April 19, 1951

Memorandum to the File

Conversation with Sidney W. Souers

This morning, prior to Dr. Buckley's meeting with President Truman to receive his appointment as Chairman of the Science Advisory Committee, I called on Sidney Souers and showed him the draft of the letter of appointment, including the list of members of the Committee, also to be appointed. This was to post him on developments, as I had done from time to time since the early stages of the scientific adviser concept. I particularly invited his attention to the list of members of the Committee, pointing out that four of them were also members of the General Advisory Committee of the AEC. These four being Buckley, Chairman; Conant, Oppenheimer and DuBridge. I reminded him of their judgment on a particular matter which had been brought to the President's attention and in which he had made a decision. He did not regard this as substantially objectionable, recognizing that the Committee consisted of a total of 11 members and that some three or four additional members are to be appointed. I also mentioned that Gordon Dean had been kept fully informed by me of the developments and that he had also been informed by Dr. Buckley in the very recent past and that he had had no objection, in fact had been delighted with the selection of Dr. Buckley and had been strongly in favor of the whole concept, and as I said, had not shown any objection to the members of the Committee, all of whom have been named to him previously.

I told Sidney Souers that Oliver Buckley is eager to meet him and he expressed a similar desire. Their meeting will be arranged at an early opportunity.