-237,
Early (1941) British work on heavy water reactors provided con-
-
siderable stimulus to our own work (OSRD) which led to the
Manhattan Project.
8,- The British production experience could be helpful to us,
‘(Secretary's note:
Inmediately after the meeting a copy of this statement
was transmitted to Mr. Dean for whatever use he' might wish to make of it.)
The various points made in this statement were discussed, and the
statement was approved by the Committee.
A number of Committee members were very much in favor of making information on reactor technology available to friendly nations,
Dr, Rabi, as
devil's advocate, listed the following arguments against giving reactor
development information,
(1) loss of secrecy, hence, security.
(2) giving up a competitive position to others.
(3) the feeling of giving away something for nothing.
To these, Dr. Wigner added
(4) if we give information away too soon we decrease our bargaining
position.
These points were considered pro and con.
The Committee found itself in
agreement that the Technical Cooperation Program should certainly be continued and extended.
In general it favored interchange of some information
on reactor technology, within limits of maintaining our security, but did
not attempt to define these limits. Dr. Fisk pointed out that "security"
has a positive meaning, is a dynamic matter, related to accomplistment, and
must not be confused with "secrecy",
The feeling was that the Chairman's
Report to Mr, Dean should contain a general statement of affirmative
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