In fact, the Office of Naval Research, to a large extent, exists primarily in 

 recognition of the catalysis provided through just such scientific interaction. 

 This was a basic goal of the Act of Congress in 1946 that established the Office 

 of Naval Research and charged ONR with covering worldwide trends in science 

 and technology. Certainly, no better example can be found of an area of inter- 

 national and naval interest than hydrodynamics. We are, therefore, proud to have 

 participated in each of these symposia and particularly happy to be able to wel- 

 come today so many outstanding attendees from so many countries to this Seventh 

 Symposium in Rome. 



Each of us here today has an opportunity to benefit personally from the new 

 ideas that will be aired and the personal contacts that will be made. I trust that 

 we will all take maximum advantage of our good fortune. The scheduled papers, 

 the panel discussion periods, the coffee breaks, and the social program all 

 promise stimulating activity. 



It is extremely gratifying to Admiral Owen that this symposium is being 

 sponsored by the Marina Militare Italiana and the Istituto Nazionale per Studi ed 

 Esperienze di Architettura Navale di Roma, with the collaboration and under the 

 auspices of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Richerche (National Council of Research). 



The arduous tasks of organization, scheduling, ensuring that our fine authors 

 get their papers in on time, and the myriad of other logistic details have fallen 

 to our local hosts. By every indication they have been eminently successful. We 

 of ONR are most appreciative of their labors and take pride in sharing their 

 product. 



On behalf of The Office of Naval Research and the United States Navy, I ex- 

 tend best wishes for a successful Seventh Symposium here in beautiful Rome and 

 hope that this one will be followed by many more. 



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