350. Memorandum From the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Management (Orrick) to Secretary of State Rusk1
SUBJECT
- Director of International Scientific Affairs—Approval Requested
Purpose
To establish the position of Director of International Scientific Affairs; to abolish the Office of the Science Adviser; and to establish the Office of International Scientific Affairs in the Department of State.
Discussion
The attached circular2 describes arrangements for a strengthened role for science in the Department. It provides for active participation by the Director of International Scientific Affairs in foreign policy development and application, integration of science and technology into the work of the Department at all levels, and for the Department’s foreign affairs leadership and guidance on matters relating to the growing overseas scientific and technical programs of the Government as a whole.
A first step in reorganization of the Department’s activities in science and technology was taken May 16, 1962, when the Office of the Special Assistant for Atomic Energy and Outer Space (S/AE) was abolished and its functions concerned with non-military uses were transferred [Page 785] to the Office of the Science Adviser (S/SA). The proposed staff of the new office will be 32, one less than the original combined strength or S/AE and S/SA before merger.
The functions and organizational arrangements are consistent with the conclusions and recommendations of the President’s Science Advisory Committee (Bronk) report, on “Science and Technology in the Department of State,” dated February 27, 1962. They are also in harmony with Part I of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1962 which establishes the Office of Science and Technology as a new element within the Executive Office of the President.3
Paragraph 4 of the circular has been included to make clear the intention that the new office will serve all bureaus and offices on scientific matters in the same manner that the Office of the Legal Adviser serves the entire Department on legal work. Thus, there should be no valid basis for appointment of scientists to other bureaus or offices.
The press release announcing the appointment of Dr. Ragnar Rollefson as the Director of International Scientific Affairs will be timed for simultaneous issuance with this circular on the day Dr. Rollefson is sworn in, about September 14.
Recommendation
It is recommended that you approve the attached circular.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Management Staff Files: Lot 69 D 434, Management Staff, Miscellaneous Subject Files, Scientific Attache. No classification marking. A handwritten note on the memorandum indicates that it was signed on September 4.↩
- Not printed. Foreign Affairs Manual Circular No. 84 of September 14 established the position of Director of International Scientific Affairs and replaced the Office of the Science Adviser (S/SA) with an Office of International Scientific Affairs (ISA).↩
- For text of Reorganization Plan No. 2, see 76 Stat. 1253. The Bronk report is Document 348.↩