Part Three: Supporting 

 Operations 



CHAPTER XII 



THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 



X 



.HE primary function of the Administrative Office was to en- 

 able the scientists to function as efficiently as possible within the limits of 

 Government regulations. NDRC and CMR were to look after the scientific 

 aspects of the OSRD program; it was up to the Executive Secretary to pro- 

 vide the supporting mechanism. As the same individual served as Execu- 

 tive Secretary of OSRD, NDRC and CMR as well as Secretary of the Ex- 

 ecutive Committee of S-i, a single administrative office served for the OSRD 

 and its constituent committees. The Executive Secretary was also Contract- 

 ing Officer for OSRD. 



From the inception of NDRC, OSRD and CMR until December i8, 

 1945, Irvin Stewart was Executive Secretary. From December 1940, Cleve- 

 land Norcross was his Chief Assistant; and after Stewart became Deputy 

 Director of OSRD on December 19, 1945, Norcross first was made Acting 

 Executive Secretary and later Executive Secretary. 



The line between the scientific and administrative aspects of a research 

 program is clear in theory but somewhat hazy in particular situations. 

 Harmonious working relations between the Secretary's Office and the 

 Chairmen of NDRC and CMR prevailed at all times, with the offices 

 keeping in close touch with each other on all matters of common interest. 

 The Administrative Office was established as a principal subdivision of 

 OSRD in the following terms: 



The Administrative Office, at the head of which shall be an Executive Secre- 

 tary appointed by the Director. Under the general supervision and direction of 

 the Director and subject to the provisions of Section 10 of Executive Order 

 No. 8807, the Administrative Office shall have charge of the administrative affairs 

 and records of the Office of Scientific Research and Development. 



As further defined in Section 5 of Administrative Order No. 4, amended 

 April 25, 1945, the principal duties of the Executive Secretary were the 

 following: 



