ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL 
332 North Lauderdale. PO Box 318. 
Memphis, Tennessee 38101 
(901) 525-8381 
Danny Thomas, Founder 30 December 1979 
Dr. Donald Fredrickson 
Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
I have just recently learned that the recommendations for revisions 
in the Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research have not yet 
received NIH approval. I have personally reviewed the proposed 
guidelines as available in the Federal Register. It is clear, 
based on information generated both from the NIH and elsewhere, 
that K-12 containment should be down-graded. Much important 
research has been delayed or entirely shelved because of the 
earlier guidelines. Prompt action on the revised guidelines will 
be in the best interest of the public. 
I hope that governmental bureaucracy will not further adversely 
effect the rapid initiation of these changes. 
AG/hmh 
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