CONCLUSTONS |
12. The LASL proposes development of three possible thermonuclear weapon models which should be ready for test by spring
fia successful full-scale
1954. |
prcrerscercnad
test 1s necessary Wefore”anyofthese models can be accepted
as an emergency weapon.
Selestion and design of these models
for test at CASTLE will be critically influenced by the results
of UPSHOT in spring 1953.
13. In conformity with these recommendations and in
order to permit inclusion of UPSHOT data in the design of CASTLE
devices, the Commission should postpone CASTLE until the spring
of 1954.
This will allow the weapon or weapons selected for
test then to be the best from the development point of view,
and offers the better possibility of attaining the desired thermo-
nuclear capability by 1954.
14. The AEC should propose to the DOD the action outlined
in paragraph 13 above,
and request their comments.
RECOMMENDATION
15. That the Atomic Energy Commission:
ie Approve holding Operation CASTLE in early
1954;
bw Approve dispatch of a letter such as that in
the Appendix to the MLC advising of the proposed
schedule for CASTLE, and requesting their comments;
c. Note that possible CASTLE test items included
in the LASL and UCRL developmental programs are de-
scribed in the letters from Drs. Bradbury and York cir-
culated in AEC 597/2 (see paragraph 3a-3d, page 2,
Enclosure "A" and paragraph IIb, page 6, Enclosure
"B", respectively).