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characteristics of the cholinesterase-anticholinesterase reaction in an attempt to develop a rapid-acting, sensitive, nerve agent detection system. This work involves the isolation and purification of cholinesterase from the plaice fish, which reportedly is as much as 10 times more sensitive to organophosphorus compounds than cholinesterase derived from other sources. FOA-1 is actively working on an automatic detection system using a combined gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy system; it is envisioned that the instrument would periodically sample the atmosphere, fractionate the sample and the chromatograph and automatically characterize the components. The system would be amenable to computerization. An attempt also is being made to perfect point source manual detection methods. The most recent development is the "spin disc" detector. Each of the two to four small holes in the disc can be fitted for a different indicating or detecting capability. This device appears to have good potential for semiquantitative detection of single agents as qualitative detection of several agents.

Providing the capability for military personnel to operate successfully in a toxic environment is of foremost concern at FOA-1. The current military mask is becoming obsolete, and the Swedes are preparing for a new series to be introduced during the 1970's. The development of a new concept for individual troop protection was to begin in 1969; this concept may involve more throwaway items, such as clothing. The Swedes also plan to design new collective field shelters.

In keeping with national defense policy for a strong CW defense, the country is pursuing an intensive research effort in nerve agent prophylaxis and therapy. Although this effort has been extensive, no new antidotes have been found that surpass those already known. Scientists are studying fluorine substituted oximes as possible antidotes against refractory nerve agents, such as soman.

FOA-1 is investigating the distribution of the botulinum toxin in the body and the action mechanism that affects the acetylcholine level. Antibodies, tagged with fluorescent compounds, were used in this study. Swedish scientists believe that the Soviets have an antidote for botulinum toxin. Such an antidote has not yet been developed in Sweden, but the possibility exists that a chemical antidote may be found or that a modified antigen will be developed to produce an antitoxin effective against all types of botulinum toxin. FOA-1 also reportedly is researching antidotes for incapacitating agents such as psychochemicals. A strong Swedish interest in the U.S. incapacitating agent BZ is supported by efforts to develop an antidote for this agent, and a series of potential antidotes has been synthesized.

3. Atomic energy (C)

Sweden has a nuclear energy program of moderate size characterized by expanding electric power production facilities and a supporting research and development program emphasizing reactor physics and fuel development. The country has acceded to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty which, as a non-nuclear weapon state, prohibits it from developing nuclear weapons.

The Atomic Energy Company was established in 1947 as the central body for applied research and development in the nuclear energy field and is responsible for the construction and operation of nuclear research reactors, the production of uranium, the manufacture of fuel elements, and the production of radioactive isotopes. In addition, many industrial firms work closely with the Atomic Energy Company in the applications of nuclear energy. A group of private and municipal electric power concerns have formed the Atomic Power Group to cooperate with the Swedish State Power Board, under the Ministry of Commerce, in the development of nuclear power. The universities and technical institutes also support the nuclear energy program through research in fundamental nuclear physics and chemistry.

With the gradual commercializing of the nuclear power field, the Atomic Energy Company's tasks have changed. The company's activities are concentrated on research and development in close cooperation with industry and the power utilities and the latter two parties have taken over responsibility for the design and construction of nuclear power reactors. The change was emphasized in 1969 with the establishment of ASEA-ATOM, formed on a fifty-fifty basis between ASEA (Allmanni Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget) and the Swedish Government to construct nuclear power stations and to fabricate power reactor fuel. The present tasks of the Atomic Energy Company are to be an expert body to the government on nuclear matters, to represent the country in official international cooperation in the nuclear field, to supply expert knowledge on reactor safety matters, to be consultants to the power utilities, and to carry out research at the request of industry and other research organizations.

The Atomic Energy Company has constructed six small research reactors. The first reactor, named R-1, was constructed in Stockholm and began operation in 1954. All subsequent research reactors were

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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090022-2