SCIENCE ATTACHE PROGRAM

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03442158
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: March 8, 2023
• Document Release Date: June 13, 2019
• Case Number: F-2016-01131
• Publication Date: August 1, 1957

Approved for Release: 2019/05/30 C03442158
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE
1Z7 AUG 2 PM 2 41
August 1, 1957
MEMORANDUM
TO: R - Mr. Hugh S. Cumming, Jr.
SUBJECT: Science Attache Program.
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL
ASSISTANT, INTELLIGENC
I attach a copy of the "Statement of Proposed Science
Activities in the State Department", as approved by the Under
Secretary.
I should be grateful If you would pass it on to the
appropriate official in CIA.
Attachment:
As stated above.
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STATENENT OF PROPOSED SCIENCE
ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE DEPARTMWNT
The following etatemeet of administrative arrangements for science
activities in the Department of State discusses (1) the functions of
the Science Adviser, (2) the responsibilities of the science attache,
(3) supervision and direction, (4) relations with other agencies, and
(5) overseas poets.
The Science Adviser
The Science Adviser shall:
1. Obtain the advice and assistance of the National Academy of
Sciences, the National Science Foundation and other interested
agencies in the exercise of the functions hereinafter enumerated.
2. Advise and assist Department of State officials on the
scientific aspects of foreign policy formulation and
execution.
3. Develop policies and programs in consultation with the
regional bureaus and other ports of the State Department
to promote a maximum fulfillment of reporting and other
responsibilities with respect to science in our overseas
posts.
4. Represent the Department of State via-a.avis other Government
Agencies on scientific matters of interest to the State
Deportment or with regard to rev/resents on the Foreign
Service for scientific reporting or other services.
5. Advise and give policy guidance to the regional bureaus on
the activities of scion** attaches.
6. Advise the Deputy Hader Secretary for Administration, the
Assistant Secretary - Controller, and soieiristrative staff
subordinate to them on administrative policies and actions
with respect to the establishmnt, functioning, and filling
of science attache positions.
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Science Attaches
The science attache shall be accredited to a particular country
but shall also cover other countries in his area in accordance with
instructions received from the Department. He shall have the
following responsibilities:
1. Advise and assist the Ambassador and personnel of the U. 6.
Mission on scientific matters or the scientific expects of
other matters being handled by the Mission.
2. Promote the exchange of scientific information and
cooperative rapport between scientists of the United States
and those of the foreign country.
3. Report on significant trends and developments in the field
of science, with evaluations of political and economic
implications.
4. Obtain upon request scientific reports or other specific
scientific information, and upon their own initiative
collect and transmit scientific information deemed to be
of value to U. S. Government agencies, U. S. induatr7� and
the U. S. scientific community generally.
5. Advise and counsel other Foreign Service officers in the
various U. S. MUSIOMS within the area in the performance
of the above functions.
It is not believed desirable to identify the science attache as
"representing U. S. science abroad." Assertion of this kind of ex-
tremely broad function would be an unreal distortion of the many ways
in Which this larger activity is really performed and would invite
adverse comment On the need for the position.
It would he inadvisable and beyond our budgetary means to blanket
the various countries of the world with science attaches. The
functions of the science attache are therefore phrased in terms of
regional coverage and the Department will issue appropriate instructions
to the end that his efforts will be reinforced by other Foreign Service
personnel in the area.
At some point it will be necessary to relate the atoms-for-peace
pro gran and the science attache program. This is a complex problem.
Action an the science attache program should not be delayed further
on this amount.
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.3.
Supervision and Direction
The Department of State will finance all its science activities.
It will sesame responsibility for the substantive and e4W4nistrative
direction of these activities. It will attempt to meet the needs of
other agencies and will look to these other agencies, seal as the
National Science Foundation, and to the National Academy of Sciences
for advice and assistance in program planning and in recruiting
suitable people. This is consistent with the general character and
functioning of the Foreign Service and with the President's policy on
overeeas arrangements for the Executive branch.
Relations with Other Agencies
The Department of State would rely mainly on the National Academy
of Sciences and the National Science Foundation for advice and assistance.
The Foundation will advise on those aspects of the program relating to
the Federal government's interest in basic science. The Department will
consult with individual agencies of the Government with respect to their
specific requirements.
Overseas Posts
In fiecal year 1958, science attaches will be stationed in
Stockholm, Paris, Bonn, Tokyo and New Delhi. This is consistent with the
proposal of September 12, 1956, from the National Science Fbendattla
except that no provision is mide for London and Moscow.
July 16, 1957
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