SPACE SCIENCE, APPLICATIONS, AND ADVANCED RESEARCH, 1963-69 221 



Dr. Bisplinghoii Wc have an internal planning report which was not devised 

 for outside consumption. I would have to check with Mr. Webb to see whether we 

 could allow that to go out. 



When the Hechler subcommittee met on March 20, Wydler con- 

 tinued an attack on the Center with a series of probing questions to 

 Dr. Seamans, who was appearing to defend the portion of the budget 

 authorization dealing with "Personnel services, operations, and in- 

 stallations." This prompted Representative John W. Davis (Democrat 

 of Georgia) to ask Chairman Hechler: 



I would like to know just how much of a responsibility (for the Electronics 

 Research Center) rests on this subcommittee and how much on Mr. Karth's 

 subcommittee. 



Hechler responded: 



Well, of course, this subconmittee is concerned with personnel and personnel 

 costs, as well as operation of installations, and you can stretch this as far as you 

 want. I think we have a great deal to do insofar as personnel costs are concerned, 

 without impinging on the areas of other subcommittees. 



Ryan, Davis, Roush, Wydler, and Hechler all continued to quiz 

 Seamans, who kept stressing that NASA must continue to build on 

 strength. Chairman Hechler commented: "To them that hath shall be 

 given." Roush observed dryly: "Thank you, Reverend." 



Wydler's attack on March 20 proceeded along the following lines: 



Mr. Wydler. Could you tell me when it was that the decision was made to 

 have an Electronics Research Center? 



Dr. Seamans. I requested in writing the Advanced Research and Technology 

 Office to consider the problems associated with electronics research, including the 

 possibility of a center, I believe in January of last year; that is, 14 months ago. 



Mr. Wydler. And when was the decision to have such a center made? 



Dr. Seamans. The decision was finally made at the time that we wrapped up the 

 budget requests for this year. 



Mr. Wydler. And when was the decision made to locate that center in Boston? 



Dr. Seamans. The decision was made at that time. 



Mr. Wydler. You mean this was simultaneous? 



Dr. Seamans. Yes 



Mr. Wydler. The thing that I am driving at here is, is it that NASA wants an 

 Electronics Research Center, or is it that NASA wants an Electronics Research 

 Center in Boston; which is it? 



Dr. Seamans. The first thing we want is an Electronics Research Center, and, 

 second, we feel the best place to locate it is in Boston. 



Chairman Miller was greatly concerned about the outpouring of 

 questions and criticisms of NASA's decision. He telephoned Webb and 

 asked him to write an extensive letter setting forth the timetable of 

 investigations leading up to the decision, as well as a detailed justifica- 

 tion. Webb responded with a long letter, with attachments, dated 



