MARINE SCIENCE 155 
primarily from basic research in which the investigator is seeking to discover 
new facts without immediate concern as to the ways in which these facts may 
be used. It is certain that new knowledge growing out of the program itself 
will furnish the basis for changes in emphasis and that new discoveries will 
require the inclusion of wholly new kinds of activities. Careful avoidance of 
restrictions that might impede the flexible growth of a long-range program is 
very important in such enabling legislation. Whereas I appreciate the impor- 
tance, as you noted in your personal letter to me a year ago, of Congress being 
specific in defining any new program, it is essential also that the legislation be 
specific in encompassing the future unknowns that basic research will uncover. 
In this manner, those who interpret the law in years to come will have no doubt 
that instruments, ideas or resources undreamed of today are equally well cov- 
ered with those now spelled out in such excellent detail. 
The expansion of 8S. 901 over the bill introduced at the last session of Congress 
indicates in a gratifying way that many of the comments of oceanographers were 
recognized and heard. ‘The additions in the field of education and the inclu- 
sion of other agencies is particularly welcome; however, the fact that so many 
felt the need for specific additions points up the hazard of spelling out the pro- 
gram in this detailed manner. Specifically, I would suggest that there be re- 
peated in the beginning and end of the bill a statement that the proposed 
program is minimal and that expansion, modification, and change will be neces- 
sary. I realize that such wording is already included but too often legislation 
is taken to be restrictive rather than permissive in its interpretation. 
Oceanography is a complex science; it embraces all the physical and biological 
sciences just as the oceans embrace the earth. Therefore, it is obviously wise 
to recognize the need for interagency cooperation in order to achieve the goal 
set forth in the declaration of policy as stated in this bill. However, I am 
concerned with the specific proposals relating to the establishment of a Division 
of Marine Science within the National Science Foundation. Certainly the Na- 
tional Science Foundation has adequately demonstrated its ability to properly 
foster basic research and it would be most appropriate for the Foundation to 
have a key role in the expanding program of oceanography, even to a larger 
extent than proposed in 8. 901. However, it is not so clear to me that the Science 
Foundation should be put in the position of interagency coordinator or that a 
fixed membership of a divisional committee as proposed is wise. In fact, the nine 
Government bureaus identified for furnishing members of the division commit- 
tee may be forced to name individuals with little or no experience in marine 
sciences, or perhaps no contact with research at all. This is entirely different 
from other divisional committees of the National Science Foundation. There is 
no question but that Government agencies should be represented on National 
Science Foundation committees wherein the members are chosen because of 
their scientific ability in the particular field, rather than solely to speak as rep- 
resentatives of their particular bureaus. The past success of the Foundation 
rests largely on its freedom to name outstanding scientists to their committees 
and management levels. I would strongly recommend that if a Division of 
Marine Science is established within the Science Foundation that the present 
pattern of giving the Foundation complete freedom in selecting the members 
for the divisional committee be afforded them. 
Finally, I should like to note with pleasure the specific notation that the re- 
search ships to be constructed by the Maritime Administration are in addition 
to those authorized for the other agencies. The continuation of funding of re- 
search vessels in the manner of the National Science Foundation grant to this 
Institution is imperative to the continuation of the private institutions now do- 
ing basic research in oceanography. In this connection, an aspect which so far 
has not received sufficient attention and which needs to be funded in like man- 
ner is for shore facilities. Our future in marine sciences will inevitably rest 
like a three-legged stool on ships, shore facilities, and trained scientists, each of 
which is essential for progress and each of which must be supported in a bal- 
anced program. 
In conclusion, may I express again my gratitude for the opportunity to sub- 
mit these views and to express our great satisfaction at the interest which you 
and your associates have taken in the science which is the complete mission of 
our Institution here in Woods Hole. I hope it wil! be possible for you, members 
of your committee and your staff, to visit Woods Hole and to see firsthand some 
of the research we now have underway. As an illustration of this, I am sending 
you a copy of our recently published “Atlantic Ocean Atlas.” 
Sincerely yours, 
PauL M. Fe. 
67624—61——__11 
