UO VU avai oe oo t 93rd AEC a - RG "326 US ATOMIC ENLKGY COMMISSION 2. Proposed Change of Date for Operation CAY hppection = ETARI SECRETARIAL feeting Mr. Murray {nitiated the discussion byYSStcing—why—44-——__———_ YI QF cathe tem een 2-22-52 ~~ wen rd ey Se was necessary, to decide on the timing of CA ane particular time. ve gids Q General Fields replied that Mr. Bradbury 75807F- MAT ‘ON had written asking for permission to take preliminary steps in the development of thermonuclear weapons, which, if taken, - would make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to carry out the tests in the fall of 1953. (see AEC 597/2) _, KOM Dean asked whether we would have as manya ey the shelf in June 1954 whether it is tested in early 1954 or late 1953. we would. General Fields said in reply that It is a case of having a tested weapon at an ° earlier date, Mr. Dean said that it is not now certain that the test 72287 WALLbe postponed until 1954 although it is highly probable, ree wet we ee eee ee mee eee ee mw ee eee - However, because of the uncertainty it would-“be unwise to disband the task force. Mr, Zuckert said that we should continue a requirement for a taskforce in late 1953 in the event that it is necessary. - The military position is indeed in- consistent in that they ask for an early emergency capability but are reluctant to support one. He pointed out that the mem- bers3 Ofthe MLC do not really have the responsibility to act on this = Re a tested weapon in the fall of 1953 and if so, is this ' priority high encugh that they are willing to risk a failure and the eventual postponement of the development of more certain weapens as a result of holding this early test? Ke 2 dded that the task force issue shcovld not te brought up in the MLC meéting until the primary issue has been dis- ssed. Mr. Dean suggested that the Commission should ‘ot, simian ee . act on this matter formally at this time. After further discussion the Commission: a. NOTED that the proposal to defer CASTLE would be reos --.-Gdisgqussed with the MLC; and MIR banc Wf5 Does the DOD have an over-riding priority for CANCELLTD The issue might be put to the MLC in » DELETIONS this manner: eee OR Mi tre tesk force preblem. Stee te CLASSIFICATION =