Conant Asks Students to Decide Soon on Deferment Applications

All students registered under the draft act, who are subject to re-classification on July first, are advised in a letter sent out yesterday by President Conant to decide as soon as possible whether they wish to be available for immediate call, or desire to be deferred as "necessary" men under the selective service laws. At the same time, the University announced the establishment of a Committee on Selective Service, formed to cooperate with local boards and assist students in problems arising under the Act.

President Conant's letter out-lined the procedure which students should follow if they plan to continue their studies or training after the present student deferment expires. Enclosed were selections from memoranda on the Act and on deferments in general.

"There can be no doubt that some individuals can best serve by remaining in the University for a period of training," he wrote, and quoted a passage from the regulations stating that national defense requires as little interference as possible with "civilian activities which are contributing to the national health, safety, and interest."

"I believe that each student," President Conant said, "should consider at this time in what capacity he can best serve his country; that is, whether he will be of the greatest use by entering classification I-A (available for immediate call), or whether he should seek deferment as a necessary man in training or preparation for work essential to the national health, safety, or interest.

"Your Dean or Department Head stands ready to supplement the information in these documents, by giving you the benefit of his advice in coming to your decision. After studying these memoranda and consulting with your Dean or such advisers as he may delegate for the purpose, you should decide whether or not to seek deferment."

The letter added that "the University Committee is prepared to make requests for occupational deferment whenever, in the judgment of the committee, such deferment is warranted.