1. CASTLE coulé not commence until early 1954 because of nN All detonations would be thermonuclear in nature with four a e CASTLE would Se a six-shot, two-month operation. \w "cogent scientific development reasons." being in the MT-range and with four shots scheduled for detonation at Bikini. At the same time, a shot plan including anticipated yields and site lccations was established to serve as a planning guide. Built into the new concept was a capability for an emergency evacuation of Eniwetok if such should become necessary and the original plan for compieté evacustion of Bikini for the shots at that Location was retained, The intervals between shots would be of about ten days dur- ation and the first detonation was scheduled for 1 March 1954. Lit- tie was anticipated in the way of additional military support re- quirements other than increased helicopter capabilities and barges for shot-cab platforms; the latter requirement arising from the growing desire to utilize barges anchored close in to shore in the Bikini Lagoon. It was felt that this would avoid excessive waste of land and limit radiation faliout hazards which it was hoped would prove much less when the detonation occurred on a flcating barge rather than on land. By the end of January, 1953, the principal effort of the Task Force Headquarters was directed toward CASTLE planning. The concept was still to undergo much revisicn and it shouid be mentioned in passing that during these earlier months the Task Force was charged with 12