Memorandum of Conference with the President and Dr. James R. Killian, et al

IDENTIAL March 5, 1958 MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH THE PRESIDENT March 5, 1958 Others present: Dr. Killian, Director Brundage Mr. Rockefeller, General Persons Mr. Harlow, General Goodpaster The meeting was concerned with organization for the conduct of civil space programs. Dr. Killian reviewed a memorandum on this matter. He stressed the need to make use of existing BE facilities and competence, the limited scope of military applica- tinns of space activity as presently foreseen, the need for a civilian agency to handle the civil aspects, with Department of Defense (ARPA) handling the defense aspects. He indicated the recom- mendation, to use the NACA, substantially reconstituted and made responsive to Presidential direction. ARPA would be the co- or dinating point in Defense for contact with NACA in this matter. He brought out that there have been other proposals, which have not been so favorably regarded. One involves the use of the AEC; a second is the constitution of a new agency consolidating both Defense and non-Defense activities; and a third is to center the operation in the Defense Department. He mentioned that a com- mittee will be needed to coordinate the work of the NASA ("National Aeronautics and Space Agency", the reconstituted NACA) and the work of Defense (ARPA). The President said he had several comments. Since 1947 we have used committees in many areas to effect coordination. These have failed badly to give necessary control of activities, including control of money. He said he has asked himself how we should use space activities for our national purposes. It seems to him that military activity on space projects is acceptable in the area of application of knowledge. He feels certain, however, that discovery and research should be scientific, rather than military. He felt that there is no problem of space activity (except ballistic weapons) that is not basically civilian, recognizing that application of findings may be made to serve military purposes.