o>
In answer to a question by Mr, Murray, Mr. Hollingsworth
stated that all the proposed modifications were to the advantage cf
the government,
After further discussion, Commissioners Libby and Murray
indicated that they approved the recommendation of ARC 639/4 and
suggested that the General Manager proceed with this action,
Mr, Libby said that Mr, Strauss had indicated that he approved the
recommendation of AEC 639/4,
4, Research Reactor for MIT (See AEC 909)
Mr, Cook referred to AEC $09, which stated that the
General Manager would approve issuance of a construction permit for
a research reactor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
and inquired whether the Commissioners had any cbjection to this
action, Mr, Pittman then commented on the staff's review of the
hazard problems arising from the project. In answer to a question
by Mr. Libby, Mr, Pittman said that MIT would be obliged to meet
the AEC requirements for financial responsibility for accidents if
such a requirement were established. Mr, Pittman observed that
the General Manager would determine that MIT was technically
capable of and financially responsible for such an undertaking
and would allocate special nuclear material to be used over a
forty-year period, He added that if inspection of the construction
indicated compliance with approved plans, and if the operation
satisfied health and safety requirements, the construction permit
would be converted to a license.
The effect of long term material allocations to licensees
on the flexibility of the total U-235 stockpile was then discussed,
With regard to this problem, Mr, Libby raised the question
whether government ownership of reactors would not provide
more flexibility than private ownership. Mr. Mitchell said he
did not believe there would be any difference, since, as a practical
matter, the sarne amount of material would be allocated and, in
time of military need, it would not be any more feasible to shut
down a povernment plant than a private plant. Mr. Murray said
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