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these centers should rest with the organizational structure proposed 
by the Commission. 
A few engineering-related subject areas which might be recom- 
mended for such centers in the confederation are as follows: 
(1) Ocean materials information. 
(2) Coastal engineering and Great Lakes physical information. 
(3) Oceanographic and meteorological information. 
(4) Soil mechanics, bottom sediments, and foundations information. 
(5) Seismological and geophysical information. 
(6) And design information for ocean platforms, structures, and 
vehicles. 
In the dissemination of engineering information, there arises a prob- 
lem in the security classification of information during its development 
or use. Current policies, procedures, and the specific actions by both 
executive and legislative branches of Government on the releasing or 
withholding of information, are confusing and seen at times to be 
excessively restrictive. 
This confusion causes a hinderance to university and industrial par- 
ticipation in important research. It is suggested that, in developing 
systems for information dissemination related to the oceans, a study 
be made of ways to optimize information dissemination to speed uy the 
processes of appropriate declassification, and to expedite useful dis- 
tribution of engineering knowledge. 
An example will serve to illustrate this problem. Today data are not 
readily available to the offshore petroleum industry, concerning under- 
water explosion parameters usable in controlling underwater oil pro- 
duction. Such parametric data were developed as early as 1943, these 
reports have since been declassified, and are of little or no security 
value, but this information is as yet not easily obtaintable through 
civilian channels. 
In conclusion I shall summarize and emphasize my major points: 
I concur with the conclusion of the Marine Commission and others 
who have investigated this subject in depth, that it is essential for 
the United States to be committed to the ocean as an important ele- 
ment among our national interests and commitments. 
The effectiveness of the Government participation in fulfilling this 
commitment is related to the programs, to the organization, and to 
procedures that are to be established. Recognizing the need for some 
reorganization in marine affairs in the U.S. Government, I have out- 
lined briefly a few of the essential aspects of engineering research, in- 
formation dissemination, and manpower education that I believe 
require consideration in the development of effective marine programs, 
organization, and procedures. 
The concentration of my presentation on these specific subject areas 
does not imply that they are the sole or primary functions of Govern- 
ment In marine activity. Any reorganization of the U.S. Government 
should not overemphasize the requirement for long-range engineering 
development and research to the detriment of other direct functional 
requirements such as aids to navigation, resource management, and 
defense. 
Please note that, as an engineer, I strongly urge that, even though 
the Government and national interests, as they should, are shifting 
toward engineering and marine resource utilization, the support of 
