/. Examination of the flashburn effects produced by the initial 

 radiation from the explosion indicates that casualties would have 

 been high among exposed personnel. However, it is the opinion 

 of the Board that persons sheltered within the hull of a ship or 

 even on deck in the shadow of radiation from the bomb would not 

 have been immediately incapacitated by burns alone, whatever have 

 been the subsequent radiological effects. 



g. Within the area of extensive blast damage to ship super- 

 structures there is evidence that personnel within the ships would 

 have been exposed to a lethal dosage of radiological effects. 



Personnel casualties due to blast would no doubt have been 

 high for those in exposed positions on vessels within one-half 

 mile of the target center. Beyond this, any discussion of the blast 

 effect upon personnel will have to await the detailed reports of the 

 medical specialists. 



In general no significant unexpected phenomena occurred, 

 although the test was designed to cope with considerable variation 

 from predictions. There was no large water wave formed. The radio- 

 active residue dissipated in the manner expected. No damage oc- 

 curred on Bikini Island, about three miles from the explosion 

 center. 



From what it has seen and from what it has ascertained from 

 data now available, the Board is able to make certain general 

 observations : 



a. The atomic bomb dropped at Bikini damaged more ships 

 than have ever before been damaged by a single explosion. 



5. The test has provided adequate data of a sort necessary 

 for the redesign of naval vessels to minimize damage to superstruc- 

 tures and deck personnel from this type of bomb. Because of the 

 nature of the first test (air blast) little information has been ob- 

 tained on hull effects. Damage to ships' hulls will be studied spe- 

 cifically in the second test when a bomb will be exploded under 

 water. 



c. A vast amount of data which will prove invaluable through- 

 out scientific and engineering fields has been made available by this 

 test. Once more the importance of large-scale research has been 

 dramatically demonstrated. There can be no question that the effort 

 and expense involved in this test has been amply justified both by 

 the information secured and by greatly narrowing the range of 

 speculation and argument. Moreover, it is clear to the Board that 

 only by further large-scale research and development can tlie 

 United States retain its present position of scientific leadership. 

 This must be done in the interests of national safety. 



194 



