tific staffs are still assembled and in possession of all records, but after the 

 pressure for production of war results has begun to relax. 



Obviously not all reports will merit publication and distribution. Where 

 Government-financed research is involved, the contracting agency must make 

 the decision. In every case, however, this decision should be made upon the 

 basis of the public interest in the dissemination of the information, not upon 

 the presence or absence of funds to defray the cost of publication and dis- 

 tribution of the report. 



The publication plans of the Office of Scientific Research and Development 

 are being made in accordance with the principles of the preceding para- 

 graphs. The effectiveness of these plans, as well as the publication of other 

 scientific information developed in connection with war research, will depend 

 largely upon the speed with which the proposed Academy board is estab- 

 lished and the effectiveness with which it functions after its establishment. 

 The impetus which has produced remarkable results in the laboratory and in 

 the field will be lost if publication is unduly delayed. 



5. Recommendations 



In specific answer to the first point in the President's letter, therefore, your 

 Committee recommends the following: 



1. The prompt establishment and adequate staffing within the National 

 Academy of Sciences of the proposed board to control the release and promote 

 publication of certain scientific information. This is essential. 



2. The adoption by that board of a liberal policy generally permitting the 

 release of scientific information as soon as it is apparent that such information 

 cannot be turned against us in the present war. 



3. The encouragement of scientists to publish the results of their investiga- 

 tion in "open " fields covered by releases by the board. 



4. The stimulation and assistance of investigators to prompt publication by 

 administrative officers of cognizant Government agencies. 



5. The provision of adequate financing for the publication and distribution 

 of the reports mentioned in the preceding paragraph. 



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