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ANNUAL REPORT
DIVISION OF AERONAUTICS
1946 - 1947
(Paul E. Garber, Curator)

1. Introduction
The fiscal year 1947 brought to the division of Aeronautics the greatest potential it has ever experienced. This bright prospect is chiefly due to the passage of Public Law 722, signed by the President on August 12, 1946, establishing a National Air Museum under the administration of the Smithsonian Institution.

This Law originated from the Bill, H. R. 5144, for which hearings were held Febuary 13, 1946. The preparation of this Bill, and its presentation by the Hon. Jennings Randolph of West Virginia was due in large part to the interest and stimulus given by General H. H. Arnold, recently head of the Army Air Forces. The Bill stipulates procedures similar to those which have formed the basis for our past and present operations and embodies features for which we have been striving for many years. It directs the appointment of an Advisory Board to consist of the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces, the Chief of Naval Operations (or their designated officers), the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and two citizens. These officials: Major General Edward M. Powers, Rear Admiral H. B. Sallada (succeeded on May 1, 1946 by Rear Admiral A. M. Pride), Secretary Wetmore, Mr. Grover Loening, and Mr. William B. Stout, held their first meeting on December 16, 1946. Follow-