-2 
And I note that, as mentioned in the EIS, NIH has discussed all 
or some of the Guidelines with the World Health Organization, 
the European Molecular Biology Organization and the International 
Council on Scientific Unions. 
We do not believe at this time that the United States 
should seek to negotiate an international agreement or other 
arrangement of a binding nature internationally on this subject, 
nor do we now suggest that the United States seek endorsement 
by WHO or by the United Nations Environmental Program of the 
NIH Guidelines. We do recoiomend, however, that NIH transmit 
the final EIS, together with the Guidelines themselves if not 
already provided, to all of the above mentioned international 
organizations, including UNEP, as soon as possible. In addition 
we recommend that NIH systematically advise these organizations 
of revisions to the Guidelines and of advances in genetic engi- 
neering technology having significant implications for world 
health and the environment. 
Openness on our part will help dispel whatever fears other 
countries may have about recombinant DNA research in the U.S. 
And we would urge direct NIH contact with researchers and 
sponsoring organizations abroad as probably the best way to 
achieve wide acceptance of U.S. safety procedures. 
I hope that these comments will be useful to you. 
Director 
Office of Environmental Affairs 
cc:CEQ C5) 
Appendix K — 117 
