(2) From our discussions with Dr, Froman and Dr, Mark, we suspect
that the problems which have been, raised with regard to the possible
incidence and effects of pre-initiation are now less pressing as a
result of the Castle tests. It seems likely to us that the pressure
for the production of plutonium of abettergrade than 200 g/T is
greatly diminisheds-“Iithis“Sornection,“we reiterate our suggestion
that-at”thdnéketest series at. the NPG, a test be madé to determine
more accurately the conditions for pre-initiation,
In the same con-
nection; the GAC felt it desirable that we proceed with the production
of U-233, at least-intHeamountsgértemplated at the time of our
meeting, because it seems likely that the problem of pre-initiation may
arise again in connection with other weapon developments. In any event
the properties of U-233 as a weapon material arewell worth exploring.
(3) Research
a) We were very much concerned at the reduction in the budget
for research which was made in the House Appropriations Committee and.
fervently hope that the budget will be restored to the requested amount
of $42 million.
The increase in the research facilities of various
laboratories, both on-site and off~site, and the general improvement
of the level of research both in quality and quantity make this cut
appear very unwise at the present time.
The necessary overhead ex~
penses, which must increase as the facilities themselves increase, are
such that a budget cut would mean the climination of researches in the
on-site laboratories which are of great importance to the whole research
program. It will surely be agreed that the great increase in the Com.
mission's program, both in magnitude and variety, should be reflected
by an appropriate increase in the research effort,
b) We have previously had occasion to remark on the excellence
of the joint ONR-AEC program in nuclear physics. We recommend that .the
Commission try to find ways and meansto continue THIS program, at leastat the old level, without the expenditure of longevity funds which are.
so important for the stability of a research program in the university
environment.
c) It has always been difficult to obtain sufficient effort
directed towards research leading to methods of isotope separation,
The GAC feels that the Commission should be very responsive to proposals
from CommlSSionlaboratories or other reasearch organizations for research
in this. field,
a) The GAC had the opportunity of discussing with the General
Manager the Commission policy with respect to the employment and admit—
tance of aliens to unclassified research in Commission laboratories.
feel that the..policy.adopted..by..the.Commissionedsnda¥eKy..890, ONE .
We
Howe
ever, ithas come to our attention that in practice the implementation of
this policy suffers from very long delays in AEC action on requests for