Dr. D. Fredrickson 
- 2 - 
April 30, 1979 
I wish to support the adoption of both of these proposals for two main 
reasons 
a) Experiments of the types covered by these proposals are of great 
importance in developing an understanding of the expression of the genomes 
of higher eukaryotes, including man. Such experiments should be facilitated, 
where possible. 
b) The argument advanced by Dr. Rowe, (that no competent microorganisms 
will be produced in the experiments so that they therefore represent no 
biohazard) is a proper argument for not including these experiments under 
the Guidelines. 
Escape of the recombinant DNA molecules into the ecosystem as a result 
of these types of experiments is so unlikely that the risks are infinitesimal. 
Sincerely yours 
Oliver Smithies, M.A., D.Phil(Oxon) 
Leon J. Cole Professor of Genetics 
and Medical Genetics 
OS : fm 
xc : W. Gartland, S. Barban 
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