tion;

Z 3
:

production,the first figure involves the

value ratio ofW233 and plutonium; the second derives from the U-~235
cy

burn-up.

.

Fedative value figure contained
Dr. Schreiber said that theA
an assumption about the neutron velocity in U-233 | which is somewhat

uncertain,

If Pajarito measurements are correct the velocity may be

higher than assumed, and the relative value correspondingly higher,
Dr. von Neumann put the argument. for case B ast _ the bookkeeping
mainly shows that case B would not make a major upset in. the thermoe-~
3

nuclear program; for all other ‘purposes case B providess
an ‘Amportant
degree of freedom,

po | o)

;

Turning to Mr. Strauss, Dr. Rabi asked "why ask us, since 80 many
advantages are evident?"

Mr. Strauss replied that the advantages had .

previously not been so clear, and that in any case it was an appropriate
matter for GAC consideration,

.

Dr. Libby inquired as to the certainty of the costestimates,
Discussion of

Case B

Mr.

G. F. Quinn said that they were the best avallable, although it was true

that experience was lacking in large scale thoriunprocessing.”
Mr. Murphree asked whether there was a possibility that U-233

Possible

U-233
Bomb

Test

Vee

might have some disadvantage in weapons.

Mr. Strauss said he had

wondered about this and whether one should make a test before rushing
into large scele production,

Dr. Bradbury commented that a test would

certainly be wanted, but that the low neutron background is definite

Select target paragraph3