A provision of the army appropriation bill for a council of national defense is designated to meet this retirement. This council will consist of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of War, the Chief of Staff of the army, an officer of the navy of the rank of captain or of higher rank, and six persons to be appointed by the President, who shall be authorized on questions relating to public utilities, industry or natural resources.
This body will be capable of very great and material service to the government in the vital matter of the nation's security. Needless to say, men of the highest quality of patriotism and ability will be asked to serve upon it.
Preparedness, to be sound and complete, must be solidly based on science. 