Letter, President Dwight D. Eisenhower to Chester I. Barnard, Chairman of the National Science Board, Concerning the International Geophysical Year

COPY 7. 8676 O,Fd 146-E June 24, 1954 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 XOF250 in the further development of telecommunications, aviation, navigation, x0F105 and weather forecasting. It is doubtful whether any single nation *DF could undertake such a program. Acting in concert, each participating nation, contributing within its means, secures the benefits of the program. The United States has become strong through its diligence in expanding the frontiers of scientific Our is built a solid foundation of basic scientific inquiry, which must be knowledge. technology upon xDF146-LP 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 XOF146 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 prob_lems. Sincerely, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Dr. Chester I. Barnard XOF39 Chairman National Science Board National Science Foundation Washington 25, D.C. CROSS CARD FOR STAFF SECRETARY