Memorandum, "Tentative Chronology of Part Played by Scientists in Decision to Use the Bomb Against Japan"

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profication May 29, 1957 Tentative chronology of part played by scientists in decision to use the bomb against Japan 1. Early 1944 "Everyone took for granted that the new bombs would be used in Europe if they were ready in time." (Compton, p. 231; for complete refer- ences see attached bibliography) 2. Early 1944 The men on the metallurgical pro ject beginning to think about the future of atomic energy. (Compton, p. 231) 3. Early 1944 H.D. Smyth presented A.H. Compton with an outline of jor questions relating to future of atomic energy. (Compton, p. 232) 4. Summer, 1 944 At request of Metallurgical Project Council the Jeffries Committee was appointed by Com- pton xi to study "postwar work on nucleonics." (Compton, p. 232) 5. Autumn, 1944 The Tolman Committee was appointed by Gen. Groves to look into future possibilities of atomic energy. Formed background for much of work of Interim Committee in spring of 1945. TRUMAN ARCHIVES AND LIBRARY (Compton, p. 232) HARRY'S "NATIONAL 6. Nov. 18, 1944 Jeffries Report, "Nucleonics Prospectus," GOVERNMENT was submitted to Compton with a covering letter (unpublished) signed by Enrico Fermi, James Franck, T.R. Hogness, Zay Jeffries, chairman, R.S. Mulliken, secretary, R.S. Stone, and C.A. Thomas. 7. Dec. 28, 1944 Tolman Committee handed its report to Gen. Groves on future of atomic energy (Compton, p. 233) 8. Early 1945 Conversations between Groves and A.H. Compton on use of bomb. Groves brings to Stimson's attention the concern of scientists about immediate use and long-term planning. (Compton, p. 233) 9 March, 1945 Szilard prepares memo. for Roosevels (Szila rd "memo")

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