many years the Government has wisely suppoi'ted research in the agricul- 

 tural colleges and the benefits have been great. The time has come when 

 such support should be extended to other fields. 



The effective discharge of these new responsibilities will require the full 

 attention of some over-all agency devoted to that purpose. There is not now 

 in the permanent governmental structure receiving its funds from Congress 

 an agency adapted to supplementing the support of basic research in the 

 colleges, uni\'ersities, and research institutes, both in medicine and the natural 

 sciences, adapted to supporting research on new weapons for both Services, 

 or adapted to administering a program of science scholarships and fellowships. 



Therefore I recommend that a new agency for these purposes be estab- 

 lished. Such an agencv should be composed of persons of broad interest and 

 experience, having an understanding of the peculiarities of scientific research 

 and scientific education. It should have stability of funds so that long-range 

 programs may be undertaken. It should recognize that freedom of inquiry 

 must be preserved and should leave internal control of policy, personnel, 

 and the method and scope of research to the institutions in which it is carried 

 on. It should be fully responsible to the President and through him to the 

 Congress for its program. 



Early action on these recommendations is imperative if this Nation is to 

 meet the challenge of science in the crucial years ahead. On the wisdom 

 with which we bring science to bear in the war against disease, in the crea- 

 tion of new industries, and in the strengthening of our Armed Forces 

 depends in large measure our future as a nation. 



