This accession contains files accumulated by R.S. Rettie. During the 1950's and 1960's, Dr. Rettie was with the Microwave Section and then the Space Research Facilities Branch (Churchill Research Range of the NRC's Division of Radio and Electrical Engineering). In 1971, he became Executive Director of External Relations.
The earlier records consist of correspondence and other documentation concerning Dr. Rettie's involvement in the development of defense - related radar and communications systems. The later files include reports, correspondence, studies and minutes of meetings from various international and commonwealth associations and seem to reflect Dr. Rettie's continuing interests in atmospherics and communication.
The earlier records, mostly dating from 1950-1964, are found in Box 2 of the accession. These working files are primarily of a technical nature and were mostly classified (confidential or secret) during their active use. Many technical drawings and some maps and photographs are interspersed throughout the files. The titles of the files included in Box 2 are: NRC Science 1960s; UN PUOS; Weather Radar; ASTRID-Norway; Military Equipment [containing 2 metal plate identifiers from transformer insulator]; Countermeasures [parts 1 and 2]; COMSAT; IFF; PIFFTWORG [Permanent IFF Technical Working Group]; MG2 [Automatic Strobe Triangulation Display]; Radar Interference; Fire Control Systems; Frequency Designations; Radar Improvement to 1955; Defense Panel; Air Force; Lamplight; Fence; Fence N. Atlantic; M.Z.P.I [General purpose ground radar equipment]. The two untitled files in box 2 include records pertaining to satellite tracking and communications, correspondence with the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, international visits, a variety of transmitters and radio antennas, and Project Second Storey [analyzing sighting reports of unidentified objects].
The later records, found in Box 1 of the accession, contain collected loose papers and binders pertaining to international projects and science. The loose papers primarily relate to the Commonwealth Conference on Satellite Communications in 1962. Other stray documents pertain to: DEVSIS, a proposed development science information system (outside dates 1962-1974); the meeting of an Ad Hoc Interdepartmental Committee on EDP; a NATO/CCMS Energy Conservation Pilot Project (1974); as well as two pamphlets pertaining to Polish science (1972-3). The binders included in the box pertain to: Satellite Communication System Ground Station (1962); NRC Programs involving formal and informal scientific exchanges with other countries (1974); Commonwealth Scientific Committee Papers from the 7th meeting (1972); International scientific exchanges with Europe, 1974); Commonwealth Scientific Committee Country Visit Reports (ca. 1974); and MOSST (Ministry of State for Science and Technology) Objective-Functions-Organization (March 1973).
