B atanDARD Pome NO. 64 4h") 6, Ob Office MemiB®ndum - UNITED os GOVERNMENT TO DATE: Files FROM Paul B. Pearson, Chief Biology Brancn SUBJECT: VISIT WITH MR. NUCKER, DEPUTY HIGH COlmiTSSIONEF TRUST TERRITORIES, GUAM, DECEMBER 8, 195), SYrBOL: ar December 16, 195k . 2 BMB:PBP ° I discussed with li. Nucker and Dr. Smith means whereby the Division of Biology ana tiedicine could aid them in implementing their program leading to improved production of crops used for food and of economic importanee in the Marshall Islands. iia, Nucker said that one of their two major efforts would be to strengthen the agricultural program of the Trust Territories and that they planned to add several Staff members in this area provided the funds can be obtained. He Said tha’ they feel it will be more effective to operate their own progran rather than to do it under contract such as with the Pacific Science Boarc or the University of Hawaii. I suggested that we might be able to provide funds for them to employ two men pai the Ph.D, level, probably one in plant breeding and the other with a good background in soils and plant ecology. Such men could be:-expected to provide some leadership for the azricultural program of the Trust Territories in the Marshall Islands. . The proposal submitted by the University of Hawaii under Max Doty has not been considered favorably by Dr. Stakman or by Dr. Baver. I visited:aith Drs. Doty and Cooil enroute back from the Orient. Fur~ ther discussions with them on this proposal did not alter my original opinion that this is not a project the Biology Branch wishes to sup- port. By providing funds to the Trust Territories and supplementing a program that they have a high priority for would, I believe, be the most effective means of increasing the general economic level of the natives:af the tiarshall Islands. This would also seem to have the advantage that the Trust Territories may within a few years assume complete “mesponsibility for the program. It would probably be necessary forsss to provide some guidance and assistance to the Trust Territorkes people in selecting personnel we provide money for. Their greatest need is for funds for scientific personnel. Mr. Nucker feels that they could provide the supplemental support that a couple of Scientists would need. 9095094 I assured Mr. Nucker that we would give this matter furthez ation and write him at an early date. ) NarreSreranCH AP 7- consider-