a.
AEC 781/78 - Proposed Transmittal of CORPORAL Warhead Information
to the U. K.
In response to a question by Mr. Graham, Mr. Libby said the JCAE
has indicated approval of the principle of the transmittal of certain
nuclear warhead information to the U. K.
2.
Discussion of AEC Relations with Industry
Mr. Libby said he was concerned about the apparent belief on the part
of many industrialists that companies will suffer finencial losses from
their cooperation with the AEC in joint undertakings.
He cited as an
example, AEC's cancellation of contracts with some companies after they
have invested substantial effort and sums of money in developing a
particular project.
The Commissioners also discussed AEC's patent policy
and its effect in discouraging some industries from participating in atomic
energy projects because they will not be able to retain all patent rights
to inventions they make while working on AEC projects.
Mr. Vance remarked
that some firms believe that there are unreasonable delays in obtaining
from AEC firm responses to their propesals.
Mr. Libby suggested, and the
other Commissioners agreed that an Ad Hoc Committee should be established
to examine means of improving AEC relations with industry.
Mr. Graham
pointed out that AEC is the only agency in Government, which is concerned
with all aspects of the atomic energy program from the production of raw
materials to the manufacture of end products and as such has a responsibility
to serve as the industry's spokesman in the Government.