With regard to the estimates for weapons test
operations during FY 1957, Mr, Fields confirmed that
continental tests on the scale of Operation TEAPOT
had been assumed, This would not rule out the possibility of overseas test, however, none were now planned
before the beginning of Calendar Year 1958.
Mr. Murray expressed concern about the
schedule for future test operations and said he believed
that tests should be conducted at least twice a year,
He said that he had previously suggested the establishment of a second test organization as a means of
accelerating test activities. He discussed at length
with Mr, von Neumann, Mr, Libby and Mr, Fields the
possible advantages of such an organization and the
question of whether it would, in fact, accelerate weapons
development. In the course of this discussion, Mr. von
Neumann observed that while Pacific operations will
probably continue to be major periodic expeditions,
Nevada testing will tend to become more or less continuous. Mr, Fields said he believed that this would occur
and that perhaps it should be encouraged. Mr. von Neumann
also suggested that it would be desirable to encourage the
DOD to undertake additional tests like Operation “IGWAM,
A
After further discussion of these and related
ubjects, the Commission concluded its consideration
of the estimates for the Weapons Program,
c. 4000 Program ~ Reactor Development
Mr. von Neumann said that he wished to raise the
_ question of whether the budget estimates for the several
. projects of the accelerated ANP program are appropriate,
Specifically, he wished to know whether they would provide
flexibility if it became necessary to provide for further
acceleration of one or more of the projects, perhaps at
vane expense of others, He observed that many of the
questions concerning the rate and scale of the program
and the emphasis to be assigned to the projects must be
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