Memoranda

December 18, 1950

My dear Mr. President:

Pursuant to the memorandum on the subject of Scientific Research and Development of Military Significance, which the Director of the Bureau of the Budget addressed to you on October 19, 1950, and which you approved on October 20, I have undertaken the appropriate studies and submit herewith my first recommendation.

This recommendation, for the appointment of an outstanding scientific leader as Scientific Adviser to the President, with functions described in the attached memorandum, is particularly timely because of the trend in international relations and the importance of science in the mobilization program of the United States.

In studying the problem and in arriving at this recommendation I have had the benefit of discussions with many leading scientists and appropriate Government officials. There has been general agreement on the wisdom of the recommendation and I believe that your appointment of a Scientific Adviser to the President, with the duties described in this memorandum, would be very favorably received in the scientific community and would represent a substantial element of progress in the war mobilization program.

Respectfully yours,
William T. Golden

The President of the United States