Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

346. Letter From President Kennedy to the President’s Special Assistant for Science and Technology (Wiesner)¹

Washington, January 23, 1961.

Dear Dr. Wiesner:

Within the over-all area of your responsibility as my Special Assistant for Science and Technology, I should appreciate your finding, developing, and presenting to me facts, evaluations, and recommendations respecting matters related to science and technology and the progress of scientific endeavor in the various agencies of Government, giving particular attention to trends and developments as they affect national security and welfare, to the relative progress of Soviet and U.S. science and technology, to scientific and technological cooperation with our allies, and to the encouragement and utilization of science in the free world.

It is my desire that you advise on scientific and technological matters in top-level policy deliberations, making yourself available to Cabinet members and other officers of Government holding policy responsibilities, when appropriate and practical, and working in close association with other members of the White House staff and the Director of the Bureau of the Budget. You are authorized to attend the meetings of the National Security Council, the Cabinet, and the National Aeronautics and Space Council.

In carrying on these activities, you may retain the services of such staff and special consultants as you may require.

The foregoing is intended to serve as an aid to you in organizing your work and is not designed specifically to define your responsibilities. In carrying out your task, you will have full access to all plans, programs, and activities involving science and technology in the Government.

As my Special Assistant for Science and Technology, and thereby a member of the Federal Council for Science and Technology, I designate you as Chairman of the Council.

It is my hope that your work will be of great value in developing information for me and in giving a greater sense of direction to all who are concerned in our nation’s scientific and technological efforts.

Sincerely,

John F. Kennedy

1. Source: Kennedy Library, Jerome Wiesner Papers, White House—President Messages and Congrates, 1962, Box 10. Confidential. Jerome B. Wiesner, director of the electronics research laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was appointed Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology on January 11, 1961.