891.2546/11–1753: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in India1
556. Re Embtel 788, November 17. In considering thorium sulphate proposal, AEC requires information regarding chemical analysis of material which would be supplied, and its processing history, i.e., material used at start of process and subsequent processing procedures.
Our consideration whole problem would be greatly facilitated by more precise information as to kind of thorium compounds and quantities likely be actually available for purchase during next two years. Evidently, Trombay plant will not commence operations in next year or fifteen months. Presumably, material now, repeat now, available is thorium nitrate produced in France from Indian monazite.
[Page 1729]FYI, while AEC willing consider thorium sulphate, much prefers nitrate. Price of $3.50 will present great, possibly insuperable, difficulty. In face of recent clear indication that $3.00 or $2.75 per pound would be acceptable, Department sees no reason for upward revision now.
As possible resolution price dilemma, Embassy might attempt determine discreetly whether there will be some partially processed, noncommercial thorium-bearing substance which might be available from Indian processing operation and which might be priced satisfactorily both sides. End FYI.
- This telegram was drafted by J. B. Hamilton, staff member to R. Gordon Arneson, the Special Assistant to the Secretary of State for Atomic Energy Affairs, and it was signed by Arneson.↩