al “re Led‘aron weapon progress. > ~2= Any alternative plan such as postponing a portion of the shots until the Pall of 195), would be uneconomic and harmful to either the immediate "energency capability" program or future progress in the field of thermonuclear weapons. The earliest feasible date for scheduling the start of the CASTLE tests 48 March 1, 195). This is based on the rate of supply of lithium-6, the time required for fabrication, shipment, and assewDly of weapon components, and the sched:les for construction of test sites and installation of equipment at BIKINI and ENIWETOX, work on which is underway in both places, Reports prepared by the Division of uilitary Application, Los Alanos Ecilentific Laboratory, and the University of California Radiation Laboratory, Livermore, are enclosed as background information relative to the CASTLE program and for detailed inforvation relative to the weapon prototynes and test devices to be exploded, Appended to the Los Alamos report are possible production schedules for the emergency capability period. These schedules are being reconsidered in light of the recently received Joint Chiefs of Staff's reqiirements for therinonuclear weaponSe In summary, CASTLE plans are as follows: The scope of the program willia tests of the b. The first test will be schediled for “erch 1, 195h, and the sequence, exact dates, and locations of the various tests will be Ceterm’ned by the Comnancer of Joint Task force Seven in conjunction with the Los Alamos and UCRL-Livermore Laboratories. Assurance of the Department of Defense support of this very important program is requested. Lewis L. Strauss 99« Chairnan co .. SoA, Enclosures: et wa" © CAETLE Prorram Background, ® Discussion prepared by D4A, Cpy lA. orm = Rpt, 9/22/53, fra IASL, Cpy 15 a j te . to ead ONT ate "cn = Spt, 9/21/53, frn UCRapte ene Cpy 13 * 7. 3 a ge o \