What we often forget is that in any country there are multiple sources of power. Perhaps, someone, who has a lot of money and influence, did not like an idea that Nixon may actually succeed in building good relations of detente and wanted to add a note of negativity. One may imagine quite a few Ad cuius bonum? in both countries.
Power could be exercised not only via an official hierarchy, but also via say cash. Some individuals may do about anything for money. So if there was a dangerous radiation, it required a proper investigation process conducted by the qualified experienced investigators, not just hearsay.