As we near Christmas and the New Year I again give my solemn word on behalf of the American people to all the peoples of the world: that the people of the United States and their Government do not want war. They want to work steadfastly to make "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men" a reality for all humankind.

The people of the United States do not wish to enslave or control any other nation or any other people. They seek only to enjoy with their fellowmen peace—a peace of honor and justice. They respect the rights of all people to do the same.

The United States is strong, and will remain strong, because that is the only way in today's world that the peace can be protected—but the United States will never use its strength to break the peace.

Though the United States will never retreat in the face of force, or the threat of force, it will always welcome and accept serious and honest proposals to negotiate international differences.

The United States has pledged its national honor to work for peace. For us, this pledge is no less than a sacred obligation. It is freely, but not lightly, given to the nations of the world.

As I press this button and the darkness surrounding the National Christmas Tree is illuminated by light, I hope that this ceremony has greater significance to all Americans and to the world than just the lighting of a tree. I pray that the darkness, which at times has encompassed the world, may be illuminated by the light of understanding and cooperation of all the nations that earnestly seek peace in the year ahead.

To the men, women and children of America and to all peoples throughout the world-A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good night, and Peace be with you!

NOTE: The President spoke just before lighting the National Community Christ

mas Tree at the Pageant of Peace Ceremonies on the Ellipse.

326 ¶ Statement by the President Making Public the Science Advisory Committee's Report "Strengthening American Science."

December 28, 1958

MORE THAN a year ago a many-pronged effort was launched to underwrite the strength of American science and technology as one of our essential resources for national security and welfare. At that time I asked my Science Advisory Committee to make a study of ways in which the Federal Government could best serve this objective.

The Committee has recently presented its report on "Strengthening American Science" to the Cabinet. I believe it is of such importance and timeliness that it should be given broad distribution.

One of the specific recommendations of the report calls for the establishment of a new Federal Council for Science and Technology, a body to promote closer cooperation among federal agencies in planning their programs in science and technology. I have approved the establishment of this new Council and have asked that the appropriate Executive Order be prepared for bringing it into existence without delay. It is my hope that this new Council will improve the planning and management of Government research programs and will facilitate the resolution of common problems and promote greater interagency cooperation.

In making public this report, I call particular attention to the conclusion of the Science Advisory Committee that the task of further strengthening United States science is so broad that Government, industry, universities, foundations, and individuals all have essential roles to play. The future growth and strength of American science will depend upon the efforts of all of these parts of our national community if we are to rise to the demands of our times. NOTE: Mimeographed copies of the Committee's report (22 pages) were released with the President's statement. In addition the White House released a 4-page press statement concerning the report.

Noting that Federal funds currently pay for about half of the scientific research, engineering, and development in the United States, the report surveys the role of the Federal Government in the

light of present problems and opportunities in the field. It includes the following recommendations: (1) establishment of a Federal Council for Science and Technology; (2) a series of steps to improve the administration and management of research in Government laboratories; (3) critical examination of policies and practices covering Government-sponsored research in non-Government institutions;

(4) steps to emphasize the importance of planning to meet the capital needs of science, and (5) reaffirmation of the importance of private support of research together with suggestions to foundations and other private sources of funds.

Earlier, on December 7, the White House announced that the President, acting upon the recommendations of the Science Advisory Committee, directed the

National Science Foundation to take the lead in bringing about effective coordination of the various scientific information activities within the Federal Government. The Committee's recommendations were contained in a report entitled "Improving the Availability of Scientific and Technical Information in the United States," released by the White House the same date.

327 ¶ Letter to Dr. Howard L. Bevis in Acknowledgment of the Final Report of the President's Committee on Scientists and Engineers. December 31, 1958

Dear Dr. Bevis:

I received the Final Report of your Committee with pleasure and appreciation and was gratified to note the Committee's many accomplishments in stimulating action on a broad front to meet the Nation's scientific and technological manpower problems.

Our Nation continues to face urgent need to strengthen our scientific and technological resources, and it is of vital importance that we enlist the cooperation of all interested individuals and groups in dealing with the problems before us. The experience of the Committee will certainly be a useful guide in this regard, and you are to be congratulated for your efforts.

To you personally I extend my warm good wishes and ask that you express to the members of the Committee my sincere appreciation for their fine cooperation and effort.

Sincerely,

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

NOTE: The "Final Report to the President-The President's Committee on Scientists and Engineers," dated December 1958, was made available by the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization in a

49-page pamphlet.

Dr. Bevis' letter of transmittal, dated December 17, was released with the President's reply.

Appendix A-White House Press Releases, 1958

NOTE: Includes releases covering matters with which the President was closely concerned, except announcements of Presidential personnel appointments and approvals of legislation with which there was no accompanying statement.

Releases relating to Proclamations and Executive Orders have not been included. These documents are separately listed in Appendix B.

For list of Press and Radio Conferences, see subject index under "News Conferences."