496 



50th National Convention of The American Legion Held in New Orleans, 

 La., September 10-12, 1968 



EESOLUTION no. 369 COMMITTEE ON NAVAL AFFAIRS — SUBJECT, U.S. NAVY 



OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM 



Whereas, the oceans have been of strategic importance since the dawn of 

 history and are becoming of increasing interest as the Navy's operating environ- 

 ment and as food and mineral sources ; and 



Whereas, the oceans belong to no one nation and are a great resource to be 

 shared by all mankind ; and 



Whereas, Russia has a vigorous and substantial oceanographic program whicb 

 is marked by increased research activities throughout the world, and ever in- 

 creasing capabilities ; and 



Whereas, there is only one first-rate oceanographic fleet in the world, that of 

 the Soviet Union ; and 



Whereas, it is considered most essential to our national security and economic 

 interests to sponsor substantial oceanographic programs at ever increasing rates ; 

 and 



Whereas, it is highly desirable for any U.S. Navy oceanographic survey and 

 research ship to have unlimited range and staying power (as well as adequate 

 research and support facilities) while conducting a scientific expedition ; and 



Whereas, nuclear propulsion will provide this staying power ; and 



Whereas, nuclear propulsion is in the last analysis cost comparative. Now, 

 therefore, be it, 



Resolved, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in New 

 Orleans, Louisiana, September 10, 11, 12, 1968, that we urge strong support of : 



1. Nuclearization of all U.S. Navy oceanographic survey ships ; and 



2. An increase in all oceanographic efforts of the U.S. Navy. 



National Fisheries Institute, Inc., 



Washington, D.C., May 20, 1969, 

 Re Hearing on the Marine Science Commission Report. 

 The Honorable Alton Lennon, 

 Chairman, Suicommittee on Oceanography, 

 House of Representatives Offlce Building, Washington, D.C. 



Dear Mb. Chairman : The work of the Commission on Marine Science, Engi- 

 neering and Resources is of extreme interest and significance to the members of 

 the National Fisheries Institute. The Institute is a trade association made up 

 of companies engaged in the production, processing, and distribution of fish and 

 seafood. Accordingly, our members are aware of the vast potential benefits of a 

 well planned, effectively managed national oceanic policy. 



The National Fisheries Institute agrees with and supports the basic concept 

 advanced by the Commission, that of a single comprehensive oceanic agency, and 

 acceleration of marine research funding. 



To express this sentiment, the Institute's Board of Directors unanimously 

 approved the attached resolution at its annual meeting April 19, 1969. We submit 

 this for the record of the hearings now underway. At a later date in the hearings, 

 the Institute may request the opportunity to present an oral statement. 

 Sincerely yours, 



Lee J. Weddig, 

 Executive Director. 



resolution on report of the commission on MARINE SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND 



RESOURCES 



Whereas, the future security, economy, of the United States and its ability to 

 meet increasing food demands depend greatly on its full and wise use of the sea, 

 and 



Whereas, the nation's comprehensive utilization of the oceans and their re- 

 sources is dependent greatly upon organized government action, and 



Whereas, the present federal organization has divided the nation's ocean activi- 

 ties among many departments ; and 



Whereas, the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and Resources was 

 established by Congress two years ago to determine a recommendation of a 

 national ocean policy, and 



