wl of present fission woapons,| Retailed discussions are contained in Enclosures "5B" and sce, 10. In regard to the tining of the CASTILE Operation, los Alamos proposes in Enclosure "B" that March 1, 195), be set as the tarzet date for the first test, This As based on the rate of supply of lithiun-6, the tine required for fabrication, shipment, and assexbly of weapon components, and the schedules for construte tion of test sites and installation of equipment at Bikint and Enivetok, Although there is no ons phase of the preparations wiich prohibits the start of CASTLE a little earlier, every phase is so tight that March 1 soans the best target date to set for the initial detonation. Tentatively establishing a less realistic date vould lead to confusion in planning and conducting the operation — and would probably not result in an earlier successful completion of the operation, ll. Scheduling the date of the first CASTLE test for March 1 does not adversely affect the time then the first energency capability is OAS achieved. The plan is to initiate exnergemy capability with fa§ 200 these are the thermomelear weapons that can be stocke piled with greatest assurance of their muoclear performance prior to CASTLE tests. In accordance with the directives of the Comnission on Septexber 23, 1953, every effort will be made to =eEY a enevad . C3ee? available for energency capability in Jamary 195k, ae aan’s ottics 7 “ACHES7 -3 a\ 48¢ End pene se* tio ms stwen g pst pacves sum