Dr, Rabi next presented the GAC's position on the essentiality of
Nevada
Grounds
the use of the Nevada Proving Grounds and its agreement with the recom
mendations of the NPG Committee, except for the 10-shot/12-month Limit, ©
Dr. Smyth and Mr. Zuckert commented on the growth of tension during a
Long series; and Mr, Zutkert said that from this standpoint even a 10-shot
limit was too high. Dr, Fisk suggested that it might ease public relations if the Commission would stress the defensive as well as the
retaliatory role which atomic weapons could play.
‘The defense of the
country would be a real selling point for public acceptance of the tests.
_ Dr. Smyth was somewhat doubtful that arguments should be used which would ,
put one in the position of bargaining with the public.
Dr. Rabi said
the tests were so important that it would be well to spend additional
money to evacuate people fron Gangerareas if that became necessary. _
BSS
he Committeewas gratified to learn fron the discussion with Dr,
Pittman that the need for 200 g/T plutonium could be met with ‘the exist—
ing and projected separation plants, without loss of production,
. (Appendix C, item 1)
Dr. Rabi next reviewed the Committee's position on preinitiation
Preand "200 g/T" plutonium, as earlier agreed on,
initiation,
my
e/T
He brought out the
Committee's feeling that the statement in Dr. Bradbury's letter on this
subject may have been premature and should be revised
tests |are° completed and
§
the data reviewed.
after the Castle