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A
Confidential Suggestion
Reference
The Establishment
of
A Bureau of
STRATEGIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
THE
AMHVA
NATIONAL
ARCHIVES AND
RECORDS
$2 SERVICE" government
Respectfully Submitted To
HON. HARRY S. TRUMAN
PRESIDENT
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
White House
Washington, DC.
April-1945
By
JOHN G. ARDON
632 Rock Creek Church Road, N.W.
Washington 10, D.C.,
May 1, 1945.
CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM to:
The President,
The White House,
Washington, D.C.
HIRTE E.S. s ARGHIVERAL THOMAN RECORDS SERVICE
My dear Mr. President:
Recently I had the honor and priviledge of paying
my respects to you personally in your office, and at
that time it Was indicated that I should later greatly
appreciate the opportunity of presenting for your con-
sideration a suggestion regarding the formation of a
National strategic program for the future improvement
of our overall National defense.
Accordingly, attached hereto is a confidential
chart covering a suggestion, which is respectfully sub-
mitted for your consideration; namely, that as and when
deemed expedient, the Congress of the United States of
America authorize the establishment of a permanent
Bureau of Strategic Research and Development.
JUSTIFICATION
The experiences gained by the U.S.A. as a direct
result of participation in both World War I and in the
present international conflict have unmistakably demon-
strated the utility and expediency for the permanent
availability of such a Bureau. Had such a Bureau been
installed in 1919 and continued in operation through
1940, the benefits to the U.S.A. and to the other
liberty-loving nations of the world would have been
both manifold and world wide in scope. Therefore, it
is suggested that during this current period of stress
and of National awareness and consciousness of our
international responsibilities and opportunities, that
the appropriate protective action be taken to remedy
satisfactorily the National strategic weaknesses which
have prevailed previously.
A few basic benefits to be derived in the future
from the prompt establishment of such a Bureau on a
permanent basis are:
ROVERNMENT
1. Our condition of vulnerable unprepardness of
1937-1940 will be greatly reduced, should we later
become involved in another international conflict.
2. The time lag involved in developing a partial
National defense, will either be eliminated or
greatly reduced; in fact, the necessity for partici-
pating in this present conflagration would at least
have been delayed if not altogether avoided had we
been better prepared in the period 1937-1940.
Furthermore, the loss of American lives and mater-
ial would have been reduced perceptably.
3. The recent and initial shortage of strategic
materials, such as oils, ores, metals, minerals,
fiber, and rubber would have been anticipated and
corrected in some degree in advance.
-2-
4. Politically, in the realm of international
relations, various factors of vulnerability would
have been better understood earlier and would also
have been more favorably arranged. Strategic bases
for both the Air Force and the Navy, together with
Island bases and traffic arteries would have been
planned and in some instances either started or
completed; thus augmenting the National security
and economic strength.
5. Our Armed Forces in all catagories would have
been considerably stronger.
Now that our National consciousness is aware of
our favorable position internationally, the time is
auspitious to give serious and planned consideration to
the future avoidance of unnecessary losses as applied
to potential international conflicts later. Admittably
great strides are now being made in coagulating inter-
national unity on behalf of maintaining peace; however,
the U.S.A. has recently had two major experiences, which
exemplify the necessity for making adequate and advance
provision, in times of apparent peace, for the preserva-
tion and defense of our way of life--this objective to
be obtained on the basis of advanced planning and predi-
cated on the use of realistic and patriotic logic. In
other words, Americans now know that it does not suffice
nor does it pay to act the part of a benevolent ostrich.
-3-
There is but little doubt that in the future our
Armed Forces will be maintained for many years to fol-
low at a stronger level than that prevailing in 1940;
however, in the various strategic realms indicated on
the attached chart, there exists the same realistic urge
and necessity to provide permanently in times of peace
for the eventual possibility of again being required to
defend our way of life on a global basis.
In 1914 and in the period of 1940-1941, the aggres-
sor nations fortunately gave the U.S.A. a brief period
in which to improve our then most vulnerable defensive
and offensive positions. Our prompt ability on those
occasions to mobilize our economic, industrial, and mil-
itary strength has thus been unmistakably demonstrated
two times during the past twenty-five years, and the
results thereof have been devastating to the enemies of
peace and liberty. It is unsound, however, to anticpate
that we shall, as a Nation, be so favored again in the
future. Doubtless, should another international conflict
eventuate later, past experience will dictate the exped-
iency of attack on America first, thus denying our capac-
ity adequate time to become in reality the "Arsenal of
Democracy." It is therefore pertinent to maintain a
current stock position of our defensive inventory, also
to make certain that our National antennae are always in
tune with the trends from all potential points of danger
-4-
to our self preservation.
Consequently, it is most respectfully suggested that
the generic idea of the establishment and maintence of a
permanent Bureau of Strategic Research and Development
be given prompt consideration, thus enabling the U.S.A.
to be and to keep abreast of, in fact in the vanguard of,
international trends, strategically.
FUNCTION
This suggested Bureau of Strategic Research and
Development during peace time would serve as an advisory
and coordinating group pertaining to all matters of stra-
tegic planning deemed of interest to the President of
the United States and/or of the Special Congressional
Committee.
MODUS OPERANDI
The Bureau would provide the President of the U.S.A.
and/or the Special Congressional Committee with strategic
information, plans, reports, reviews, and recommendations
for consideration and if and when approved these various
suggestions would then be executed through established
or authorized channels.
The primary objective of this Bureau is to insure
that all matters of strategic importance to the National
welfare are constantly maintained, also that these fact-
ors are coordinated and available in usable form, as and
when deemed expedient.
-5-
The establishment of this coordinating Bureau of
Strategic Research and Development is not designed nor
intended to supersede necessarily any existing Government
agency or other established group. This Bureau is estab-
lished for the purpose, however, of maintaining contact
and liaison with all Government, civic, and industrial
groups, whose activities in any way affect the strategic
position of the U.S.A. At the discretion of the President
of the U.S.A. and/or the Special Congressional Committee,
any item, factor, or problem would when deemed necessary
be referred to the Bureau for check, study, review, and
recommendation, thus insuring that strategic factors
would receive critical and specialized consideration and
emphasis.
To facilitate the presentation of recommendations
and suggestions from the Bureau, it would appear advis-
able to consider including in the specialized personnel
of the Bureau a small, highly-trained group of individu-
als thoroughly conversant with all legislative procedures,
thus enabling the Bureau to submit in draft or usable
legislative form to the President of the U.S.A. and/or
to the Special Congressional Committee pertinent material
for consideration as and when directed to do so. Such
a facility would insure prompt availability of legisla-
tive material of a strategic nature.
-6-
LUMB 1 I U.S. s
SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
It is recognized that as organized at present,
Congress might be loathe to add an additional committee;
however, due to the benefits of coordination and the sav-
ing of time, combined with the vital necessity for giving
constant consideration to factors which affect the Nat-
ional strategic position, it is felt that Congress not
only will after reflection authorize this Special Commit-
tee and Bureau, but that the respective members of both
Houses will be eager to become members of this distinct-
ive committee. It may be appropriate to emphasize suit-
ability--not essentially seniority as a basis for member-
ship on this committee. In other words, the most
outstanding and capable members of both the Senate and
the House of Representatives should be stimulated to
serve on the Special Committee.
16698
INSTITAL
ARCHIVES
AND
RECORDS
ELIGIBILITY
8.5.
SERVICE"
All personnel chosen for any duty with the Bureau
of Strategic Research and Development should be American
citizens, preferably American born; however, if natural-
ized such latter individuals must have been citizens of
the U.S.A. for a minimum period of 15 years. In view of
the secret and the vital nature of the activities of this
Bureau, it is imperative that no alien, in any way or
manner, be connected with the activities of this Bureau.
Even in times of National or international conflict, and
-7-
irrespective of the supposed "good faith" of any ally,
such alien allies are barred from any association with
or information concerning the activities of this suggest-
ed Bureau. The outlook of this Bureau, when established,
would be in all particulars one-hundred percent American.
UNIFIED COMMAND
It is suggested that consideration be given at this
time to the establishment of a Unified Command, to become
effective, however, at the close of the present emergency.
This suggestion in no way implies that the offices of the
Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, or the Joint
Chiefs of Staff be abolished or necessarily modified ex-
cept in the one fundamental function, that as and when a
Unified Command is authorized and operating under the
direction of the President of the U.S.A., that such
Unified Command will coordinate and direct the strategy
and activities of all our Armed Forces, regardless of
character or location. Due to present established chan-
nels and to avoid the possibility of retardation of the
vigorous prosecution of the present war effort, it is
felt expedient to delay the inauguration of the use of
the Unified Command, as and when authorized until after
the expiration of the present emergency.
LIAISON
As indicated on the attached chart, the Bureau of
Strategic Research and Development will maintain contact
with the Unified Command as well as with the Members of
-8-
the Cabinet on such matters and at such times as the
President may deem appropriate.
UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING
Although the U.S.A. has no aspirations of conquest
militarilly, America has learned since its formation as
a Nation that "Eternal vigilence is the price of liberty"
and it is merely the exercise of common sense to take
precautions in times of peace to insure that our econ-
omic, strategic, and military arrangements are adequate
to protect our liberties, also that all citizens should
be classified and trained for effective usefulness in
the event of a National emergency.
The normal American outlook has previously been to
concentrate during peace time on gainful pursuits and
to view with disfavor upon anything more than a mere
minimum of military emphasis. It is now felt that in
view of our unfortunate experiences during the past 25
years that we should now give consideration to having
available one year of military training for all eligible
males, ages 18 to 19. Preferably this training should
be made a requirement of all male youths; however, in the
event that Congress feels for any reason that mandatory
legislation is inexpedient, at least this training should
be made available on an optional and attractive basis.
Provision should also be made for appropriate training
for girls as applied to nursing, social, civic, and other
kindred activities on an optional basis. Those male
-9-
youths not deemed eligible for military training should,
however, be classified, thus making certain well in ad-
vance of any probable emergency that all potential man-
power of the Nation could be utilized promptly and to the
best interests of the National defense. The physical and
disciplinary benefits derived from military training
should be stressed, particularly as this in military train-
ing only as contrasted with normal military service.
THIRTY YEARS PROGRAM
A period of 30 years has been specified for this
suggested program of National insurance, since it is felt
that with approximately 15,000,000 American citizens now
available and trained for National defense that the Nation-
al security is assured for at least the next 8 to 10 years,
and in the meantime through the prompt inauguration of
this suggested program we need have no apprehension for
our National security for the next thirty to forty years.
Such action will obviate the recurrence of our very danger-
ous and expensive experience suffered in 1940-1941.
CIVIC TRAINING
A National program of civic training should be pre-
pared for all children and youths under 19 years of age.
This program would present the benefits, blessings,
obligations, and responsibilities of American citizen-
ship. The indoctrination of the advantages of American
citizenship would, if continued during a period of thirty
-10-
years, go a long ways toward dissapating most of the ob-
jections to innovations such as those now being suggested.
Propaganda
Patriotic propaganda released through the schools,
churches, civic organizations, press, radio, and other
channels will create promptly a public consciousness and
acceptance of the expediency and necessity for a realist-
ic National outlook on the part of American citizens in
the years which lie ahead.
Economic, Scientific, Industrial, etc.
Under the above headings a partial list of GOVERNMENT certain
obvious elements and factors have been listed as consti-
tutary items of strategic importance. Where industry,
civic groups, or an existing Government bureau, agency,
or department is conducting investigations, experiments,
or research on a satisfactory basis, there is no need
for duplication; however, the results of such efforts
should be made available, if desired, to the Bureau of
Strategic Research and Development for check on stra-
tegic factors. Such strategic factors as metals, ores,
oils, rubber, fiber, and other raw materials, the assured
supply of which is known to be doubtful in periods of
National stress, should be studied and adequate advance
arrangements made in the meantime to correct these short-
ages prior to the hour of emergency. Where production
capacity of obvious needs such as fuel, meat, food, coal,
-11-
steel, and other allied elements or factors, including
transportation and storage, are inadequate to meet the
requirements of global warfare or of interior, National,
or hemisphere defense, this necessary research should
be made during the period of peace and the appropriate
remedial plans and programs established to meet the
emergency immediately upon development. All such advance
planning and action that is finalized in advance consti-
tutes both a saving of life and material and simultan-
eously is increased insurance against possible National
disaster. Past National crises should now teach us that
our geographic position of isolated semi-protection is
gradually if not rapidly reaching the vanishing point,
and desirous as we all are as Americans to avoid global
war, none has the infinite perception to guarantee that
we shall not again within another generation be confronted
with a third and doubtless more vulnerable attack, possi-
bly from altogether new sectors.
Economic benefits during reconversion
During the period of reconversion provision will
be made for various emergency public works programs,
which will serve as a cushion and which will certainly
be used in the event that a sudden surplus of American
labor develops.
Such programs can well be predicated on the basis
of improving our strategic National defense and will
-12-
AND
insure availability of strategic materials for future
National emergencies, of such items as timber, ore,
food, and manufactured products, which are now either
scarce or non-existent but are essential to the Nation-
al economy and defense.
A suggested list of such items or projects are re-
forestation, construction of roads and railway spurs to
undeveloped areas, which contain known quanties of stra-
tegic ores, including such other development work as may
be deemed expedient, enlargement and improvement of
grazing facilities, thus insuring a larger meat supply
in emergencies, the development of manufacturing pro-
cesses, including the installation of pilot plants cover-
ing strategic or other materials of which there is an
actual or probable shortage.
These intensified and expanded facilities will be
developed both domestically within the continental limits
of the U.S.A., also in such overseas islands as may be
under the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. There will doubtless
be need for additional irrigation projects, construction
of dams, Missouri Valley Authority, and other kindred
T.V.A. projects, including the construction of dikes
and canals. The replanning of metropolitan and urban
areas, on a long range basis, should take into considera-
tion both social and strategic factors wherever circum-
stances permit, thus utilizing all such expenditures for
-13-
the dual benefit of our current economic stability as
well as improving our ultimate strategic strength.
This factor is particularly pertinent in the establish-
ment of modern air bases, both civilian and military.
Diplomatic, Secret Intelligence, and Propaganda
To better assist our Government to meet the future
international trends both adequately and realistically,
the future Secretaries of State, their principal assist-
ants, and overseas representatives thereof, should
wherever conditions and circumstances permit or warrant
be adequately trained in the elements of efficient super-
vision of secret intelligence, propaganda, and other
strategic factors. The inauguration of such a policy
and training now will within from 8 to 10 years enable
the U.S.A. to enjoy a much more secure position, as well
as more respected international prestige in the realm of
world-wide diplomacy.
Furthermore, the U.S.A. should at once take a real-
istic view of immigration, together with a drastic cur-
tailment of our existing tolerance in the issuance of
temporary vises, especially to nationals whose native
country denies reciprocal priviledges to Americans. Well
informed American representatives and officials of courage
should be permitted to keep our Government currently in-
formed, while on overseas assignments as to suggested and
appropriate approaches to such situations.
-14-
Import - Export Cartels
These contentious issues of tariffs, international
loans and banking, lend-lease, commercial, and other
treaties, including cartels, should be predicated on the
basis of overall National benefit and protection of the
National strategic potential. The decisions utilized
should be applied realistically as both a political and
economic weapon. Cartels as a general rule might well
be avoided wherever possible except where National and
international expediency demands self preservation and
protection.
Training
All manpower of the Nation should be classified and
those best suited for domestic pursuits should then be
developed to the best National economic advantage. This
is not to be construed as regementation, but rather as a
personal civic responsibility and duty of citizenship.
Those best suited for the Armed Forces, after classifica-
tion based on aptitude tests and introductory training,
should be stimulated to take the prescribed training as
normal combatants or service troops. Supplementing the
normal instruction and technical training in public or
private educational institutions, service schools,
Annapolis, and West Point, the Government of the U.S.A.
could with genuine benefit provide for potential officer
material, upon graduation, optional specialized training,
-15-
observation, and facilities, for applicants with suit-
able aptitude in such subjects, activities, and factors
as the following:
Scientific laboratory experimentation and development in
electrical, mechanical, chemical, engineering,
aviation, inventive, construction, and special
weapon fields.
Advanced training in
strategic diplomacy, secret intelligence, propa-
ganda, military government, psychological warfare,
international security, use of American import-
export potential, customs and habits in special
areas of strategic interest, primary and secondary
language specialities.
Specialization geographically, politically, and
economically of
SE necanos GOVERNUTHT
a special country, a particular region, a contin-
ent or hemisphere.
Regional and Global Commanders to be selected from
General Staff or General Officers after satisfactory
completion of the above training. All such officers
would also be required to have satisfactorily completed
a rotation course with all branches of the Armed Ser-
vices prior to an assignment to any global command.
Language speciality - one of each-
Primary - Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Hindustani,
Spanish, Portuguese
-16-
Secondary - French, German, Japanese
Other languages may be added if deemed
desirable, including dialects.
PRESENT STATUS
During the present emergency urgent efforts have been
made to develop and perfect, for the first time, in some
instances, practically all of the various items mentioned
in this outline or which may be indicated on the attached
chart. A commendable start has been made; however, in
some instances the effort naturally has been hurried, the
costs and wastage high, and the results much less than
would have been the case had we enjoyed advanced, skilled,
and coordinated planning and preparation during the past
25 years. Our opportunity at present to make the required
innovation of authorizing and installing at this time a
Bureau of Strategic Research and Development will for the
future provide us with better National insurance together
with the assurance that as and when, if ever, another
international conflagration eventuates, we shall be in a
condition of prepared, coordinated readiness for such
emergencies and shortages as at least were experienced in
the present global war. Furthermore, through evolutionary
experience during the next few years, after installation
of such a Bureau, we can, if we 80 desire be in an impreg-
nable defensive position.
LIBRERY
Selection of Guiding Heads
After the successful termination of the present hos-
-17-
tilities, it may be deemed expedient to authorize and
establish a Unified Command. Naturally the senior member
of such a group would logically be selected from among the
outstanding members of our Armed Services, and this officer
should be chosen for his demonstrated coordinating capacity
augmented by incontestable and substantiated strategic
leadership. Fortunately the U.S.A. is at present espec-
ially blessed with a group of exceptional officers in the
Army, Navy, Marines, Air Corps, General Staff, and by
the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
As and when the selection for the Unified Command has
been made, it could logically follow that from the same
outstanding group of officers the Director of the Bureau
of Strategic Research and Development would be chosen.
The selection of these two vital leaders, in the initial
instance is a matter of both importance and significance
as it is imperative to the success of these two evolution-
ary innovations that the very finest and most capable
officers of the entire American Armed Forces be selected
to inaugurate these vitally specialized functions. The
question may arise whether the Director of the Bureau of
Strategic Research and Development necessarily needs to
be an outstanding officer, as contrasted with a civilian
of genuine capacity and leadership. For best results in
periods of real stress, the outstanding officer would
normally get better results, liaison would be greatly
-18-
facilitated with the Armed Services, and civilian ex-
perts could be utilized for specialized divisions or
projects within the Bureau.
It is anticipated that certain groups in Congress
and in the Nation will doubtless be reluctant to accept
various of these suggestions when initially presented;
namely the following:
The establishment of a Unified Command
Universal military training
Secret intelligence
Teaching of National civics
Propaganda
Classification of manpower
There is also the strong probability that the argu-
ment may be advanced that this is not the time to intro-
duce universal military training as a peace-time issue.
It is interesting to observe, however, that a prepon-
derant percentage of American citizens do agree in periods
of National emergency that these recommended measures are
indespensable to our National self-preservation. Therefore,
it is expedient to start gradually, with the establishment
and maintenance of the Bureau and as the National conscious-
ness and acceptance develops, the program can be expanded.
It is not essential that all these suggested points be
authorized at present; perhaps some should be deleted for
the time being and no doubt others might with propriety be
-19-
added; however, it is respectfully suggested that now is
the appropriate moment to inaugurate the generic idea of
having available on a permanent basis a group of trained
specialists who are competent to evaluate National stra-
tegic factors and who are in a position promptly to submit
to the President of the U.S.A. and/or to the Special Con-
gressional Committee recommendations for consideration.
In the final analysis the Bureau would only make recommen-
dations, thus obviating any apprehensions of the exercise
of any objectionable authority or power. Naturally the
Chief Executive as well as the Special Congressional
Committee are free to accept or reject any recommendation
made by the Bureau. Reference the general acceptance of
these suggestions, the constant availability of these
facilities of prompt and thorough recommendation will,
we feel, after thorough investigation, meet with the ap-
proval of the majority of Congress and when understood
these suggestions will also be endorsed by the American
people themselves.
During the present emergency agencies and bureaus
have been established to deal with a great variety of
functions, processes, and activities, and these respect-
vie groups have in some instances dealt with certain fac-
tors of strategic significance; however, there has not as
yet, on a fundamental basis of coordination, been estab-
lished any bureau to deal specifically with the overall
-20-
ST
BOYERTMENT
National strategic position. These special and newly
created bureaus encountered difficulties during the
present emergency due to inexperience, also because they
were assigned the functions of an operative-administrative
agency as contrasted with serving in an advisory capacity
only. For the future it would appear that the best re-
sults can be obtained by concentrating all strategic
factors in one bureau, where the various factors would be
reviewed and coordinated, thereafter upon approval by the
Chief Executive being administered through authorized
channels.
COST
The annual cost of operating this suggested Bureau
of Strategic Research and Development in peace time will
be quite nominal as contrasted with prevailing costs during
the present emergency of operating the various wartime
Bureaus. For purposes of installation this Bureau would
require not to exceed a maximum of
12 to 20 officers from the Armed Services, 3 of
whom would be General officers
30 to 40 civilian experts and technicians to serve
as chiefs and assistant chiefs of divisions
40 to 50 semi-professional staff
250 to 300 clerical and other staff
The total staff during peace time would be approx-
imately 400 persons, thus requiring a minimum of office
-21-
space, equipment, and expense of operation. An esti-
mated annual appropriation of from $3,500,000 to
$4,000,000 would be required to cover the financial
requirements for operation of this suggested Bureau.
The list of factors included on the attached chart
is not intended as a complete itimization but is presented
rather as a provocative listing of a few pertinent items;
likewise, the material in this memorandum does not pretend
to convey all the reasons which justify the permanent es-
tablishment of this recommended Bureau. It is hoped,
however, that sufficient material has been presented to
create and to provoke a specific interest in and the
feasibility of seriously considering the prompt inaugu-
ration of the generic and basic idea as recommended.
If I can be of further assistance to you relative
to this suggestion, please note that I shall feel highly
honored to do SO. I am, my dear Mr. President, yours
to command.
Sincerely yours,
John G. Ardon.
-22-
CONFIDENTIAL SUGGESTION
BUREAU OF STRATEGIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
A SUGGESTED THIRTY YEAR'S PROGRAM OF NATIONAL INSURANCE
"ETERNAL VIGILENCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY
FUNCTION: During peace to serve as on coordinating. strategic planning Bureau only MODUS OPERANDI- To provide the Executive Department and or the Special Congressional Committee with strategic information.
plans and recommendations, for consideration, and which if approved will be executed through established or authorized channels
PRESIDENT
CONGRESS
SPEC. CONGRESSIONAL COMM.
5 SENATORS- MEMBERS H of R.
RECOMMENDATIONS
CABINET MEMBERS
DIRECTOR
LIAISON
BUREAU OF
STRATEGIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
UNIFIED COMMAND
LEGISLATIVE
IMPORT-EXPORT
US CONGRESS
SCIENTIFIC
MANPOWER
TRAFFIC ARTERIES
CLASSIFICATIONS
INDUSTRIAL
BOUNDARIES
DIPLOMATIC
ECONOMIC
A.ESTABLISH BY LAW
PREDICATE TARIFFS, TREATIES
MAINTAIN U.S GOVERNMENT
ABOREAU OF STRATEGIC
AND COMMERCIAL PROGRAMS
CIVILIAN
EXPERIMENTAL LABRATORIES
INTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS
MAINTAIN CONVERSION
INCLUDING BANKING,
GRADUALLY INFILTRATE INTO
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
MAINTAIN GURRENT SURVEY OF
CLASSIFICATION
B. HEMISPHERE ROADS
PLANS APPLICABLE TO BOTH
LEND-LEASE AND LOANS,
ENGINEERING
STATE DEPARTMENT SUITABLY
ALL KNOWN OR PROBABLE
INAUGURATE COMPULSORY
Γ. EDUCATION AND TRAINING
INDUSTRY AND LABOR
ON BASIS OF BENEFIT
ELECTRICAL
TRAINED FOREIGN REP
SHORTAGES OF STRATEGIC
a ISLAND INSTALLATION OF
WILITARY TRAINING- (NOT
WHICH WILL MEET PROMPTLY
AND PROTECTION TO THE
CHEMICAL
AND OFFICERS WHO HAVE
METALS, MINERALS, MATERIALS
SERVICE
B. ARMED FORCES
AIR BASES
DEMONSTRATED STRATEGIC
NATIONAL STRATEGIC
CLOSE LIAISON WITH
2. NAVAL BASES
CONVERSION TO MEET
PRODUCTS, PATENTS AND
3.ESTABLISH UNIFIED COMMAND
/. EDUCATIONAL TRAINING
CAPACITY, ADDITION TO
POTENTIAL
AVAILABLE INDUSTRIAL
NATIONAL EMERGENCIES
INVENTIONS
THEN USE WITH REALISM
a SEGURE-PANAMA CANAL
NORMAL DIPLOMATIC
C.MAINTAIN CURRENT
AND EDUCATIONAL
TECHNICAL TRAINING
b_GLOBAL CONFLICTS
QUALIFICATIONS
DEVELOP PROGRAMS TO INSURE
CLASSIFICATION-ALL CITIZENS
AS BOTH POLITICAL
EXPERIMENTATION
E SECURE-COAST LINE U.S.A.
CONVERSION IN REVERSE
ADEQUATE AVAILABILITY OF
AND ECONOMIC WEAPON
ISSUANCES OF IMMIGRATION
# ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN
AVOID CARTELS EXEPT WHERE
a PROTECT PATENTS WHICH
TO PEACETIME PURSUITS
SUBSTITUTION ERSATZ
AND TEMPORARY VISES
PRODUCTS MATERIALS
TRAINED STAFF CONVERSANT
INTERNATIONAL EXPEDIENCY
AFFECT STRATEGIC
PREDICATED ON STRATEGIC
THROUGH MAINTENANCE OF
WITH LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDURE
DEMANDS SELF PRESERVATION
DEFENSE OR OFFENSE
EXPEDIENCY
PILOT PLANTS AND CONSTANT
FOR USE BY SPECIAL
AND PROTECTION
MAKE SALARY ADEQUATE TO
EXPERIMENTATION
CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
AND BUREAU OF STRATEGIC
INSURE PERSONAL SECURITY
CONSERVE AND RATION
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ARMED FORCES
AND TO ATTRACT SUITABLE
NECESSARY NATIONAL AND
OFFICERS.
NATURAL RESOURCES IN ALL
GLOBAL STRATEGIC PREPARDNESS
FIELDS OF ACTUAL OR
PROBABLE SHORTAGE
EXPAND AND INTENSIFY
REFORESTATION THUS INSURING
ADEQUATE LUMBER PULP-
PSYCHOLOGICAL
GRAZING CATTLE-SHEEP-
PROPAGANDA
IRRIGATION AND
WARFARE
CONSTRUCTION
ADDITIONAL FARMLAND
NAVY
ARMY
AIR
MILITARY GOV'T
INTERNATIONAL
SECRET
POWER PROJECTS
SECURITY-POLICE
INTELLIGENCE
MISSOURI VALLEY AUTHORITY
AND OTHER PROJECTS
MINERAL DEVELOPMENT
OF MINES SHOWING POTENTIAL
AVAILABILITY OF STRATEGIC
METALS AND ORES VIA
EFFECTIVE PREPARDNESS NECESSITATES THE ADVANCE CLASSIFICATION TRAINING AND UTILI-
OF ROADS-
R AND
CIVILIAN
ZATION OF ALL ELIGIBLE AMERICAN CITIZENS-VIZ
PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT
WORK,
ARMED FORCES
PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL
DISTRIBUTION (F*)
PIPE LINES FOR OIL, ETC.
ROADS AND
SUPPLEMENTING EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS-
EQUIPMENT STORAGE PACILITIES
SERVICE SCHOOLS ANNAPOLIS WESTPOINT, THE US GOV'T WILL PROVIDE UPON
FOR SUCH STRATEGIC MATERIALS
UNIVERSAL
GRADUATION OPTIONAL SPECIALIZED TRAINING, OBSERVATION AND FACILITIES FOR
AS ARE SUITABLE FOR STORAGE
MILITARY TRAINING
NATIONAL CIVICS
APTITUDE
APPLICANTS WITH SUITABLE APTITUDE IN SUCH SUBJECTS, ACTIVITIES AND FACTORS
ALSO WHICH ARE LIKELY TO
MILITARY TRAINING
CLASSIFICATION
AS THE FOLLOWING:
DEVELOP SHORTAGES
ALL
PUPLIC TRAINING
MAINTAIN CONSTANT
EXPLORE EXPAND
SCREEN GLASSIFY
or ALL YOUTHS
CLASSIFICATION OF
SCIENTIFIC LABROTORY EXPERIMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE:
PRIVILEDGES
PLASTIC POTENTIAL
FOR APTITUDE AND
ELIGIBLE AMERICAN
CORRIBILITY TRAINING ROVANGE
AND OUTIES OF
ELECTRICAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING INVENTIVE
DITIZENS
ESPECIALLY INSURE ADEQUATE
AMERICAN
CONSTRUCTION AND SPECIAL WEAPONS FIELDS.
MANUAL
AVAILABILITY
ARMED NOT
CITIZENSHIP
ARTISAN
ADVANCED TRAINING STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY-SECRET PROPAGANDA
DIPLOMATIC SOAPS
FARM
SECUNIT INTELLISENCE
MILITARY GOVERNMENT- PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE-INTERNATIONAL SECURITY-
MINING
CONSTRUCTION
USE OF AMERICAN IMPORT EXPORT AND HABITS IN SPECIAL
AUTOMOTIVE
AREAS OF STRATEGIC INTEREST-PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LANGUAGE SPECIALITIES
AVIATION
GIVIC ACTIVITIES
SPECIALIZATION GEOGRAPHICALLY, POLITICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY OF;
Respectfully submitted 19
EXECUTIVE
A SPECIAL COUNTRY-A PARTICULAR REGION-A CONTINENT OR HEMISPHERE
HON HARRY S. TRUMAN
MADA
PROFESSIONAL
GLOBAL AND REGIONAL COMMANDERS TO BE SELECTED FROM GEN STAFF OR
SPECIAL
RED CROSS
GEN OFFICERS AFTER SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF ABOVE TRAINING ALL SUCH
PRESIDENT
MEDIA
NURSING
TERLON
OFFICERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO HAVE COMPLETED ROTATION COURSE WITH
PROPAGANDA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TRANSPORTATION
ALL BRANCHES OF THE ARMED SERVICES PRIOR ASSIGNMENT TO GLOBAL
MARINE
COMMAND FOR ANY ARM
FACTORY
and
SPECIALIST IN
LANGUAGE SPECIALITIES, PRIMARY, RUSSIAN CHINESE ARABIC - HINDUSTANI- SPANISH-
JOHN
AROUN
PORTUGUESE
SECONDARY, FRENCH-
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"ocrText": "A\nConfidential Suggestion\nReference\nThe Establishment\nof\nA Bureau of\nSTRATEGIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT\nTHE\nAMHVA\nNATIONAL\nARCHIVES AND\nRECORDS\n$2 SERVICE\" government\nRespectfully Submitted To\nHON. HARRY S. TRUMAN\nPRESIDENT\nUNITED STATES OF AMERICA\nWhite House\nWashington, DC.\nApril-1945\nBy\nJOHN G. ARDON\n632 Rock Creek Church Road, N.W.\nWashington 10, D.C.,\nMay 1, 1945.\nCONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM to:\nThe President,\nThe White House,\nWashington, D.C.\nHIRTE E.S. s ARGHIVERAL THOMAN RECORDS SERVICE\nMy dear Mr. President:\nRecently I had the honor and priviledge of paying\nmy respects to you personally in your office, and at\nthat time it Was indicated that I should later greatly\nappreciate the opportunity of presenting for your con-\nsideration a suggestion regarding the formation of a\nNational strategic program for the future improvement\nof our overall National defense.\nAccordingly, attached hereto is a confidential\nchart covering a suggestion, which is respectfully sub-\nmitted for your consideration; namely, that as and when\ndeemed expedient, the Congress of the United States of\nAmerica authorize the establishment of a permanent\nBureau of Strategic Research and Development.\nJUSTIFICATION\nThe experiences gained by the U.S.A. as a direct\nresult of participation in both World War I and in the\npresent international conflict have unmistakably demon-\nstrated the utility and expediency for the permanent\navailability of such a Bureau. Had such a Bureau been\ninstalled in 1919 and continued in operation through\n1940, the benefits to the U.S.A. and to the other\nliberty-loving nations of the world would have been\nboth manifold and world wide in scope. Therefore, it\nis suggested that during this current period of stress\nand of National awareness and consciousness of our\ninternational responsibilities and opportunities, that\nthe appropriate protective action be taken to remedy\nsatisfactorily the National strategic weaknesses which\nhave prevailed previously.\nA few basic benefits to be derived in the future\nfrom the prompt establishment of such a Bureau on a\npermanent basis are:\nROVERNMENT\n1. Our condition of vulnerable unprepardness of\n1937-1940 will be greatly reduced, should we later\nbecome involved in another international conflict.\n2. The time lag involved in developing a partial\nNational defense, will either be eliminated or\ngreatly reduced; in fact, the necessity for partici-\npating in this present conflagration would at least\nhave been delayed if not altogether avoided had we\nbeen better prepared in the period 1937-1940.\nFurthermore, the loss of American lives and mater-\nial would have been reduced perceptably.\n3. The recent and initial shortage of strategic\nmaterials, such as oils, ores, metals, minerals,\nfiber, and rubber would have been anticipated and\ncorrected in some degree in advance.\n-2-\n4. Politically, in the realm of international\nrelations, various factors of vulnerability would\nhave been better understood earlier and would also\nhave been more favorably arranged. Strategic bases\nfor both the Air Force and the Navy, together with\nIsland bases and traffic arteries would have been\nplanned and in some instances either started or\ncompleted; thus augmenting the National security\nand economic strength.\n5. Our Armed Forces in all catagories would have\nbeen considerably stronger.\nNow that our National consciousness is aware of\nour favorable position internationally, the time is\nauspitious to give serious and planned consideration to\nthe future avoidance of unnecessary losses as applied\nto potential international conflicts later. Admittably\ngreat strides are now being made in coagulating inter-\nnational unity on behalf of maintaining peace; however,\nthe U.S.A. has recently had two major experiences, which\nexemplify the necessity for making adequate and advance\nprovision, in times of apparent peace, for the preserva-\ntion and defense of our way of life--this objective to\nbe obtained on the basis of advanced planning and predi-\ncated on the use of realistic and patriotic logic. In\nother words, Americans now know that it does not suffice\nnor does it pay to act the part of a benevolent ostrich.\n-3-\nThere is but little doubt that in the future our\nArmed Forces will be maintained for many years to fol-\nlow at a stronger level than that prevailing in 1940;\nhowever, in the various strategic realms indicated on\nthe attached chart, there exists the same realistic urge\nand necessity to provide permanently in times of peace\nfor the eventual possibility of again being required to\ndefend our way of life on a global basis.\nIn 1914 and in the period of 1940-1941, the aggres-\nsor nations fortunately gave the U.S.A. a brief period\nin which to improve our then most vulnerable defensive\nand offensive positions. Our prompt ability on those\noccasions to mobilize our economic, industrial, and mil-\nitary strength has thus been unmistakably demonstrated\ntwo times during the past twenty-five years, and the\nresults thereof have been devastating to the enemies of\npeace and liberty. It is unsound, however, to anticpate\nthat we shall, as a Nation, be so favored again in the\nfuture. Doubtless, should another international conflict\neventuate later, past experience will dictate the exped-\niency of attack on America first, thus denying our capac-\nity adequate time to become in reality the \"Arsenal of\nDemocracy.\" It is therefore pertinent to maintain a\ncurrent stock position of our defensive inventory, also\nto make certain that our National antennae are always in\ntune with the trends from all potential points of danger\n-4-\nto our self preservation.\nConsequently, it is most respectfully suggested that\nthe generic idea of the establishment and maintence of a\npermanent Bureau of Strategic Research and Development\nbe given prompt consideration, thus enabling the U.S.A.\nto be and to keep abreast of, in fact in the vanguard of,\ninternational trends, strategically.\nFUNCTION\nThis suggested Bureau of Strategic Research and\nDevelopment during peace time would serve as an advisory\nand coordinating group pertaining to all matters of stra-\ntegic planning deemed of interest to the President of\nthe United States and/or of the Special Congressional\nCommittee.\nMODUS OPERANDI\nThe Bureau would provide the President of the U.S.A.\nand/or the Special Congressional Committee with strategic\ninformation, plans, reports, reviews, and recommendations\nfor consideration and if and when approved these various\nsuggestions would then be executed through established\nor authorized channels.\nThe primary objective of this Bureau is to insure\nthat all matters of strategic importance to the National\nwelfare are constantly maintained, also that these fact-\nors are coordinated and available in usable form, as and\nwhen deemed expedient.\n-5-\nThe establishment of this coordinating Bureau of\nStrategic Research and Development is not designed nor\nintended to supersede necessarily any existing Government\nagency or other established group. This Bureau is estab-\nlished for the purpose, however, of maintaining contact\nand liaison with all Government, civic, and industrial\ngroups, whose activities in any way affect the strategic\nposition of the U.S.A. At the discretion of the President\nof the U.S.A. and/or the Special Congressional Committee,\nany item, factor, or problem would when deemed necessary\nbe referred to the Bureau for check, study, review, and\nrecommendation, thus insuring that strategic factors\nwould receive critical and specialized consideration and\nemphasis.\nTo facilitate the presentation of recommendations\nand suggestions from the Bureau, it would appear advis-\nable to consider including in the specialized personnel\nof the Bureau a small, highly-trained group of individu-\nals thoroughly conversant with all legislative procedures,\nthus enabling the Bureau to submit in draft or usable\nlegislative form to the President of the U.S.A. and/or\nto the Special Congressional Committee pertinent material\nfor consideration as and when directed to do so. Such\na facility would insure prompt availability of legisla-\ntive material of a strategic nature.\n-6-\nLUMB 1 I U.S. s\nSPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE\nIt is recognized that as organized at present,\nCongress might be loathe to add an additional committee;\nhowever, due to the benefits of coordination and the sav-\ning of time, combined with the vital necessity for giving\nconstant consideration to factors which affect the Nat-\nional strategic position, it is felt that Congress not\nonly will after reflection authorize this Special Commit-\ntee and Bureau, but that the respective members of both\nHouses will be eager to become members of this distinct-\nive committee. It may be appropriate to emphasize suit-\nability--not essentially seniority as a basis for member-\nship on this committee. In other words, the most\noutstanding and capable members of both the Senate and\nthe House of Representatives should be stimulated to\nserve on the Special Committee.\n16698\nINSTITAL\nARCHIVES\nAND\nRECORDS\nELIGIBILITY\n8.5.\nSERVICE\"\nAll personnel chosen for any duty with the Bureau\nof Strategic Research and Development should be American\ncitizens, preferably American born; however, if natural-\nized such latter individuals must have been citizens of\nthe U.S.A. for a minimum period of 15 years. In view of\nthe secret and the vital nature of the activities of this\nBureau, it is imperative that no alien, in any way or\nmanner, be connected with the activities of this Bureau.\nEven in times of National or international conflict, and\n-7-\nirrespective of the supposed \"good faith\" of any ally,\nsuch alien allies are barred from any association with\nor information concerning the activities of this suggest-\ned Bureau. The outlook of this Bureau, when established,\nwould be in all particulars one-hundred percent American.\nUNIFIED COMMAND\nIt is suggested that consideration be given at this\ntime to the establishment of a Unified Command, to become\neffective, however, at the close of the present emergency.\nThis suggestion in no way implies that the offices of the\nSecretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, or the Joint\nChiefs of Staff be abolished or necessarily modified ex-\ncept in the one fundamental function, that as and when a\nUnified Command is authorized and operating under the\ndirection of the President of the U.S.A., that such\nUnified Command will coordinate and direct the strategy\nand activities of all our Armed Forces, regardless of\ncharacter or location. Due to present established chan-\nnels and to avoid the possibility of retardation of the\nvigorous prosecution of the present war effort, it is\nfelt expedient to delay the inauguration of the use of\nthe Unified Command, as and when authorized until after\nthe expiration of the present emergency.\nLIAISON\nAs indicated on the attached chart, the Bureau of\nStrategic Research and Development will maintain contact\nwith the Unified Command as well as with the Members of\n-8-\nthe Cabinet on such matters and at such times as the\nPresident may deem appropriate.\nUNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING\nAlthough the U.S.A. has no aspirations of conquest\nmilitarilly, America has learned since its formation as\na Nation that \"Eternal vigilence is the price of liberty\"\nand it is merely the exercise of common sense to take\nprecautions in times of peace to insure that our econ-\nomic, strategic, and military arrangements are adequate\nto protect our liberties, also that all citizens should\nbe classified and trained for effective usefulness in\nthe event of a National emergency.\nThe normal American outlook has previously been to\nconcentrate during peace time on gainful pursuits and\nto view with disfavor upon anything more than a mere\nminimum of military emphasis. It is now felt that in\nview of our unfortunate experiences during the past 25\nyears that we should now give consideration to having\navailable one year of military training for all eligible\nmales, ages 18 to 19. Preferably this training should\nbe made a requirement of all male youths; however, in the\nevent that Congress feels for any reason that mandatory\nlegislation is inexpedient, at least this training should\nbe made available on an optional and attractive basis.\nProvision should also be made for appropriate training\nfor girls as applied to nursing, social, civic, and other\nkindred activities on an optional basis. Those male\n-9-\nyouths not deemed eligible for military training should,\nhowever, be classified, thus making certain well in ad-\nvance of any probable emergency that all potential man-\npower of the Nation could be utilized promptly and to the\nbest interests of the National defense. The physical and\ndisciplinary benefits derived from military training\nshould be stressed, particularly as this in military train-\ning only as contrasted with normal military service.\nTHIRTY YEARS PROGRAM\nA period of 30 years has been specified for this\nsuggested program of National insurance, since it is felt\nthat with approximately 15,000,000 American citizens now\navailable and trained for National defense that the Nation-\nal security is assured for at least the next 8 to 10 years,\nand in the meantime through the prompt inauguration of\nthis suggested program we need have no apprehension for\nour National security for the next thirty to forty years.\nSuch action will obviate the recurrence of our very danger-\nous and expensive experience suffered in 1940-1941.\nCIVIC TRAINING\nA National program of civic training should be pre-\npared for all children and youths under 19 years of age.\nThis program would present the benefits, blessings,\nobligations, and responsibilities of American citizen-\nship. The indoctrination of the advantages of American\ncitizenship would, if continued during a period of thirty\n-10-\nyears, go a long ways toward dissapating most of the ob-\njections to innovations such as those now being suggested.\nPropaganda\nPatriotic propaganda released through the schools,\nchurches, civic organizations, press, radio, and other\nchannels will create promptly a public consciousness and\nacceptance of the expediency and necessity for a realist-\nic National outlook on the part of American citizens in\nthe years which lie ahead.\nEconomic, Scientific, Industrial, etc.\nUnder the above headings a partial list of GOVERNMENT certain\nobvious elements and factors have been listed as consti-\ntutary items of strategic importance. Where industry,\ncivic groups, or an existing Government bureau, agency,\nor department is conducting investigations, experiments,\nor research on a satisfactory basis, there is no need\nfor duplication; however, the results of such efforts\nshould be made available, if desired, to the Bureau of\nStrategic Research and Development for check on stra-\ntegic factors. Such strategic factors as metals, ores,\noils, rubber, fiber, and other raw materials, the assured\nsupply of which is known to be doubtful in periods of\nNational stress, should be studied and adequate advance\narrangements made in the meantime to correct these short-\nages prior to the hour of emergency. Where production\ncapacity of obvious needs such as fuel, meat, food, coal,\n-11-\nsteel, and other allied elements or factors, including\ntransportation and storage, are inadequate to meet the\nrequirements of global warfare or of interior, National,\nor hemisphere defense, this necessary research should\nbe made during the period of peace and the appropriate\nremedial plans and programs established to meet the\nemergency immediately upon development. All such advance\nplanning and action that is finalized in advance consti-\ntutes both a saving of life and material and simultan-\neously is increased insurance against possible National\ndisaster. Past National crises should now teach us that\nour geographic position of isolated semi-protection is\ngradually if not rapidly reaching the vanishing point,\nand desirous as we all are as Americans to avoid global\nwar, none has the infinite perception to guarantee that\nwe shall not again within another generation be confronted\nwith a third and doubtless more vulnerable attack, possi-\nbly from altogether new sectors.\nEconomic benefits during reconversion\nDuring the period of reconversion provision will\nbe made for various emergency public works programs,\nwhich will serve as a cushion and which will certainly\nbe used in the event that a sudden surplus of American\nlabor develops.\nSuch programs can well be predicated on the basis\nof improving our strategic National defense and will\n-12-\nAND\ninsure availability of strategic materials for future\nNational emergencies, of such items as timber, ore,\nfood, and manufactured products, which are now either\nscarce or non-existent but are essential to the Nation-\nal economy and defense.\nA suggested list of such items or projects are re-\nforestation, construction of roads and railway spurs to\nundeveloped areas, which contain known quanties of stra-\ntegic ores, including such other development work as may\nbe deemed expedient, enlargement and improvement of\ngrazing facilities, thus insuring a larger meat supply\nin emergencies, the development of manufacturing pro-\ncesses, including the installation of pilot plants cover-\ning strategic or other materials of which there is an\nactual or probable shortage.\nThese intensified and expanded facilities will be\ndeveloped both domestically within the continental limits\nof the U.S.A., also in such overseas islands as may be\nunder the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. There will doubtless\nbe need for additional irrigation projects, construction\nof dams, Missouri Valley Authority, and other kindred\nT.V.A. projects, including the construction of dikes\nand canals. The replanning of metropolitan and urban\nareas, on a long range basis, should take into considera-\ntion both social and strategic factors wherever circum-\nstances permit, thus utilizing all such expenditures for\n-13-\nthe dual benefit of our current economic stability as\nwell as improving our ultimate strategic strength.\nThis factor is particularly pertinent in the establish-\nment of modern air bases, both civilian and military.\nDiplomatic, Secret Intelligence, and Propaganda\nTo better assist our Government to meet the future\ninternational trends both adequately and realistically,\nthe future Secretaries of State, their principal assist-\nants, and overseas representatives thereof, should\nwherever conditions and circumstances permit or warrant\nbe adequately trained in the elements of efficient super-\nvision of secret intelligence, propaganda, and other\nstrategic factors. The inauguration of such a policy\nand training now will within from 8 to 10 years enable\nthe U.S.A. to enjoy a much more secure position, as well\nas more respected international prestige in the realm of\nworld-wide diplomacy.\nFurthermore, the U.S.A. should at once take a real-\nistic view of immigration, together with a drastic cur-\ntailment of our existing tolerance in the issuance of\ntemporary vises, especially to nationals whose native\ncountry denies reciprocal priviledges to Americans. Well\ninformed American representatives and officials of courage\nshould be permitted to keep our Government currently in-\nformed, while on overseas assignments as to suggested and\nappropriate approaches to such situations.\n-14-\nImport - Export Cartels\nThese contentious issues of tariffs, international\nloans and banking, lend-lease, commercial, and other\ntreaties, including cartels, should be predicated on the\nbasis of overall National benefit and protection of the\nNational strategic potential. The decisions utilized\nshould be applied realistically as both a political and\neconomic weapon. Cartels as a general rule might well\nbe avoided wherever possible except where National and\ninternational expediency demands self preservation and\nprotection.\nTraining\nAll manpower of the Nation should be classified and\nthose best suited for domestic pursuits should then be\ndeveloped to the best National economic advantage. This\nis not to be construed as regementation, but rather as a\npersonal civic responsibility and duty of citizenship.\nThose best suited for the Armed Forces, after classifica-\ntion based on aptitude tests and introductory training,\nshould be stimulated to take the prescribed training as\nnormal combatants or service troops. Supplementing the\nnormal instruction and technical training in public or\nprivate educational institutions, service schools,\nAnnapolis, and West Point, the Government of the U.S.A.\ncould with genuine benefit provide for potential officer\nmaterial, upon graduation, optional specialized training,\n-15-\nobservation, and facilities, for applicants with suit-\nable aptitude in such subjects, activities, and factors\nas the following:\nScientific laboratory experimentation and development in\nelectrical, mechanical, chemical, engineering,\naviation, inventive, construction, and special\nweapon fields.\nAdvanced training in\nstrategic diplomacy, secret intelligence, propa-\nganda, military government, psychological warfare,\ninternational security, use of American import-\nexport potential, customs and habits in special\nareas of strategic interest, primary and secondary\nlanguage specialities.\nSpecialization geographically, politically, and\neconomically of\nSE necanos GOVERNUTHT\na special country, a particular region, a contin-\nent or hemisphere.\nRegional and Global Commanders to be selected from\nGeneral Staff or General Officers after satisfactory\ncompletion of the above training. All such officers\nwould also be required to have satisfactorily completed\na rotation course with all branches of the Armed Ser-\nvices prior to an assignment to any global command.\nLanguage speciality - one of each-\nPrimary - Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Hindustani,\nSpanish, Portuguese\n-16-\nSecondary - French, German, Japanese\nOther languages may be added if deemed\ndesirable, including dialects.\nPRESENT STATUS\nDuring the present emergency urgent efforts have been\nmade to develop and perfect, for the first time, in some\ninstances, practically all of the various items mentioned\nin this outline or which may be indicated on the attached\nchart. A commendable start has been made; however, in\nsome instances the effort naturally has been hurried, the\ncosts and wastage high, and the results much less than\nwould have been the case had we enjoyed advanced, skilled,\nand coordinated planning and preparation during the past\n25 years. Our opportunity at present to make the required\ninnovation of authorizing and installing at this time a\nBureau of Strategic Research and Development will for the\nfuture provide us with better National insurance together\nwith the assurance that as and when, if ever, another\ninternational conflagration eventuates, we shall be in a\ncondition of prepared, coordinated readiness for such\nemergencies and shortages as at least were experienced in\nthe present global war. Furthermore, through evolutionary\nexperience during the next few years, after installation\nof such a Bureau, we can, if we 80 desire be in an impreg-\nnable defensive position.\nLIBRERY\nSelection of Guiding Heads\nAfter the successful termination of the present hos-\n-17-\ntilities, it may be deemed expedient to authorize and\nestablish a Unified Command. Naturally the senior member\nof such a group would logically be selected from among the\noutstanding members of our Armed Services, and this officer\nshould be chosen for his demonstrated coordinating capacity\naugmented by incontestable and substantiated strategic\nleadership. Fortunately the U.S.A. is at present espec-\nially blessed with a group of exceptional officers in the\nArmy, Navy, Marines, Air Corps, General Staff, and by\nthe Joint Chiefs of Staff.\nAs and when the selection for the Unified Command has\nbeen made, it could logically follow that from the same\noutstanding group of officers the Director of the Bureau\nof Strategic Research and Development would be chosen.\nThe selection of these two vital leaders, in the initial\ninstance is a matter of both importance and significance\nas it is imperative to the success of these two evolution-\nary innovations that the very finest and most capable\nofficers of the entire American Armed Forces be selected\nto inaugurate these vitally specialized functions. The\nquestion may arise whether the Director of the Bureau of\nStrategic Research and Development necessarily needs to\nbe an outstanding officer, as contrasted with a civilian\nof genuine capacity and leadership. For best results in\nperiods of real stress, the outstanding officer would\nnormally get better results, liaison would be greatly\n-18-\nfacilitated with the Armed Services, and civilian ex-\nperts could be utilized for specialized divisions or\nprojects within the Bureau.\nIt is anticipated that certain groups in Congress\nand in the Nation will doubtless be reluctant to accept\nvarious of these suggestions when initially presented;\nnamely the following:\nThe establishment of a Unified Command\nUniversal military training\nSecret intelligence\nTeaching of National civics\nPropaganda\nClassification of manpower\nThere is also the strong probability that the argu-\nment may be advanced that this is not the time to intro-\nduce universal military training as a peace-time issue.\nIt is interesting to observe, however, that a prepon-\nderant percentage of American citizens do agree in periods\nof National emergency that these recommended measures are\nindespensable to our National self-preservation. Therefore,\nit is expedient to start gradually, with the establishment\nand maintenance of the Bureau and as the National conscious-\nness and acceptance develops, the program can be expanded.\nIt is not essential that all these suggested points be\nauthorized at present; perhaps some should be deleted for\nthe time being and no doubt others might with propriety be\n-19-\nadded; however, it is respectfully suggested that now is\nthe appropriate moment to inaugurate the generic idea of\nhaving available on a permanent basis a group of trained\nspecialists who are competent to evaluate National stra-\ntegic factors and who are in a position promptly to submit\nto the President of the U.S.A. and/or to the Special Con-\ngressional Committee recommendations for consideration.\nIn the final analysis the Bureau would only make recommen-\ndations, thus obviating any apprehensions of the exercise\nof any objectionable authority or power. Naturally the\nChief Executive as well as the Special Congressional\nCommittee are free to accept or reject any recommendation\nmade by the Bureau. Reference the general acceptance of\nthese suggestions, the constant availability of these\nfacilities of prompt and thorough recommendation will,\nwe feel, after thorough investigation, meet with the ap-\nproval of the majority of Congress and when understood\nthese suggestions will also be endorsed by the American\npeople themselves.\nDuring the present emergency agencies and bureaus\nhave been established to deal with a great variety of\nfunctions, processes, and activities, and these respect-\nvie groups have in some instances dealt with certain fac-\ntors of strategic significance; however, there has not as\nyet, on a fundamental basis of coordination, been estab-\nlished any bureau to deal specifically with the overall\n-20-\nST\nBOYERTMENT\nNational strategic position. These special and newly\ncreated bureaus encountered difficulties during the\npresent emergency due to inexperience, also because they\nwere assigned the functions of an operative-administrative\nagency as contrasted with serving in an advisory capacity\nonly. For the future it would appear that the best re-\nsults can be obtained by concentrating all strategic\nfactors in one bureau, where the various factors would be\nreviewed and coordinated, thereafter upon approval by the\nChief Executive being administered through authorized\nchannels.\nCOST\nThe annual cost of operating this suggested Bureau\nof Strategic Research and Development in peace time will\nbe quite nominal as contrasted with prevailing costs during\nthe present emergency of operating the various wartime\nBureaus. For purposes of installation this Bureau would\nrequire not to exceed a maximum of\n12 to 20 officers from the Armed Services, 3 of\nwhom would be General officers\n30 to 40 civilian experts and technicians to serve\nas chiefs and assistant chiefs of divisions\n40 to 50 semi-professional staff\n250 to 300 clerical and other staff\nThe total staff during peace time would be approx-\nimately 400 persons, thus requiring a minimum of office\n-21-\nspace, equipment, and expense of operation. An esti-\nmated annual appropriation of from $3,500,000 to\n$4,000,000 would be required to cover the financial\nrequirements for operation of this suggested Bureau.\nThe list of factors included on the attached chart\nis not intended as a complete itimization but is presented\nrather as a provocative listing of a few pertinent items;\nlikewise, the material in this memorandum does not pretend\nto convey all the reasons which justify the permanent es-\ntablishment of this recommended Bureau. It is hoped,\nhowever, that sufficient material has been presented to\ncreate and to provoke a specific interest in and the\nfeasibility of seriously considering the prompt inaugu-\nration of the generic and basic idea as recommended.\nIf I can be of further assistance to you relative\nto this suggestion, please note that I shall feel highly\nhonored to do SO. I am, my dear Mr. President, yours\nto command.\nSincerely yours,\nJohn G. Ardon.\n-22-\nCONFIDENTIAL SUGGESTION\nBUREAU OF STRATEGIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT\nA SUGGESTED THIRTY YEAR'S PROGRAM OF NATIONAL INSURANCE\n\"ETERNAL VIGILENCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY\nFUNCTION: During peace to serve as on coordinating. strategic planning Bureau only MODUS OPERANDI- To provide the Executive Department and or the Special Congressional Committee with strategic information.\nplans and recommendations, for consideration, and which if approved will be executed through established or authorized channels\nPRESIDENT\nCONGRESS\nSPEC. CONGRESSIONAL COMM.\n5 SENATORS- MEMBERS H of R.\nRECOMMENDATIONS\nCABINET MEMBERS\nDIRECTOR\nLIAISON\nBUREAU OF\nSTRATEGIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT\nUNIFIED COMMAND\nLEGISLATIVE\nIMPORT-EXPORT\nUS CONGRESS\nSCIENTIFIC\nMANPOWER\nTRAFFIC ARTERIES\nCLASSIFICATIONS\nINDUSTRIAL\nBOUNDARIES\nDIPLOMATIC\nECONOMIC\nA.ESTABLISH BY LAW\nPREDICATE TARIFFS, TREATIES\nMAINTAIN U.S GOVERNMENT\nABOREAU OF STRATEGIC\nAND COMMERCIAL PROGRAMS\nCIVILIAN\nEXPERIMENTAL LABRATORIES\nINTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS\nMAINTAIN CONVERSION\nINCLUDING BANKING,\nGRADUALLY INFILTRATE INTO\nRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT\nMAINTAIN GURRENT SURVEY OF\nCLASSIFICATION\nB. HEMISPHERE ROADS\nPLANS APPLICABLE TO BOTH\nLEND-LEASE AND LOANS,\nENGINEERING\nSTATE DEPARTMENT SUITABLY\nALL KNOWN OR PROBABLE\nINAUGURATE COMPULSORY\nΓ. EDUCATION AND TRAINING\nINDUSTRY AND LABOR\nON BASIS OF BENEFIT\nELECTRICAL\nTRAINED FOREIGN REP\nSHORTAGES OF STRATEGIC\na ISLAND INSTALLATION OF\nWILITARY TRAINING- (NOT\nWHICH WILL MEET PROMPTLY\nAND PROTECTION TO THE\nCHEMICAL\nAND OFFICERS WHO HAVE\nMETALS, MINERALS, MATERIALS\nSERVICE\nB. ARMED FORCES\nAIR BASES\nDEMONSTRATED STRATEGIC\nNATIONAL STRATEGIC\nCLOSE LIAISON WITH\n2. NAVAL BASES\nCONVERSION TO MEET\nPRODUCTS, PATENTS AND\n3.ESTABLISH UNIFIED COMMAND\n/. EDUCATIONAL TRAINING\nCAPACITY, ADDITION TO\nPOTENTIAL\nAVAILABLE INDUSTRIAL\nNATIONAL EMERGENCIES\nINVENTIONS\nTHEN USE WITH REALISM\na SEGURE-PANAMA CANAL\nNORMAL DIPLOMATIC\nC.MAINTAIN CURRENT\nAND EDUCATIONAL\nTECHNICAL TRAINING\nb_GLOBAL CONFLICTS\nQUALIFICATIONS\nDEVELOP PROGRAMS TO INSURE\nCLASSIFICATION-ALL CITIZENS\nAS BOTH POLITICAL\nEXPERIMENTATION\nE SECURE-COAST LINE U.S.A.\nCONVERSION IN REVERSE\nADEQUATE AVAILABILITY OF\nAND ECONOMIC WEAPON\nISSUANCES OF IMMIGRATION\n# ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN\nAVOID CARTELS EXEPT WHERE\na PROTECT PATENTS WHICH\nTO PEACETIME PURSUITS\nSUBSTITUTION ERSATZ\nAND TEMPORARY VISES\nPRODUCTS MATERIALS\nTRAINED STAFF CONVERSANT\nINTERNATIONAL EXPEDIENCY\nAFFECT STRATEGIC\nPREDICATED ON STRATEGIC\nTHROUGH MAINTENANCE OF\nWITH LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDURE\nDEMANDS SELF PRESERVATION\nDEFENSE OR OFFENSE\nEXPEDIENCY\nPILOT PLANTS AND CONSTANT\nFOR USE BY SPECIAL\nAND PROTECTION\nMAKE SALARY ADEQUATE TO\nEXPERIMENTATION\nCONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE\nAND BUREAU OF STRATEGIC\nINSURE PERSONAL SECURITY\nCONSERVE AND RATION\nRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT\nARMED FORCES\nAND TO ATTRACT SUITABLE\nNECESSARY NATIONAL AND\nOFFICERS.\nNATURAL RESOURCES IN ALL\nGLOBAL STRATEGIC PREPARDNESS\nFIELDS OF ACTUAL OR\nPROBABLE SHORTAGE\nEXPAND AND INTENSIFY\nREFORESTATION THUS INSURING\nADEQUATE LUMBER PULP-\nPSYCHOLOGICAL\nGRAZING CATTLE-SHEEP-\nPROPAGANDA\nIRRIGATION AND\nWARFARE\nCONSTRUCTION\nADDITIONAL FARMLAND\nNAVY\nARMY\nAIR\nMILITARY GOV'T\nINTERNATIONAL\nSECRET\nPOWER PROJECTS\nSECURITY-POLICE\nINTELLIGENCE\nMISSOURI VALLEY AUTHORITY\nAND OTHER PROJECTS\nMINERAL DEVELOPMENT\nOF MINES SHOWING POTENTIAL\nAVAILABILITY OF STRATEGIC\nMETALS AND ORES VIA\nEFFECTIVE PREPARDNESS NECESSITATES THE ADVANCE CLASSIFICATION TRAINING AND UTILI-\nOF ROADS-\nR AND\nCIVILIAN\nZATION OF ALL ELIGIBLE AMERICAN CITIZENS-VIZ\nPRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT\nWORK,\nARMED FORCES\nPROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL\nDISTRIBUTION (F*)\nPIPE LINES FOR OIL, ETC.\nROADS AND\nSUPPLEMENTING EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS-\nEQUIPMENT STORAGE PACILITIES\nSERVICE SCHOOLS ANNAPOLIS WESTPOINT, THE US GOV'T WILL PROVIDE UPON\nFOR SUCH STRATEGIC MATERIALS\nUNIVERSAL\nGRADUATION OPTIONAL SPECIALIZED TRAINING, OBSERVATION AND FACILITIES FOR\nAS ARE SUITABLE FOR STORAGE\nMILITARY TRAINING\nNATIONAL CIVICS\nAPTITUDE\nAPPLICANTS WITH SUITABLE APTITUDE IN SUCH SUBJECTS, ACTIVITIES AND FACTORS\nALSO WHICH ARE LIKELY TO\nMILITARY TRAINING\nCLASSIFICATION\nAS THE FOLLOWING:\nDEVELOP SHORTAGES\nALL\nPUPLIC TRAINING\nMAINTAIN CONSTANT\nEXPLORE EXPAND\nSCREEN GLASSIFY\nor ALL YOUTHS\nCLASSIFICATION OF\nSCIENTIFIC LABROTORY EXPERIMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE:\nPRIVILEDGES\nPLASTIC POTENTIAL\nFOR APTITUDE AND\nELIGIBLE AMERICAN\nCORRIBILITY TRAINING ROVANGE\nAND OUTIES OF\nELECTRICAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING INVENTIVE\nDITIZENS\nESPECIALLY INSURE ADEQUATE\nAMERICAN\nCONSTRUCTION AND SPECIAL WEAPONS FIELDS.\nMANUAL\nAVAILABILITY\nARMED NOT\nCITIZENSHIP\nARTISAN\nADVANCED TRAINING STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY-SECRET PROPAGANDA\nDIPLOMATIC SOAPS\nFARM\nSECUNIT INTELLISENCE\nMILITARY GOVERNMENT- PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE-INTERNATIONAL SECURITY-\nMINING\nCONSTRUCTION\nUSE OF AMERICAN IMPORT EXPORT AND HABITS IN SPECIAL\nAUTOMOTIVE\nAREAS OF STRATEGIC INTEREST-PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LANGUAGE SPECIALITIES\nAVIATION\nGIVIC ACTIVITIES\nSPECIALIZATION GEOGRAPHICALLY, POLITICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY OF;\nRespectfully submitted 19\nEXECUTIVE\nA SPECIAL COUNTRY-A PARTICULAR REGION-A CONTINENT OR HEMISPHERE\nHON HARRY S. TRUMAN\nMADA\nPROFESSIONAL\nGLOBAL AND REGIONAL COMMANDERS TO BE SELECTED FROM GEN STAFF OR\nSPECIAL\nRED CROSS\nGEN OFFICERS AFTER SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF ABOVE TRAINING ALL SUCH\nPRESIDENT\nMEDIA\nNURSING\nTERLON\nOFFICERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO HAVE COMPLETED ROTATION COURSE WITH\nPROPAGANDA\nUNITED STATES OF AMERICA\nTRANSPORTATION\nALL BRANCHES OF THE ARMED SERVICES PRIOR ASSIGNMENT TO GLOBAL\nMARINE\nCOMMAND FOR ANY ARM\nFACTORY\nand\nSPECIALIST IN\nLANGUAGE SPECIALITIES, PRIMARY, RUSSIAN CHINESE ARABIC - HINDUSTANI- SPANISH-\nJOHN\nAROUN\nPORTUGUESE\nSECONDARY, FRENCH-"
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