10 OCEANOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES 



We feel that this is really the first step that has to be taken ; that if 

 the recommendations set forth are followed we will have at the end of 

 10 years the necessary ships for surveying the oceans, the necessary 

 ships for doing oceanographic research so that we can do a reasonable 

 share of the total job. 



We estimated that the U.S. share of surveying the oceans should be 

 about 30 percent, with the other major powers splitting up the dif- 

 ference. 



Mr. Pelly. In other words, you have a coordinated global plan for 

 the road maps or whatever you call them of the oceans. 



Mr. Vetter. No, we do not yet have a plan. 



Mr. Pelly. There is no allocation to each nation of a certain phase 

 in the overall project? 



Mr. Vetter. We have not done that in this report. 



However, I think that SCOR, the Special Committee for Oceanic 

 Research, has plans for exploring various parts of the ocean and 

 pulling in various countries to various degrees. 



In the near future, in the next year or two, there are plans for an 

 intensive oceanographic investigation of the Indian Ocean that would 

 involve all of the major countries. There are fairly well detailed 

 estimates as to how much this would cost, as to how many ships would 

 be required, as to what countries would participate and to what extent. 



Mr. Pelly. What is the international body that sponsors a group 

 project like that? 



Mr. Vetter. SCOR, Special Committee for Oceanic Research, is 

 part of the International Council of Scientific Unions. Their own 

 operations are sponsored by each member country. Up to now they 

 are only a committee operating with travel expenses. 



As far as a projected survey of the Indian Ocean is concerned, the 

 source of funds to do this is still undertermined, but I think it would 

 be appropriate for the countries involved to consider seriously spend- 

 ing the necessary money. 



Mr. Pelly. There are from time to time, then, meetings in which 

 representatives from certain interested nations gather together and 

 form an opinion as to projects such as you have referred to ? 



Mr. Vetter. Yes, sir. 



Mr. Pelly. Then everyone goes home and tries to implement it in 

 some way ; is that correct ? 



Mr. Vetter. That is correct. 



Mr. Pelly. It will take considerable funds for that pui-pose. 



Mr. Vetter. The funds for the meetings are very minor. However, 

 the funds for a large survey program of a piece of the ocean like the 

 Indian Ocean are considerable. 



We estimate the U.S. share would be something like $2 million. 



Mr. Pelly. Do you anticipate that this committee would have any 

 part in helping along with that project ? 



Mr. Vetter. Well, sir, I have not done any anticipating in this 

 regard. I certainly think we couUl use all the lielp we could get. 



Mr. Pelly. That is all, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. M1L1.ER. Mr. Lennon ? 



Mr. Lennon. I have no questions, 



Mr. Miller. Mr. Curtin ? 



Mr. Curtin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



