General Carl Spaatz, 
Gfaiel of Staff, United States Air Force, 
Room 4 £ 921, Pentagon Building, 
Washington 25, D.C. 
Bear General Spaatz; 
On 15 February I am leaving to spend about two 
months in Panama on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution in 
field investigations in archaeology and biology, principally 
concerned with birds. In similar work in 1946 and 194? I Ld the 
very friendly cooperation of the United States Air Force in 
transportation to and from the auxiliary air field at Jaque in 
Darien, eastern Panama, a base from which I made expeditions 
by dugout canoe with native helpers among the Choco Indians in 
the remote interior. The workplanned this year will be in a 
different area in western Panama. The Smithsonian now has 
located a party at the town of Parita, Province of Herrera, about 
160 miles west of the Canal Zone, where we are conducting 
archaeological excavations. I plan to use this base for the 
biological studies in which I am interested. 
1 am writing to ask if I may have the cooperation of 
Hie United States Air Force, through Hie loan of a jeep, (without 
driver) for a period of about two months, beginning about February 
20, to use in exploration and travel on the trails and minor highways 
in the general area around Parita. The areas to be worked can be 
reached easily by this means of transportation from the main high¬ 
way that traverses this part of Panama. 
K a jeep (without driver) can be made available as a 
loan to the Smithsonian Institution for a period of approximately two 
months, the Smithsonian will provide gasoline, oil, and any minor 
repairs necessary. My assistant and I would drive the car. I would 
expect to take over the car in the Zone and return it to the Canal 
Zone when the work is completed. 
