SCIENCE: HANDMAIDEN OF FREEDOM 



First, I must congratulate the Sloan Foundation, the Na- 

 tional Academy of Science, and the American Association for 

 the Advancement of Science, for sponsoring this conference on 

 basic research. The nation cannot help but feel a profound 

 satisfaction in seeing so many leading representatives of educa- 

 tion, industry, and government participating in a symposium 

 concerned with such a vital effort. I derive special satisfaction 

 from the fact that this conference is sponsored by private inter- 

 ests. Too often we have tended to look unduly to the federal 

 government for initiative and support in a multitude of activi- 

 ties, among them scientific research. We must recognize the 

 possibility that the federal government, with its vast resources 

 and its increasing dependence upon science, could largely pre- 

 empt the field or blunt private initiative and individual oppor- 

 tunity. This we must never permit. Too much dependence 

 upon the federal government may be easy, but too long prac- 

 ticed it can become a dangerous habit. 



Yet, government's role in research and its responsibility 

 for advancing science must be large and there must be a per- 

 sistent partnership between government effort and private ef- 

 fort. Our science and technology are the cornerstone of Ameri- 

 can security, American welfare and our program for a just 

 peace. For the government to neglect this would be folly- But 

 the strength, growth, and vitality of our science and engineer- 

 ing, as in every other productive enterprise, hinge primarily 

 upon the efforts of private individuals. 



Private institutions, foundations, colleges, and universities, 

 professional societies and industry, as well as all levels of gov- 

 ernment, have a vital role to play in promoting individual 

 leadership and in striving for excellence and the achievements 

 of a high level of creative activity. Thus is created increased 

 opportunity to pioneer, to initiate, and to explore untrodden 

 areas. 



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