JUN 9 4 1977
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500

June 21, 1977

Dear Josh:

I agree with you that it is in the interest of the country that
the gulf between faculties at academic institutions and government,
particularly in the national security area, should be repaired. I
believe that this can be done without violating the atmosphere of
academic freedom that prevails on university campuses. It is in the
interest of mission agencies like the Department of Defense to
strengthen connections with universities in the area of unclassified
basic research. I have already talked with Ruth Davis, the designated
Deputy Undersecretary for Research and Advanced Technology in DOD.
She agrees with this proposition and is undertaking a series of
discussions with university presidents.

My own office is making a study of basic research in mission
agencies to see if goals of these agencies are being met by an
adequate basic research program.

The important justification for such connections in the area of
technology is to have a knowledgeable group of experts, outside of
government, as a source of independent advice to the Administration.
University people who are up to speed on current technological problems
in the national security area are a valuable source of such independent
advice. Such a list would enable senior officials in government
to select from a wider range of options and, if the past is any
indication, could save the government enormous amounts of money.

As you know, experts drawn from universities in tha past have made
important contributions to arms control, weapons systems evaluation,
technology assessment, and the ability of university people to
contribute to their government in this way should be strengthened.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Deank J

Frank Press
Director

Professor Joshua Lederberg
Department of Genetics
Stanford University

School of Medicine
Stanford, California 94305

cc: Ruth Davis