98 OCEAN SCIENCES AND NATIONAL SECURITY 



Bui'eau of Mines. 



Weather Bureau. 



Department of State. 



Geophysics Branch, U.S. Air Force. 



Atomic Energy Commission. 



U.S. Coast Guard. 



Hydrographic Office, U.S. Navy. 



Bureau of Weapons, U.S. Navy. 



U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. 



National Academy of Sciences, Committee on Oceanography. 

 By early 1959, 3 years after the CCO had been in operation, a num- 

 ber of events had focussed an unusual spotlight on the allegedly 

 neglected status of oceanography in the United States and by virtue 

 of the dominant role of the Federal sponsorship, on the question of 

 adequate coordination. In particular, the NASCO study, begun late 

 in 1957, was essentially complete, and its forceful recommendations 

 had been made public. Also by early 1959, the Navy had itself 

 constructed a long-term program of contract oceanic research. Project 

 TENOC. Finally'', in a report of the President's Science Advisory 

 Committee released December 27, 1958, still additional emphasis on 

 the need for an accelerated program was generated: 



Oceanography is another promismg field which has received inadequate atten- 

 tion. For the study of the oceans, the United States has only a few research 

 vessels, all inadequately equipped. A vessel specifically designed and constructed 

 for oceanographic research has not been built in this country since 1930. 



In that same statement, the President approved the establishment 

 of a New Federal Council for Science and Technology (FCST) that 

 was formalized subsequently by Executive Order 10807 dated March 

 13, 1959, Because this new organization has been delegated execu- 

 tive responsibility for coordinating oceanography, among other scien- 

 tific fields, its functions, designated in Section 2, paragraphs (a) and 

 (b) have been reiterated for background: 



Section 2. Functions of Coiincil. — (a) The Council shall consider problems 

 and developments in the fields of science and technology and related activities 

 affecting more than one Federal agency or concerning the overall advancement of 

 the Nation's science and technology, and shall recommend policies and other 

 measures (1) to provide more effective planning and administration of Federal 

 scientific and technological progran^s, (2) to identify research needs including 

 areas of research renuiring additional emphasis, (3) to achieve more effective 

 utiliz!i,tion of the scientific and technological resources and facilities of Federal 

 agencies, including the eliminution of unnecessary duplication, and (4) to further 

 international cooperation in science and technology. In developing such policies 

 and measures of the Council, after consulting, when considered api)ropriate by 

 the Chairman, the National Academy of Sciences, the President's Science Ad- 

 visory Committee, and other organizations, shall consider (i) the effects of Federal 

 research and development policies and programs on non-Federal programs and 

 institutions, (ii) long-range program plans designed to meet the scientific and 

 technological needs of the Federal Government, including manpower and capital 

 requirements, and (iii) the effects of non-Federal programs in science and tech- 

 nology upon Federal reseitrch and development policies and programs. 



(b) The Council shall consider and recommend measures for the effective 

 implen)entation of Federal policies concerning the administra.tion and conduct of 

 Federal programs in science ami technology. 



In view of the publication of the various 10-year programs for 

 oceanographic research, of simultaneously emerging needs for inter- 

 departmental coordination, and of the President's directive concerning 

 responsibilities of the then-imminent FCST, an important meeting was 



