OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
210! CONSTITUTION AVENUE
WASHINGTON, ©. C. 20418

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NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

November 1, 1978

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
President

The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue

New York, New York 10021

Dear Josh:

I write in comment upon the letter dated 25 October addressed
to Mayor Koch and President Bellamy. It is an excellent letter
and constitutes an entirely proper reply to the city.

The one section which I would not have included is that enti-
tled "University's Economic Situation." It is in the nature of all
universities that they are always financially hard pressed. They
always somewhat overcommit themselves. It is no news that taxation
would be a financial burden. But so is it upon most corporate
enterprises and private individuals who pay taxes on real property;
all would prefer to retain those financial resources to use for
their usual purposes. Hence, I view that section as essentially
unpersuasive and not particularly relevant. *

I do consider that the sections on "Highlights of the Univer-
sity's Contribution to Medical Sciences" and "Broader Relationships
with the City" are entirely relevant because they indicate that the
programs of the University are indeed those of the character which
justified the law which granted exemptions to institutions of such
character. Hence, they are not only relevant but right on target.

Sincerely yours,

Philip Handler J

Og
President