in whether the device detonated and what its yield was, this would
be feasible,
platform,
However, if the shot was located on a moving
ib would not be possible to obtain the sclentific data
required for further experimentation or development.
In reply to
the suggestion that the shots might be fired outside of the
Marshall Island group, Dr.
Graves replied that this would
necessitate the construction of an additional base and would entail
considerable additional expenditures.
Mr.
Smyth summariced the diseussion by stating tnat if the
Commission vere going to carry out its test program,
it was necessary to go to Bikini,
the Commission was:
Therefore,
it appeared that
the question before
Can we afford the contemplated test prograin?
The Commission must carefully evaluate the AEC program with the
purpose of postponing expenditures of less
immediate
importance.
A discussion of the budgetary problems created by the use
of Bikini followed.
the meeting.
rider,
During this discussion Mr. McCarthy entered
He was asked about the effect of the construction
providing that line
items must have been in the budget
under consideration by Congress before they can be constructed.
General Fields stated that he did not feel the contemplated
construction could be regarded as permanent construction.
McCarthy stated that,
for previous test operations,
Mr.
he had budgeted
and classified the shot structures and temporary camps as operational but that the construction of an airstrip would usually
be regarded as permanent construction.
However,
if the air strip
would be destroyed or greatly damaged by the shot or snots,
the
costs of constructing it might properly be regarded as an operating ©