Decision Memorandum

October 19, 1950

MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT

SUBJECT: Scientific Research and Development of Military Significance

We have on several occasions discussed with you your request that an informal review be made, for your information, of the organization and conduct of scientific research and development activities in the Department of Defense and related agencies- and of the organization of the Government for the promotion of scientific activities generally during the emergency period. Mr. William T. Golden, of New York, has agreed to undertake this study and to submit his findings and recommendations, serving, for the purpose as a Special Consultant to the Director of the Bureau of the Budget.

Among the principal elements which make such a review pertinent at this time are:

1. Current international military and political developments and the greatly expanded military plans and budget now under formulation.
2. The approaching activation of the National Science Foundation.
3. The report of the Committee on Plans for Mobilizing Science (Stewart Report), now before you for consideration, which makes recommendations concerning the establishment of an organization to perform, in the event of another emergency, functions comparable to those of the Office of Scientific Research and Development in World War II.
4. The inquiries which have reached you from congressional and other sources on this broad subject, with particular reference to the relationships between civilian scientists and the military.
5. The emphasis which the increasing responsibilities of the U.S.A. in world affairs places on the relationship between strategic plans and scientific research and development; and the correlative magnified problems of coordination and allocation of research projects between the Services and of insuring adequacy of long-term coverage

In order to advise you on these matters and to produce information which may be of maximum benefit to all concerned, Mr. Golden, who is cleared for handing of all types of classified matters, plans to have informal discussions within the Department of Defense and other appropriate agencies of the Government and also to meet with scientists and others outside of the Government. Particular attention be paid to present Government organizational structure for scientific research and development and the inter-relationship of such agencies as the Research and Development Board, the National Science Foundation and whatever agency becomes responsible for the functions which were performed by the OSRD in World War II.

(signed: F.J. Lawton) Director
(Approved 10/20/50 Harry Truman)