1038 
contribution that the Smithsonian Institution makes in its scientific 
studies and those being made by the National Science Foundation ? 
Dr. Gauier. May I respond to that, Mr. Chairman ? 
Mr. Lennon. I don’t think there is, but I want the record to show it. 
Dr. Gautier. There is no duplication, and I can say that as a matter 
of fact we very frequently invite the National Science Foundation to 
associate itself in helping to support some of the research activities 
in the various sciences sponsored by the Smithsonian. 
Mr. Lennon. Thank you, sir. 
The gentleman from Florida. 
Mr. Rocers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 
Mr. Lennon. Off the record. 
(Discussion off the record.) 
Mr. Rocrrs. Dr. Galler, it is good to see you again. You have been 
most helpful to this committee over the years in consideration of legis- 
lation in this field. I will read your statement. 
It is my understanding from dialog already on the record that, 
although you are not coming out specifically recommending the or- 
ganizational setup as the Commission has so recommended, neverthe- 
less you can see the advantage of centralizing some of our activity. 
Dr. Gatier. May I respond ? 
I think that there is not only an advantage, but an urgent require- 
ment for a more careful, closer coordination of the activities that our 
Nation engages in both at the Federal level and in the private sector in 
the field of marine sciences. 
Mr. Rogrrs. Thank you very much. It is very helpful. 
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 
Mr. Lennon. Thank you. 
Dr. Galler, with your background and your association with the 
Smithsonian Institution and before that with the Navy, I would like 
your evaluation and judgment on the capability of the gentlemen who 
composed the Commission, beginning with Dr. Stratton, to make the 
study that they made, and the evaluation and the findings and conclu- 
sions and the ultimate recommendations they made in the Commission. 
I think it is a very splendid Commission. I am not a scientist. I 
never knew any one of these gentlemen before they became members 
of this Commission, but I was greatly impressed with the time and 
effort and concern they gave this study. 
I think you heard me say before that as soon as the bill was signed 
into law, I requested Mr. Mosher to join with me in a letter to the 
President asking him, whatever time it took, to find the men who had 
the background and who could give the time and would give the time, 
and I suggested to him even before he made the appointments of 
these people, that he make the decision that these people be contacted 
to see if they would be willing to give the time. We knew it would take 
at least 2 years, or a good part of that 2 years. 
Do you have anything you would like to say for the record about 
your judgment of these men who made this study and this report ? 
Dr. Gatiter. Mr. Chairman, what I am about to say is really a 
redundancy, but I am delighted at being able to restate that, and I 
say this not only for myself but also for Secretary Ripley. 
The Commission and its individual members were outstanding. In 
addition, I would say that not only was the outstanding performance 
