DEAR DR. BUSH:

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP64-00658A000100310004-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: R
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 6, 2000
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: October 12, 1945
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2000/09/(R~TP'6Y 00658A000100310004-0
Army Declass Instructions on File
MID 920
12 October 1945
Dear Dr. Bushz
During the recent period while Dr. L. Don Leet was assisting the
Military Intelligence Division in the preparation of intelligence folders,
he described a plan he had conceived of for the establishment of geo-
physical observatories throughout the Pacific. The intelligence possibi-
lities in his idea are of considerable interest to MID. He therefore very
kindly sent us a copy of his completed study. I understand that Dr. Kirtley
Mather has forwarded the study to Senator Magnuson, with the request that
he arrange to have it presented at one of the public hearings on the Magnuson
Bill.
Regardless of whether Dr. Leet's plan would be presented during the
current hearings, I'believe that it may ultimately come to your attention,
and that you may have occasion to comment on it. Therefore, I am inclosing
a copy with a view to bringing the intelligence implications to your
attention.
While I at in no position to express opinion on the scientific merits
of the proposed geophysical institute, it appears to. me that it may properly
fit into the framework of the National Research foundation. If you feel
that Dr. Loot's idea will merit your support at the appropriate time, it
may also be useful to you to know that MID considers it important for intel-
ligence reasons. I refer particularly to the suggested five central observa-
tories, each controlling such subsidiary observation points as may be required
for various scientific purposes. While the intelligence which may be secured
from such a network would ordinarily not be a secret matter, nevertheless I
believe it would be highly valuable for U. S. military and naval planning.
Sincerely,
/s/ C B
CLAYTON BISSELL
Major General, GSC
Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2
Dr. Vannevar Bush., Director
Office of Scientific Research and Development
1530 P Street, N. W.
Washington 25, D. C.
Approved For Release 2000/09/05 :R .Qr -yQ658A000100310004-0