827 
Defense.—Consolidation of civilian activities, excluding Coast Guard, would 
offer some advantages, but should not be lodged in any existing Depart- 
ment. 
NSF.—Additional study of alternatives is needed before decisions can be 
made on new organization. 
Comment.—Hearings on the Commission’s findings are scheduled by the House 
Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee to begin mid-April, and Administra- 
tion witnesses will be called upon for views. Interest by the public and ocean- 
related industries is growing, but no single organizational proposal is likely to 
- attract immediate Congressional support. 
Of the six program areas the Commission felt deserving more emphasis and 
funding, all but the civilian marine technology could be undertaken in various 
agencies now involved without reorganization but with continued policy and pro- 
gram coordination. Because of limitations in the Commssion Report, changes in 
Federal organization for carrying out ocean-related and atmospheric functions 
can be fully assessed only after a further evaluation of (a) the merits of pro- 
gram proposals and of marine-related options to meet national goals, and (b) 
overall Governmental organization for program needs of the entire physical en- 
vironment, and Federal support of science and technology. 
Recommendation #2.—The reorganization proposal of the Commission (to 
create a separate agency) should be considered in the content of a broader 
review of Federal organization—at least a review which takes into account: 
related environmental and natural resource areas, 
maritime transportation. 
Meanwhile, the Executive Office staffs should continue to review the potential 
of ocean and atmospheric affiairs in relation to national goals, and ways by 
which existing marine science programs might be organized to improve effective- 
ness of our Federal effort. 
Respectfully yours, 
Spiro T, AGNEW. 
Mr. Lennon. I ask unanimous consent also, following the letter of 
Vice President Agnew of March 27 to the President, that there also 
be inserted in the record immediately following that letter, a memo- 
randum dated May 29, 1969, to the council members and observers, 
signed by Dr. E dward W enk, Te 
“Is there ¢ any objection ? 
Hearing none, it is so ordered. 
(The memorandum follows :) 
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, 
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON MARINE RESOURCES 
AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, 
Washington, May 29, 1969. 
MEMORANDUM TO COUNCIL MEMBERS AND OBSERVERS 
In accordance with the Vice President’s comments at the May 23 meeting of 
the National Council on Marine Resources and Engineering Development, I am 
enclosing copies of (a) the Vice President’s March 27 recommendations concern- 
ing the report of the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and Resources, 
(b) the President’s May 19 reply to the Vice President requesting the Council 
to continue to review the recommendations of the Commission and asking Dr. 
DuBridge to consider the recommendations in relation to other scientific and 
technological activities, and (c) the President’s May 19 request to Mr. Ash 
requesting that his study of Federal organization requirements include consid- 
eration of the Commission’s recommendation to establish a new independent 
agency drawing together agencies and programs from five existing departments 
and agencies. 
Hearings involving Administration officials before the House Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries Committee on the Commission Report are tentatively scheduled for 
June. The memoranda from the President set forth future responsibilities re- 
garding the Report and provide guidance in responding to requests from the 
26-563—70—pt. 2——21 
