On the divisibility of \(h^+\) by the prime 3 (Q1890802)

The symbol \(h^+\) in the title refers to the class number of the maximal real subfield of the \(p\)-th cyclotomic field. Assume that \(p\) is prime, \(p=2l+1\), where \(l\) is a prime \(>3\). The author proves that if the order mod\(l\) of 3 is \((l-1)/2\), then 3 does not divide \(h^+\). In a previous work [Abh. Math. Semin. Univ. Hamb. 63, 67-86 (1993; Zbl 0788.11052)] he proved the same assertion with the restriction \(p\equiv 5\pmod 9\). Both proofs rely on a result by the author [op. cit.] reducing the relation \(3\mid h^+\) to the vanishing mod 3 of the absolute norm of a character sum. A result similar to the present one but with the prime 3 replaced by 2 had been obtained earlier by \textit{D. Estes} [Rocky Mt. J. Math. 19, No. 3, 675-682 (1989; Zbl 0703.11052)]. (Review text also submitted to M.R.).