Department of State Atomic Energy Files
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. R. Gordon Arneson, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State (Lovett)1
Subject: Visit of Belgian Scientists
| Participants: | Professor de Hemptinne |
| Mr. Paul Gerard | |
| Mr. R. Gordon Arneson | |
| Mr. Joseph Chase2 |
After a final meeting at the Atomic Energy Commission at which various questions arising from their trip were discussed, de Hemptinne and Gerard came over to the Department with Mr. Arneson to sum up their views. Mr. Arneson took the opportunity to suggest certain lines of assistance that could be taken without invading classified or forbidden territory.
[Page 753]Alluding to certain questions that he had asked at the earlier meeting concerning the building of a reactor in Belgium or in the Congo, Professor de Hemptinne stated that his questions should not be construed as a request for assistance but simply as an attempt to understand the nature of the problem more fully. He stressed that his questions were purely personal and were not inspired by instructions from his Government.
Both men expressed great satisfaction with the opportunities they had had to get a clear understanding of the nature, magnitude, and problems of our atomic energy operations. De Hemptinne stressed that the purpose of their mission had been solely to this end and he felt that they now were much better informed about the nature of things.
As to power possibilities, Gerard said he had hoped the AEC would have rather more precise cost estimates than appeared to be the case. He pointed out that, in purely economic terms, power from atomic energy would in all probability be more attractive to Belgium than to the United States because of the much higher cost of coal. Mr. Arneson reiterated the point that had been made at the earlier meeting: until the technical obstacles had been overcome and we knew that a power reactor was an actuality, cost considerations would be rather academic. At present the AEC was concentrating on the technical problems.
In summing up the trend of discussion that had taken place during their visit here, Mr. Arneson suggested that the following might be done by way of assisting Belgium in the field of fundamental work in nuclear physics.
1. Radioisotopes.
- A.
- The United States would be pleased to facilitate the enrollment of qualified Belgian scientists in the radioisotope school at Oak Ridge.
- B.
- Belgium’s requests for radioisotopes themselves had not been large. They might wish to consider making greater use of this research tool.
2. Students.
Belgium might wish to consider sending qualified scientific students to various colleges and universities in the United States to do fundamental studies in nuclear physics. The Department and the AEC would be glad to render assistance in making such arrangements as might be appropriate.
3. Equipment.
- A.
- Expediting requests. Professor de Hemptinne said that they had experienced considerable delay in getting various orders filled [Page 754] for equipment useful in fundamental research. He queried whether the Department might use its good offices to see that unnecessary delays were avoided. Mr. Arneson stated that the Department would be more than pleased to do this and felt that, in those cases where “sensitive” items were not involved, definite improvements could be effected.
- B.
- Equipment thus far not requested by Belgium. Mr. Arneson pointed out that there were various types of research tools and machines, as for example betatrons, which were not classified by the Commission as “sensitive” equipment. Belgium might wish to consider Whether equipment of this sort might not be useful in her nuclear studies. Professor de Hemptinne apparently had not been aware of this and indicated that he would want to look into the matter further.
4. Heavy water.
Professor de Hemptinne referred again to the negative experience they have had in attempting to get heavy water from Norway. He stressed that Belgium needs for this material were small but quite essential to their fundamental studies. He queried whether the United States would entertain a request for small amounts of this material. Mr. Arneson inquired what amount was contemplated and he replied that it would be on the order or magnitude of 10 liters. Mr. Arneson stated that he did not know what the policy of the AEC was on heavy water but would inquire immediately as to the possibilities. He added, however, that in any event the Commission would certainly want specific information as to amount, purpose for which sought, places where it would be used, and the personnel using it. Professor de Hemptinne said he would look into the matter more fully in order to make his query more precise.
With reference to the various documents which they had been given by the AEC, Mr. Arneson observed that every effort would be made to assist in securing declassified papers for their use. Should they want certain papers referred to in the abstracts and bibliographies already at hand, they should not hesitate to let the Embassy in Brussels know and we would expedite securing copies for them.
Mr. Arneson stated that owing to the Secretary’s very heavy schedule prior to his departure for Paris at the end of next week it might prove difficult to arrange a second meeting with him. However, he would look into the matter and let them know the first part of the following week.3