c s' 'Doc4r e v% A r cah DocLtwteV% - OEC1ASSW D 3 oECtSSI lED y24- IS 2ai8 DECLASSIFIED December 16 1942 NW Date UNITED S' 'S F7 HISTORICAL DCCC _ i CPI 2 I I enclose a report on the special project which is being pushed vigorously both in the War Department and in the Office of Scientific Research and Development in accordance with your direct instructions based- on the report on this subject of June 13 1942 The situation has changed notably since that reThere can no longer be any question that atomic energy may be released under controlled conditions and used as power Furthermore there is a very high probability that the same energy may be released under suitable conditions in such a small interval of time as to make a super-explosive of overwhelming military might One cannot be absolutely certain on this last point however until the first bomb has been constructed and this requires a considerable amount of material The estimate of the amount of material for each bomb has unfortunately been increased by the scientists since last June Our time schedule now contemplates availability during the port first half of 1945 of a sufficient quantity of material to produce six This can only be attained if the highest priorities assigned to this project We still super-bombs the recommendations herewith transmitted are approved and do not know where-we stand-in the race with the enemy tois ahead of us and may well be able to produce super- ward a usable result but it is quite possible that Germany bombs sooner than we can Of the four methods under way in June one has now dropped out of the race It does not seem possible to discard another safely on the basis of present experience even although we now enter the phase of full-scale con- struction Aw er ca o boc- tr e 1 'b 0 C_ L4 r e DECU SSIMO -DOE Sgd 8i hHG UECLASSIf1ED q2A-MS r qs ra 812018 e Be WI1-IC-_- RAPS De b For these reasons the total estimates for a full program reach the serious figure of $400 000 000 To date financing has been handled by means of a War Department authorization to the Chief of Engineers to use construction funds now available to the extent of $85 000 000 but it is not This is sufficient for the immediate future which must be ensufficient for the contract obligations tered into at this time if the full program is to go forward The British have now no large-scale program in EngThey are transferring some of their scientists to the y will work on one phase of the subjec where a C ana d i In accordance with your instructions close scientific Future rgterohange with the Briti sh h as b e en maintained lations in regard to interchange need to be clari fi e d land it appears therefore that we now need your specific with on several points These are presen e d your inrecommendations in the report 3specially we need Yo vigorously structions as to whether this program is to be ruinous to the essential It would be hout u g o PUSha d thr appropriations committo have to defend before an See secrecy tee any request for funds for this project and it is there- t ins t ruc ti o ns eqt the spring you - fore recommended that some time in 5315 000 000 such till e r o n g tees for the needed funds also refunds t o b e expended at your discretion ItofisEngineers to commonAe d that y ou now authorize the Chief asincur such contract obligations including governmental as to amoun sumption of liability as yet undeterminable to and time- duration as may in his opinion b a nec e ssar y carry on the project review to the This report is being presented for the Secretary of War and the Chief of Vice Pres id en Specifically your hands Spec Staff before being placed in whether you approve the reI request that I be informed commendations at the end of the report t Respectfully yours S I t oc 4c 1 e v o Bi OEW RW Y1 M XVRS ante ti cat V% b o c 41 r i ¢ vi CECLASSM HS $q if _ _ Note added to letter dated December 16 to The President from V Bush Since this letter and report were written the British position on interchange has been stated in a letter from Mr Akera which is inserted at the back of Inca uded with it is a summary of the this report American and British views on interchange in parallel columns The British will undoubtedly object if we do not extend the interchange to include plants and production in addition to the present scientific interSince their position should be in mind when change a decision on this point is reached this summary and letter have now been discussed with Nr Wallace and placed in the hands of Mr Stimson both of whom have approved the report and recommendations _ $IARS Me 2