Statement by President Eisenhower Upon Signing the Executive Order Strengthening the Scientific Programs of the Federal Government, March 17, 1954 1

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Science has a vital role in our Nation's security and growth. During the past half-century, it has brought about a vast transformation in industry, in agriculture, in medicine, in transportation, and in communications. Military science has been revolutionized by technological development. The impact of science is increasingly felt in every field of public policy including foreign affairs. All this has been brought about through a combination of vision, initiative, business enterprise, a strong educational system, and the dedicated enthusiasm of the scientific community.

The responsibilities of the Federal Government toward science have likewise changed greatly. In 1940, the Federal Government spent about one hundred million dollars in supporting research and development. The budget which I have just transmitted to the Congress calls for expenditures for these purposes in the next fiscal year of over two billion dollars. This is convincing evidence of the important role of science and technology in our national affairs.

This rapid expansion of Federal responsibility requires prudent administration. More than half of all the investment in the Nation today for scientific research and development is being made by the Federal Government. In large measure, these Federal funds are paid to industry and educational institutions for the conduct of research and development projects. Thus our Federal policies and practices regarding research and development are felt immediately and substantially by industry and our educational institutions.

More than ninety percent of this Federal support is presently going into applied research and development. This is the practical application of basic knowledge to a variety of products and devices. However, only a small fraction of the Federal funds is being used to stimulate and support the vital basic research which makes possible our practical scientific progress. I believe strongly that this Ñation must extend its support of research in basic science.

While the Executive Order which I have signed today 2 calls upon the National Science Foundation to carry out important responsibilities in regard to scientific research, it is also designed to strengthen the conduct and support of vital research and development in the several agencies where science is important in achieving their assigned missions.

This order will, for the first time, set in motion important steps leading to a thorough and continuing review of the status of the Federal Government's activities in science, and thus enable the Govern

1 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954 (Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1960), pp. 335-336.

2 "Administration of Scientific Research by Agencies of the Federal Government,” Executive Order 10521, Mar. 17, 1954, Federal Register, vol. XIX, pp. 1499, 1501.

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ment, together with industry, higher education, and the scientific community to move forward with assurance toward the achievement of the Nation's goals.

I expect and believe that this order will clarify the position of the Government toward the support and advancement of science in the Nation, and that it will contribute in a constructive sense to the development of our national policy in this important and critical area.

Letter From the Chairman of the National Science Board (Barnard) to President Eisenhower, June 22, 19541

MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I wish to convey to you the sincere appreciation of the National Science Board for your wholehearted support of this country's program for the International Geophysical Year as presented in the budget request which you have sent to the Congress.2

As you know, there are pressing problems of interest to agencies of the Government and to the nation, as well as to the scientists in the field of geophysics, whose solution primarily depends upon simultaneous observations throughout the world. It is heartening that in times like these so many nations have agreed to cooperate in a world-wide program on scientific matters of interest and concern to all. It is eminently fitting and indeed important that the United States join the other nations in this effort, and that the Federal Government accept responsibility for our participation.

With grateful acknowledgment of your support in this important undertaking [etc.].

Letter From President Eisenhower to the Chairman of the National Science Board (Barnard) on the International Geophysical Year, June 24, 1954 3

DEAR DR. BARNARD: I appreciate your letter with respect to the United States program for participation in the International Geophysical Year.

I am glad to support this undertaking. It is a striking example of the opportunities which exist for cooperative action among the peoples of the world. As I understand it, some thirty nations will unite their scientific resources for a simultaneous effort, extending over two years, to penetrate the basic geophysical forces which govern the natural environment in which we live. Under especially favorable conditions, scientists of many nations will work together in extending man's knowledge of the universe. The findings of this research will be widely disseminated throughout the world, aiding in the further development of telecommunications, aviation, navigation, and weather forecasting. It is doubtful whether any single nation could undertake such a program. Acting in concert, each participating nation, contributing within its means, secures the benefits of the program.

1 Department of State Bulletin, July 5, 1954, p. 21.

2 On June 7, 1954, the President transmitted to the Congress a request for supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year 1955, including a request for $2,500,000 for the National Science Foundation to permit preparations to begin for the program of the International Geophysical Year (ibid., p. 20).

3 Ibid., July 5, 1954, pp. 20-21.

The United States has become strong through its diligence in expanding the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Our technology is built upon a solid foundation of basic scientific inquiry, which must be continuously enriched if we are to make further progress. The International Geophysical Year is a unique opportunity to advance science, while at the same time it holds the promise of greater technological gains both for ourselves and for other nations. I am sure that our participation in this far-reaching effort will very materially strengthen our bonds with the many cooperating nations and make a constructive contribution toward the solution of mutual problems.

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President Eisenhower's Annual Budget Message to Congress, January 17, 1955 1 [Extract]

Despite our tremendous technological strides in recent years, our national interest requires that we support a strong program of basic research and that we train a greater number of highly qualified scientists and engineers. Accordingly, this budget recommends increased National Science Foundation grants for basic research and for training more graduate students, college instructors, and high school science teachers. It includes also the remaining necessary financial support for United States participation in the International Geophysical Year, a worldwide scientific undertaking which will yield great long-range benefits to this country.

Statement by the President's Press Secretary (Hagerty), July 29, 1955 2

On behalf of the President, I am now announcing that the President has approved plans by this country for going ahead with the launching of small unmanned earth-circling satellites as part of the United States participation in the International Geophysical Year which takes place between July 1957 and December 1958. This program will for the first time in history enable scientists throughout the world to make sustained observations in the regions beyond the earth's atmosphere. The President expressed personal gratification that the American program will provide scientists of all nations this important and unique opportunity for the advancement of science.

1 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1955 (Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1959), p. 148. • Department of State Bulletin, Aug. 8, 1955, p. 218.

Department of Defense Statement on Meteorological Balloons, January 8, 1956 1

AIR FORCE METEOROLOGICAL SURVEY EXPANDED IN NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

An Air Force meteorological survey, commonly known as "Moby Dick" here in the United States, is being expanded to include other areas in the Northern Hemisphere.

This research program has been in progress for the past two years to obtain meteorological research data above 30,000 feet. Large plastic balloons, which have often been mistaken for "flying saucers," will carry meteorological instruments, including cameras and radio equipment to record and telemeter atmospheric information. This method of obtaining meteorological research data might be of great use in the International Geophysical Year programs that will be conducted during 1957-1958.

Balloons are, in effect, miniature "satellites" that can remain aloft for several days and thereby collect continuous research data. The research data thus obtained will enable our scientists to better understand the many meteorological phenomena that exist in the vast unexplored region surrounding the earth. It is likely that information will be obtained that will be of importance when a man-made satellite is fired into the ionosphere within the next few years.

The program is designed to obtain simultaneous meteorological observations in the Northern Hemisphere. It is expected that new information will be obtained on jet streams, frontal systems, storm formations, electromagnetic radiation and radio propagation.

By studying the complete general circulation and pressure patterns we can learn more about the causes of severe weather. It is hoped that the information obtained may help explain recent climatic changes that have affected the United States. The 1955 hurricane paths shifted from their normal courses and brought disaster along our Eastern coastal area. Dust storms and gale winds caused extensive damage to crops in the Midwest. Heavy rainfall caused floods in the West and Northwest that have never been experienced before.

The U.S. Weather Bureau is interested in this program and the data will be analyzed in an attempt to improve forecasting and to provide early warnings of severe weather phenomena.

In the course of more than 4,000 balloon flights that have been conducted, no instances of personal injury or severe property damage has occurred. In order to preserve and continue this excellent safety record, foolproof safety devices are used on all balloon flights. Experience has also shown that balloon flights are not a hazard to aviation when flown at altitudes above 30,000 feet. Since commercial aviation and most military aviation are presently conducted below 30,000 feet, balloons are prevented from floating below this level by safety devices. A balloon that fails to reach 30,000 feet within 50-60 minutes after release is automatically destroyed and the equipment is lowered to earth by parachutes. Likewise, any balloon that descends to 30,000 after once passing through that altitude, is also destroyed.

1 Department of Defense press release, Jan. 8, 1956, printed in Department of State Bulletin, Feb. 20, 1956, pp. 294–295.