Memorandum of Conference with the President on October 8, 1957, 5:00 p.m.

October 9, 1957 MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH THE PRESIDENT October 8, 1957, 5 P. M. Others present: Dr. Bronk Governor Adams Mr. Hagerty General Goodpaster The President said he had asked Dr. Bronk to come in to read ( the President) the statement he was proposing to give out at his press con- ference on the ninth. His intent was not to belittle the Russian accomplishment. He would like, however, to allay histeria and alarm, and to bring out that the Russian action is simply proof of a thrust mechanism of a certain power accuracy and reliability. He wanted his statement to be accurate and directed to the right broad purpose. Dr. Bronk read the statement, and suggested one or two revisions in discussion with the President. He recalled that on hearing of the Soviet satellite, he had come to attend the last session of the IGY group meeting in Washington last week and had taken the line in addressing this session that competition is a powerful stimulus and the Russians deserve credit for their accomplishment, but that our own program will also make a great scientific contribu- tion. Governor Adams asked whether in Dr. Bronk's opinion there is any- thing in this achievement to alter our research and development program, particularly in the missiles area. Dr. Bronk said there was not in his opinion, and that we cannot constantly change our program with every action by the Russians. Dr. Bronk suggested that if the President were asked if the scientists had been given adequate responsibility and opportunity to develop the satellite, he should say that they had been. ALJ. Goodpaster Dr Brigadier General, USA