349. Letter From the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Johnson) to the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (Seaborg)1
Dear Dr. Seaborg:
As an initial step in a planned program to strengthen the Department of State’s ability to deal with matters related to international scientific affairs, it is our intention to announce near the end of this week abolishment of the Office of the Special Assistant for Atomic Energy and Outer Space, and the transfer of its functions and responsibilities relating to peaceful uses of atomic energy and outer space to the Office of the Science Adviser. State’s responsibilities relating to military aspects of work in these fields will be assigned to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Politico-Military Affairs.
Working relationships between the Department of State and the Atomic Energy Commission have been excellent. Your cooperation, and that of members of your staff, has contributed immeasurably to the resolution of important problems of international significance in which we have a mutual interest.
I am confident the organizational changes we are making will not impair in any way the effectiveness of planning and action on matters affecting foreign policy as it relates to the work of your agency. Consolidation of related responsibilities here should reduce points of contact and clearance and result in moving forward with greater facility and expedition.
Officers to whom these responsibilities are being assigned will be in touch with appropriate officials of your agency as matters arise requiring [Page 784] consultation or joint action. However, I thought it only proper that you should know in advance of our plans since they will have a bearing on our inter-agency relationships.
Sincerely,
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, 110.10/5–1662. No classification marking. Drafted by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Management Ralph S. Roberts. An identical letter was sent to James E. Webb, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.↩
- Printed from a copy that indicates Johnson signed the original.↩