The Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) is supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, West Germany, France, Canada, Japan and the European Science Foundation, a consortium of 12 smaller countries. The National Science Foundation contributes about $19 million annually, while the six other participants provide $2.5 million each.
The U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences was invited in 1985 to join the newly constituted program as a full partner. At the time various U.S. agencies—including NSF and the departments of State, Commerce and Defense—had approved the proposal. The Soviets accepted and were to come on board earlier this year.
In February, however, just days before a U.S. delegation was to travel to Moscow for an official signing ceremony, Pentagon officials asked that the invitation be reconsidered. They were concerned that the Soviets would acquire national security-sensitive technology by being aboard the drill ship. The issue was bounced to the National Security Council ...
