"In as much as your organization was formed for the spe- 

 cific purpose of handling such problems," read Admiral Robinson's 

 letter, "it is requested that you undertake this study." 



This was the go-ahead signal for which NDRC had been wait- 

 ing and planning. It was clear that the work should be under- 

 taken in NDRC' 1 s Division C, of which Dr . Jewett was chairman. 

 It was also clear that a vice-chairman should be appointed to 

 correlate all the work in this specific field. 



In consultation with Dr, Bush;, Dr, Jewett prepared a 

 memorandum outlining an organization which should have the fol- 

 1 owing objectives: 



"1, The most complete investigation possible of all the 

 factors and phenomena involved in the accurate detection of 

 submerged or partially submerged submarines and in anti- 

 submarine devices „ 



"2. The development of equipment and methods for use of 

 promising means for detection to the point where their final 

 embodiment in form satisfactory for Naval operation can be un- 

 dertaken by the regular Bureaus of the Navy," 



The memorandum outlined the facilities which would be 

 required for the work, A central control group would be needed 

 to coordinate activities, arrange for work in special labora- 

 tories, and maintain liaison with the British and others en- 

 gaged in anti-submarine warfare. Two special laboratories 

 would be needed, and these would have to be located at or near 

 Naval stations where suitable facilities would be available. 



The plan called for a staff of the ablest scientists, 

 engineers, designers and laboratory assistants, and contem- 

 plated access to university and industrial laboratories, and 

 in particular to an oceanographic laboratory for fundamental 

 research on the propagation of sound in sea water. The plan 

 also called for the fullest cooperation by the Navy and the 

 provision by the Navy of laboratory and marine facilities, 

 and the necessary personnel for operating and policing them. 

 The Navy, in short s would be expected to take full responsi- 

 bility for the non-scientific aspects of the work. 



It was recommended that at least one laboratory be pro- 

 vided on the Atlantic Coast and another on the Pacific coast. 

 It was proposed that the Atlantic coast laboratory be located 



13 



