J
several advantages over that weapon. The ST our be
of smaller size than the MREES ana would be considerably
safer, permitting conventional in-flight insertion.
It
has not been recommended for test during the CASTLE series _
..as its characteristics are the most calculable of the devices
in question and the required information can probably be
obtained without a test,
‘
‘
Mr. Graves described the proposed location of the |
various shots on both Eniwetok and Bikini Atoll and said
that if a six-shot program is carried out the base camp and
the air strip at Bikini may be destroyed by one of the shots.
The proposed schedule would begin with the first shot
on the 15th of February and the last on the 3rd of April if: :
weather conditions permit.
On the most pessimistic assumption,
that each shot would be delayed one week due to the weather,
the last shot would then occur on the 15th of May.
The
series would then require 90 days and would come close to the
period of undesirable weather which begins usually around
the first of June.
in response to a question from Mr, Strauss, General
Ficlds said
that a supporting task force of approximately
10,000 peopte would be required, epproximately the same
number as for GREENHOUSES and SANDSTONE, but for a con-
siderably longer time.
Mr. Zuckert said that with a task
force of tnis magnitude held cver a lensth cf time such as is
contemplated, it would be impossible to keep the oreration
secret.
The Commission then discussed with Mr. Boyer the
problems of public reaction that would result from carrying
out such a series of tests over such an extended period,
Mr, Strauss inquired how much money would be committed
to the CASTLE test program prior to September.
"
General Fields
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