SI Bredin Exp.— Society Ids. 
February 1, 1957 
AIR MAIL 
16*. Jean Bres 
S.T.P.I. 
Boite Postale 591 
Papeete, Tahiti 
Dear Mr. Brlss 
Your name was given me by Dr. Jack Randall of the Yacht 
"NANI 11 as one who might be able to supply us with a good quality 
sugar cane alcohol for preserving the marine specimens that we 
hope to collect during the months of April and May in the Society 
Islands. This alcohol should be pure, not denatured, because 
otherwise it is not a good preservative. Also it should be 180 
proof or better. Do you have it 190 proof? Naturally, we shall 
take care that it would not get into unauthorized hands. 
In this country we get alcohol for scientific purposes tax- 
free, and I am hoping that the same courtesy may be extended us 
in Tahiti. In this connection, to whom should I apply for the 
remission of taxes on the alcohol that we buy from you? We shall 
have our official credentials with us as we are traveling in the 
Interests of the Smithsonian Institution, a Government organiza- 
tion here in the city of Washington. I should tell you that there 
will be four of us in the party and that we shall be using Mr. 
McConnaughey ' s motor sailer, the MAREVA, for the six weeks that 
we shall be in the field. We will need about 150 liters altogether. 
Can you supply this quantity and also tell me what this would cost, 
and whether we may be able to obtain it tax-free? 
A reply at your early convenience would be much appreciated. 
With kind regards. 
Sincerely, 
Waldo L. Schmitt 
Head Curator 
Department of Zoology 
rCSseek 
