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

351. Memorandum From the Executive Director of the Office of International Scientific Affairs (Pardee) to August Velletri of the Office of Management¹

Washington, October 31, 1962.

SUBJECT

• Criteria for Science Attache Positions

In making a determination as to whether a position for a Science Attache should be established and where it should be located depends on a number of factors. Each factor is weighed against the impact it will make on the foreign policy of the United States, the furthering of U.S. policy objectives, and the improvement it would make in the relations between the U.S. and a particular country, region or continent.

Criteria

The factors which are examined include:

1. The unique opportunity which such a position would provide for analyzing the political implications of scientific developments;

2. The number of possibilities which such an avenue of communication would offer in establishing relationships with a particular foreign scientific community;

3. The possible ways these associations can be used to further this Government’s foreign policy objectives;

4. Psychological and social influences which can be caused through the application of American technology;

5. Opportunities to expand scientific exchanges and associations as a means to improving the understanding of U.S. foreign policy;

6. The need for coordination of U.S. scientific efforts overseas, i.e., places where there are a large number of U.S. agencies engaged in scientific programs;

7. The need for providing technical advice and guidance to the Ambassador and Embassy staffs in those areas or countries where science and technology plays a significant role in foreign policy;

8 The requirement for establishing a regional Scientific Attache position in less developed areas for the purpose of initiating early communication with foreign governments as they make their initial ventures into the field of science and technology.

Need for more than one position at a post.

The decision to have more than one Attache at a post is based on two factors, (a) regional responsibility, and (b) workload. An example of regional responsibilities would be the Attache Office in Stockholm which also covers scientific developments in Finland, Norway and Denmark. An example of where workload requires more than one officer would be in those countries where science and technology is quite sophisticated, where scientific relationships are extensive and where the need for technical advice is closely related to daily foreign policy operations. This would include such places as Germany, France, England, Italy and Japan.

Procedures for establishing an Attache position.

The procedures which are followed in establishing an Attache position generally follow this pattern. After ISA has considered all of the factors, has discussed the matter in detail with other interested U.S. agencies, has gathered and analyzed supporting data from scientific reports and programs or private studies, a recommendation is prepared and forwarded to the regional bureau concerned. After collaboration with the regional bureau, a recommendation is submitted to the Embassy in the field for their comments. After all comments are received and final approval obtained, a request for funds for establishing such a position is submitted in collaboration with the regional bureau to the Office of Budget.

AP

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Management Staff Files: Lot 69 D 434, Miscellaneous Subject Files, Scientific Attache. No classification marking. Copies sent to Charles H. Baldwin and Frank M. Bryan of the Division of Program Review, Office of Finance and Budget.