Viewing page 55 of 520

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION  1252

STATEMENT OF RECENT ACTIVITIES

The Secretary reported as follows:

In connection with the extensive program for dams for power development and flood control throughout the country, the Smithsonian Institution has agreed to cooperate in making scientific surveys of the areas that will be flooded to salvage important information in archeology and paleontology while this is available. It is estimated that 85% of the pre-Columbian history of the Indian inhabitants of these areas is found in archeological sites in the stream valleys that will be covered by impounded waters. Funds for this work are being transferred to the Institution from the Corps of Army Engineers and the Reclamation Service, $87,000 being available for this year. Dr. Frank H. H. Roberts, Jr., Assistant Chief, Bureau of American Ethnology, is in charge of the program. Field work began last summer with investigations in the Missouri Valley, and will continue this Spring in this same area and at various points in the southeast. The program is one of considerable scientific importance.

The International Exchange Service of the Smithsonian Institution, charged with forwarding governmental and scientific documents to the other countries of the world, now completely reorganized, is making shipments to the major countries, with the exception of Japan and Rumania. Shipment to Germany has just begun with the sending of the accumulation of the war period. Word has been received from General MacArthur to ship the Japanese exchanges, held up since the war. The Philippine Republic recently has been added to the list of countries to which publications are sent. 

A.W.

Transcription Notes:
The initials AW appear in the lower left side of the page (not transcribed).