September 29, 1959

Or. Lioyd Berkner

Associated Universities, Inc.
Sulte 1750, Coliseum Tower
10 Columbus Circle

Mew York 19, New York

Deer Or. Serkner:

If there Is time at the next meeting of the Spece Sclence Scerd,
1 would welcome e discussion of the selentific velidity of the man-in-
space program. WASA's sponsorship has lmplied oe scientific Justification
for the program; however the lunatic fringes of Mercury can only aake
space research ridiculous In the eyes of many of our scleatific col leagues.
This Is s grave Impediment to the recrultment of competent blologists to
undertake @ serious Interest In the space sclence progran.

The Sloastroneutics Committee Is committed [n advance by its teres
of reference, and | believe thet the Space Science Board Is virtually the
only group capable of such an Independent eval uation.

Much more could be sald about this problem, but might be better
deferred to the meeting.

Yours sincerely,

Joshua Lederberg

CC: Wartline
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