227 



In the context of the Commission's report which stresses our na- 

 tional capability in the sea, it would, in my opinion, be unthinkable 

 and untenable to support a program of basic research in marine science 

 throuo-h the University-National Laboratories without also support- 

 ing a program for fundamental technology. Marine science and funda- 

 mental technology are inseparable. 



Except for certain applications in specific areas of exploitation, no- 

 tably the petroleum industry, really new developments in fundamental 

 marine technology have been relatively limited. Great strides have 

 been made in oil exploration, desalination techniques, and design and 

 development of deep submersibles where economic return supported 

 the research. 



I do not intend in any way to demean these laudable efforts of pri- 

 vate industry; I congratulate them on their progress and urge them 

 forward to explore these and other areas of marine technology. Indus- 

 try is motivated by profit — we must recognize this economic principle 

 of free enterprise — and we must encourage it because our existence 

 depends on it. 



However, despite some success in applied marine technology ad- 

 vances in fundamental technology have been slow and fragmented. 

 Materials research and instrumentation, both cited as major areas of 

 concern by the Commission, must be given considerable and consistent 

 support as a part of a successful technological program. Basic science 

 and basic technology must move ahead together, or perhaps not at all, 

 New theories in science demand exploration and proof — new tech- 

 nologies permit this exploration and can provide the proof. In many 

 cases, new or improved techniques invite new applications which will 

 lead researchers to unexpected knowledge and results. 



With the strong convictions which equal my support of the recom- 

 mendations regarding University-National Laboratories, I urge that 

 the Commission's recommendations to initiate a dynamic and 

 comprehensive fundamental technology program be accepted and 

 implemented. 



The Commission has also recommended that a new agency be set up 

 to oversee the Federal Government's civilian activities in the oceans. 

 This is of particular importance for the implementation of a national 

 program to improve our fundamental technology in the oceans. 



The establishment of an independent agency which reports directly 

 to the President and, more importantly, answers to a unified ocean 

 activities committee in each House of Congress, is the most important 

 recommendation in the entire report. 



The proposed National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency, if 

 established as recommended, would include 55,000 employees, 320 sea- 

 going ships, and 38 laboratories. The Federal Government's and the 

 Nation's ocean activities would be clearly visible to the public and the 

 reasons for these activities would be clear and would receive a con- 

 tinuing place in our national priorities. Some may say this is too big an 

 agency — but the ocean problems are gigantic. Others may quibble with 

 the composition, and I, in fact, did propose to the Commission over a 

 year ago another plan for an ocean agency. 



However, the important overriding point is that a new composite 

 civilian agency is essential to the healthy growth of the Nation's ocean 



