1029 
Mr. Lennon. It is always good to have a lawyer with you. 
T welcome you gentlemen. I am delighted to have you. 
You may proceed, Doctor. 
Dr. Gautier. First, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of this committee, 
the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution wishes to express his 
deep appreciation at the opportunity to deliver a statement before 
the committee, and his sincere regret that he was unable to appear in 
person, and asked me to deliver his statement for him. 
With your permission, I would like to summarize it. 
STATEMENT OF S. DILLON RIPLEY, SECRETARY, SMITHSONIAN 
INSTITUTION, AS PRESENTED BY DR. SIDNEY R. GALLER, ASSIST- 
ANT SECRETARY, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 
Dr. Gatier. This is a statement of Dr. S. Dillon Ripley, the Sec- 
retary of the Smithsonian Institution, presented to the Subcommit- 
tee on Oceanography of the House Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries, October 1, 1969, on bill H.R. 13247. 
Mr. Chairman, members of the Subcommittee on Oceanography, my 
name is S$. Dillon Ripley, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. I 
am very pleased to have the opportunity to comment on the proposed 
bill and to propose ways in which the Smithsonian Institution could 
contribute to its purposes. 
First, I wish to commend the Committee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries and this subcommittee in particular for their many years of 
guidance in the field of oceanography leading to the evolution of a 
truly national program of ocean science and technology. 
This subcommittee has identified the advantages of accelerating 
the development of a wide-ranging program coordinating all as- 
pects of the national interests represented by the governmental agen- 
cles as well as the broader interests of academic science, industry, and 
the public at large. 
In addition, I would like to commend the Commission on Marine 
Science, Engineering and Resources on the excellence of its report 
that has served as the basis for H.R. 13247. 
I have watched closely the activities and deliberations of the Com- 
mission and have valued very highly my association with Dr. Strat- 
ten and the members of the Commission. I consider them to be highly 
competent, dedicated individuals who have approached this report 
with careful study and devotion to duty. 
I hope the Subcommittee on Oceanography will continue its ex- 
cellent efforts to enhance the national program, recognizing as did the 
Vice President when he mentioned in his February 24, 1969, speech 
in New York, that: f 
“We intend to use the science of oceanology to serve the pressing 
needs of society. The knowledge of the seas must be used to serve the 
cause of world peace.” 
The bill, H.R. 13247, is put forth to amend the Marine Resources 
and Engineering Development Act of 1966 to establish a comprehen- 
sive and long-range national program of research development, tech- 
nical services, exploration, and utilization with respect to our marine 
and atmospheric environment. 
