is 
especially true if a lie will eventually be found out.  The above doesn't apply
to Soviet diplomats, propagandists and newspapers that lie all the time--even
when the truth is well known to their audience.

The Soviets have not so far revealed much information about the cause of the
accident and its consequences.