I belie^•e that, as a permanent measure, it would be appropriate to add to 

 the agenc\- needed to perform the other functions recommended in this 

 report the responsibihties for civihan-initiated and civihan-controllcd mihtary 

 research. The function of such a ci\iHan group would be primarily to con- 

 duct long-range scientific research on military problems — leaving to the 

 Services research on the improvement of existing weapons. 



Some research on military problems should be conducted, in time of peace 

 as well as in war, b\ ci\ilians independently of the military establishment. 

 It is the primary responsibility of the /\rm\- and Na\'y to train the men, make 

 available the weapons, and employ the strategy that will bring victor)^ in 

 combat. The Armed Ser\'ices cannot be expected to be experts in all of the 

 complicated fields which make it possible for a great nation to fight success- 

 fully in total war. There are certain kinds of research — such as research on 

 the improvement of existing weapons — which can best be done within the 

 military establishment. Howexer, the job of long-range research involving 

 application of the newest scientific disco\'eries to military needs should be 

 the responsibilitx' of those cix'ilian scientists in the universities and in indus- 

 try who are best trained to discharge it thoroughly and successfully. It is 

 essential that both kinds of research go forward and that there be the closest 

 liaison between the two groups. 



Placing the civilian military research function in the proposed agency 

 would bring it into close relationship with a broad program of basic research 

 in both the natural sciences and medicine. A balance between military' and 

 other research could thus readily be maintained. 



The establishment of the new agency, including a civilian military re- 

 search group, should not be delayed by the existence of the Research Board 

 for National Security, which is a temporary measure. Nor should the creation 

 of the new agency be delayed by uncertainties in regard to the postwar 

 organization of our militar\' departments themselves. Clearly, the new 

 agency, includinp a civilian military research group within it, can remain 

 sufficiently flexible to adapt its operations to whatever may be the hnal 

 organization of the military departments. 



National Research Foundation 



It is m\' judgment that the national interest in scientific research and 

 scientific education can best be promoted by the creation of a National 

 Research Foundation. 



I. Purposes 



The National Research Foundation should develop and promote a national 

 policy for scientific research and scientific education, should support basic 

 research in nonprofit organizations, should develop scientific talent in Amer- 

 ican youth by means of scholarships and fellowships, and should by contract 

 and otherwise support long-range research on military matters. 



II. Members 



1. Responsibility to the people, through the President and Congress, should 

 be placed in the hands of, say nine Members, who should be persons not 



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