90007 
2677 Ellendale Place 
Los Angeles, California 
(213) 733-9307 
October 5, 1979 
Dr, Donald S, Fredrickson 
Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
Dear Dr, Fredrickson: 
Any relaxation of the NIH guidelines for recombinant DNA research would 
appear to be quite unjustified, since the surface has barely been scratched 
with regard to risk-assessment studies. Such experiments as have been con- 
ducted, such as those of NIH's own staff ( Science , lb September), showed that 
"Purified recombinant plasmid ENA, as well as phage particles and ENA contain- 
ing a head-to-tail dimer of polyoma DNA" did show a low degree of oncogenicity. 
As you are aware, I have consistently argued for curtailment of recombinant 
ENA research — restriction of experimentation to a few maximum-containment govern- 
ment laboratories — until such time as a scientific basis for its safety has been 
established. To reduce the already- inadequate level of control, on the assumption 
that there will be no careless, impatient, or demented scientists involved with 
E coli K-12, is not a Judgment which will stand scientific scrutiny. You would 
not wish to have your name associated with an ackninistrative decision which, in 
my considered opinion, can lead only to disaster for the public and disgrace for 
the government personnel who are responsible. 
Thus I most affirmatively suggest that you disassociate yourself from the 
immature and irresponsible recommendation of the NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory 
Committee, which was passed by a mere 10 out of 25 members. Reject this puerile 
proposal in no uncertain terms, and in a memorandum to the Committee make clear 
the necessity for mature and reasoned judgments in this field. 
Very truly yours. 
L. , 
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