HIROTA, Yukinori
I February 19, 1957

_

Dr. L. A. Fraser
Birge Hall

Dear Lem:

I am forwarding Mr. Hirota's application for a WARF fellowship, with
a favorable recommendation on my part.

I would rely very strongly on Francis Ryan's judgment. I could add too
that Kikkawa is perhaps Japan's best-known geneticist. Hirota has already
made a very provocative discovery in the area of my immediate interest. It
happens we have been unable to repeat his observation of the removal of
the F factor by Cobalt, but as his colleagues have confirmed it, ané he
has sent us strains resulting from his treatment that are as they should be,
there mist be a subtle difference of experimental coniitions.

Hirota is applying for admission in September. While this would be accep&able,
I am writing to learn whether he could not as well begin next January, which
would suit ot lab. situation a little better.

_ Sincerely,

Joshua Lederberg
Professor of Genetics