Continuing debate over science and secrecy

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Bull. At. Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00963402.1986.11459335· OSTI ID:6876346

Chalk, R

The academic community breathed a sign of relief when President Reagan signed a new national security decision directive, NSDD 189, exempting fundamental research from national security controls. Issued September 27, 1985, the one-paragraph statement begins with the welcome assertion that the Administration's policy is not to restrict the products of fundamental research. The statement adds that where national security interests do intrude upon fundamental research activities, classification will be the primary mechanism for control. However, a more careful reading of the directive, and of the cover memorandum circulated with it to Cabinet officers, reveals a loophole through which the Administration was once again shaking the reins of control. The innocuous phrase appeared at the very end of the directive, forbidding the placement of restrictions upon unclassified federally funded fundamental research except as provided in applicable US statutes. Expanding on this phrase, the cover memorandum emphasized that the directive preserved the ability of the agencies to control unclassified information using legislated authority provided expressly for that purpose in applicable US statutes. The memorandum made no mention of the need to preserve openness in scientific and technical communication or to exercise caution in controlling unclassified information.

• OSTI ID: 6876346
• Journal Information: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 42:3; ISSN BASIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290500* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990300 -- Information Handling
CLASSIFIED INFORMATION
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INFORMATION
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
NATIONAL SECURITY
NORTH AMERICA
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SECURITY
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
USA