94 ADVANCEMENT OF MARINE SCIENCES 



and medical sciences. After careful consideration of the matter, we 

 have concluded that establishment of divisions on the basis suggested 

 in the bill would not be as sound an arrangement and could lead to 

 distortion and overlap in administration. Then too, there would 

 seem to be equally appropriate reasons for establishing other divisions 

 in the foundation for particular scientific discipUnes which could lead 

 to further organizational difficulties. At present, the foundation is 

 supporting oceanographic research activities through its existing divi- 

 sions among which there is extremely close cooperation and coordina- 

 tion. To aid in carrying out these responsibilities, the foundation has 

 a full-time oceanographer on its staff as well as a special consultant 

 on a full-time basis in the field of biological oceanography. Our 

 organizational arrangements for handhng cross-disciplinary fields such 

 as oceanography is a matter to which we are pa3dng close attention, 

 however, and we will not hesitate to change them as circumstances 

 warrant. 



One of the primary objectives of S. 901 is to assure that there is a 

 continuing national policy and program for carrying out the Nation's 

 oceanographic effort. Coordination of the activities of the Federal 

 agencies in this area is presently the responsibihty of the Federal 

 Council for Science and Technology, whose Chairman is the Special 

 Assistant to the President for Science and Technology. It is, of 

 course, important, in the carrying out of the national program, that 

 full information be available with respect to the status of the national 

 effort, both public and private, and the needs in particular areas of 

 this endeavor. The National Science Foundation, in carrying on its 

 support of basic research in oceanography and related needs, keeps 

 in close touch with oceanographic research activities throughout the 

 world. In this connection, we are planning to issue, at appropriate 

 intervals, reports on the status of oceanographic research together 

 with assessments, as appropriate, of national needs in this area. 



We are deeply mindful of the importance of oceanographic research 

 to the national welfare and are prepared to cooperate in any way 

 possible to assure that the oceanographic effort of the United States 

 is second to none. 



The Biu-eau of the Budget has advised us it has no objection to the 

 submission of this report. 

 Sincerely yours, 



Alan T. Waterman, Director. 



Department of the Navy, 



Office of the Secretary, 

 Office of Legislative Affairs, 



Washington, B.C., May 26, 1961. 

 Hon. Warren G. Magnuson, 

 Chairman, Committee on Commerce, 

 U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 



My Dear Mr. Chairman: Your request for comment on S. 901, a 

 bill to advance the marine sciences, to establish a comprehensive 10- 

 year program of oceanographic research and surveys, to promote com- 

 merce and navigation, to secure the national defense, to expand ocean, 

 coastal, and Great Lakes resources, to authorize the construction of 



