NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM LEGISLATION 95 



raphy, that has been charged with recommending an improved 

 oceanographic program in terms of scientific merit, efi^ectiveness in 

 technological application, and scientific and engineering leadership. 



In? commenting upon the current status of oceanography to the 

 President of the National Security Industrial Association, President 

 Johnson recently stated his intent that the United States shall main- 

 tain leadership in ocean science and technology and their economic, 

 military, and social applications, and noted that the oceanographic 

 program is currently being reviewed in terms of national goals, op- 

 portunities, priorities, and means whereby industrial, academic, and 

 Federal resources can be jointly and effectively employed in this 

 program. 



I recognize the possibility that there might be a need for a commis- 

 sion on oceanography at a later time, to supplement and extend the 

 current review. I have asked the Panel to report to the President's 

 Science Advisory Committee on the results of their study, at which 

 time a more informed and reliable judgment can be made on this 

 point and on the composition and mission of any commission which 

 might be established. 

 Sincerely yours, 



Donald F. Hornig. Director. 



Smithsonian Institution, 

 Washington, D.C., July 28, 1965. 

 Hon, Herbert C. Bonner, 



Chairman, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, 

 House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. 



Dear Mr. Bonner: Thank you for your request of June 21, 1965, 

 for the views of the Smithsonian Institution on H.R. 9064, a bill 

 to establish a National Commission on Oceanography. 



This legislation would establish a National Oceanography Com- 

 mission composed of 15 persons appointed by the President. Five 

 representatives on this Commission shall be from the Government, 

 five from industry, and five from universities and laboratories en- 

 gaged in oceanographic pursuits. 



In order to recommend an adequate national oceanographic pro- 

 gram, the Commission would be directed to make a comprehensive 

 study of all aspects of oceanography, including certain specified 

 aspects found in section 4 of H.R. 9064. Provisions is made for the 

 submission by the Commission of an interim report within one year 

 of approval of H.R. 9064 and a final report of its activities within 2 

 years of approval of this legislation. It is also provided that the 

 Commission shall cease to exist 30 days after submission of its final 

 report. 



The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution will be asked 

 to consider this legislation at its next meeting. I shall be pleased to 

 advise you of its views at that time. 

 Sincerely yours, 



Frank A, Taylor, 



Acting Secretary. 



