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.cb THE PRO-NUCLEAR COUNTER-DEMONSTRATION AT DIABLO CANYON


	The purpose of this memo is to evaluate the results of
the pro-nuclear counter-demonstration at Diablo Canyon.

Background: Anti-nuclear groups throughout the country organized
demonstrations throughouut the country taking the occasion of
the August 6 anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima.  The San Francisco
Bay Area anti-nuclear groups announced early in the summer a
plan for a "symbolic occupation" of the site where the Diablo
Canyon nuclear plant of Pacific Gas and Electric Company is in
the final stages of construction and awaiting licensing.  In order
The Sunday Diablo Canyon action was preceded by a Saturday rally in Golden Gate
Park in San Francisco.  The main anti-nuclear speakers were Barry
Commoner and Daniel Ellsberg.  Commoner undertook to portray nuclear
energy as plot to prevent everyone from having his own solar plant
independent of the utilities.  Ellsberg connected nuclear energy with
the bombing of Hiroshima and gave the hard line self-righteousness
appropriate to encourage the future occupiers to face arrest.

	The demonstration consisted of about 600 people, many of whom
merely sat on the beach and listened to the music and speeches.  They
didn't have a "name band" to attract people.  There were perhaps 100
activists and 55 people went over the fence and got themselves arrested.

	The pro-nuclear counter-demonstration was proposed about
two weeks previously by John McCarthy and Tom Connolly.  There was
no prior publicity - through lack of experience and energy rather
than from intention.  The participants were personal contacts and
friends of the organizers.  About 60α% of those who said they would
come actually drove down to San Luis Obispo (four and a half hours).

	The counter-demonstration included the following:

1. Carrying signs with pro-nuclear slogans.

2. Distribution of the attached leaflet entitled "You are making
a mistake" addressed to the demonstrators.

3. Talking to any press, radio and TV people who were there.

	The anti-nuclear people were entirely polite and friendly
and willing to discuss the issues with anyone who wanted to talk
about them.