Algie A. Wells

IAEA Deputy Director General

Algie A. ‘Al’ Wells, a lawyer and retired Chairman of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Deputy General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), died on October 16, 2015 at Brighton Gardens. He was a resident of Bethesda.

Mr. Wells served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a military intelligence officer assigned to the Manhattan Project. At the end of World War II, he was appointed an attorney for the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), becoming the Deputy General Counsel for the Commission and the Director of the Division of International Affairs.

In these positions Mr. Wells traveled extensively in Asia, Europe and Africa for the purpose of negotiating purchase and oversight of uranium and other raw materials. He was an active participant in the founding of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and served as legal advisor for the United States Delegation to the Commission on the development of the charter for the IAEA. He later became the Deputy Director General of the IAEA for a period of time. The Commission asked him to return as the first Chairman of the U.S. Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, AEC, a position from which he retired in 1972.

During his years with the IAEA and AEC, Mr. Wells directed activities that included negotiation and implementation of more than 60 bilateral agreements involving cooperation of and safeguards for nuclear materials and classified information with foreign governments. All negotiated agreements had to be approved by the President of the United States prior to being submitted to the Congressional Joint Committee on Atomic Energy.

During a ceremony on July 13, 2011, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission honored Mr. Wells for his contributions, stating that “his work to further the safe application and control of nuclear energy has greatly benefited the nation and humanity.”

Algie Aaron ‘Al’ Wells was born September 25, 1912 and spent his early life in Upshur County, Texas. He graduated from Dallas Technical High School and attended the University of Texas, Austin, from which he received the BA and Doctorate of Juris Prudence degrees. While at UT, he was a member of the Tejas Club, Phi Beta Kappa and an editor of the Law Review. He enjoyed classical music and served as church organist for several congregations prior to his military service.

Professional affiliations included membership in the Federal Bar Association. He was a member of Bethesda First Baptist Church for more than 30 years, serving as a Deacon of the church and on the Board of Christian Education and Music Committee. For several years he was a member of Rotary International, Friendship Heights Club.

He married Lorette Rancourt on June 27, 1953 in Washington, D.C. A native of Waterville, Maine, his wife was an accomplished musician and artist who accompanied him on many of his official trips. Lori died on October 2, 2006 after 53 years of marriage.