Descriptive Entry

This record unit consists of files created primarily by OES, 1970-1973, and OIEP, 1973-1975. Also included are some records of OIP, 1975-1976. Files predating the creation of OES in October 1969 are those of Irvin Eugene Wallen, in his capacity as Assistant Director for Oceanography, NMNH, and Head of the Office of Oceanography and Limnology, 1964-1969. The records consist of correspondence and memoranda, project proposals and reports, and publications; and include a file documenting the administration and operation of the Center for Short-Lived Phenomena, 1967-1976, and administrative records, 1964-1975. For other records of OES and OIEP see Record Units 218, 271, and 273.

Historical Note

The history of the Office of International Programs (OIP) can be traced to October 1969 when the Office of Environmental Sciences (OES) was established under the Assistant Secretary for Science. Irvin Eugene Wallen, who had served since 1962 as Assistant Director for Oceanography, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and Head of the Office of Oceanography and Limnology, was appointed Director of OES. William L. Eilers replaced Wallen as Director in 1971. Programs and offices under OES direction included: the Ecology Program; the Oceanography and Limnology Program (OLP), including the Smithsonian Oceanographic Sorting Center and the Mediterranean Marine Sorting Center; the Center for Short-Lived Phenomena (CSLP); and the Chesapeake Bay Center for Environmental Studies (CBCES), which become an independent bureau in 1973.

In October 1973, OES was merged with the Office of International Activities to form the Office of International and Environmental Programs (OIEP). Wymberley D. Coerr, former Ambassador to Ecuador and Uruguay, was appointed Director of the new office. Eilers became Deputy Director of OIEP. Programs under the direction of OIEP included the Smithsonian Foreign Currency Program and the International Liaison Program, as well as the programs administered by its predecessor, OES. In May 1975 OIEP was renamed the Office of International Programs (OIP).