Baylor College of Medicine 
Texas Medical Center 
Houston, Texas 77025 
trufMr.sr or Virology and Epidemiology 
(713) 7W-4 U4 
February 12, 1976 
Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson 
Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Md. 20014 
«• 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
I am enclosing a typewritten copy of the remarks that I made 
at the meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Director on Feb- 
ruary 10. 
I have attempted to formulate a procedural mechanism that keeps 
the group of DNA experts together but on rotational basis. To avoid 
the chance of their being a self-serving group, a policy making Ad- 
visory Council is placed above them. Procedures are incorporated 
for flexibility so that the regulations can be modified as required by 
the acquisition of new knowledge. A mechanism is incorporated so 
that concerned scientists and others can have a forum before the 
Committee on a regular schedule. 
Since returning home, I have heard that chick cell genes are 
growing well in E. coli. Before matters get out of hand by investi- 
gators not privy to the NIH discussions, I believe that your office 
should move rapidly (but deliberately) in coming to a decision on how 
work in this critical area should move forward safely. 
Kind regards. 
Joseph L. Melnick 
JLMrjmb 
Enc. 
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