DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE 
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH 
WASHINGTON. O C 20201 
The Secretary 
Through: U 
Assistant Secretary for Health 
Charter for the Interagency Consnittee on Recombinant DNA Research — ACTION 
IS SUE 
Request to establish the Interagency Comittee on Recombinant DNA 
Research. 
DISCUSSION 
On June 23, 1976, the National Institutes of Health Issued guidelines for 
the conduct of research involving the creation of new forms of life used 
In studying genetics (recombinant DNA experiments). These guidelines 
establish carefully controlled conditions for experiments in which foreign 
genes are Inserted into microorganisms, such as bacteria. The objective 
of the guidelines la the containment of these possibly dangerous organisms 
while permitting research of great potential benefit to mankind. 
In an effort to examine the applicability of these guidelines to the 
rest of the Pederal Government and to the private sector, the President 
has made known that an lnterageocy committee will be established to 
review Federal policy on the conduct of research involving recombinant 
DNA (See the President's memorandum of September 22 attached at Tab A). 
Attached also is a copy of your letter of October 1 (Tab B) to relevant 
Department and Agency Heads requesting names of appropriate representatives 
to this Comittee. 
Attached Is a proposed charter to such a committee. 
RECOMMENDATION 
That the Secretary, by indicating approval of the attached Charter (Tab C) , 
authorize the establishment of the Interagency Committee on Recombinant 
DNA Research. 
Theodore Cooper, M.D. 
Attachments : 
Tab A - President '8 Memorandum of September 22 
Tab B - Secretary's Letter of October 1 
Tab C - Charter 
Prepared by: NIK/OD, Perpich, 10/19/76, 14-63152 
U77] 
