The University of Alabama in Birmingham 
Department of Microbiology 
May 18, 1982 
Dr. William Gartland, Jr. 
Director 
Office of Recombinant DNA Activities 
National Institutes of Health 
Room 4A52, Building 31 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
Dear Bill: 
This is to indicate my approval for the adoption of an amendment to the NIH 
Guidelines to add a section I-D-7 on use of molecular cloning for the con- 
struction of biological weapons. This amendment to the Guidelines, although 
probably ineffectual, will be the right etart and might subsequently lead to 
consideration by the United States Congress and United Nations and a more 
meaningful effective consideration of the issue by the world community. 
Best regards. 
RCIII/pp 
University Station / Birmingham, Alabama 35294 
[ 778 ] 
