SECRET DEFENCE WORK AT UNIVERSITIES

Grey River Argus, 30 August 1948, Page 8

SECRET DEFENCE WORK AT UNIVERSITIES

WELLINGTON, Aug 25. The question whether University research work should be open to Tree publication, and what factors were involved in work of such a nature that for reasons of national security demands secrecy, were debated at the opening! session to-day of the Senate of' the University of New Zealand. The question arose from a recommendation from the academic board that, “except'in times of na■tipial emergency, no contracts or grants for research should be concluded, unless the conditions provided for the free publication of the results of that research.” T’he Pro-Chancellor, Mr 1,. J. Wild said he had received a letter from the Department of Scientific and industrial Research. It referred to the existence of a defence science organisation and the desire for the universities to participate in its work and stressed need for secrecy in all matters pertaining to defence. The letter added that it was expected that certain confidential documents from overseas, would be received by the oragnisation. among the members of which would be persons from the staff of the universities. “I am in touch with what is proposed by the National Defence Science Committee,” said Mr Wild, “and I may state that these proposals cannot go forward if tins resolution is adopted by the Senate and subsequently by the college councils.” ) The Senate decided to refer the matter back to the academic board for further consideration.