Action by Congress 



The National Research Foundation herein proposed meets the urgent 

 need of the davs ahead. The form of the organization suggested is the result 

 of considerable deliberation. The form is important. The very successful 

 pattern of organization of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, 

 which has promoted basic research on problems of flight during the past 

 thirty years, has been carefully considered in proposing the method of 

 appointment of iMembers of the Foundation and in defining their respon- 

 sibilities. Moreover, whate\'er program is established it is vitally important 

 that it satisf\' the Fi\'e Fundamentals. 



The Foundation here proposed has been described only in outline. The 

 excellent reports of the committees which studied these matters are attached 

 as appendices. They will be of aid in furnishing detailed suggestions. 



Legislation is necessar\-. It should be drafted with great care. Early action 

 is imperative, hovyever, if this Nation is to meet the challenge of science and 

 fully utilize the potentialities of science. On the wisdom with which we 

 bring science to bear against the problems of the coming years depends in 

 large measure our future as a Nation. 



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