SEP 20 196 SEP 20 1966

ea Palo Alto Times

PENINSULA NEWSPAPERS AM UNGE TENDER) NEWSrATER
INCORPORATED POST OFFICE BOX 300, PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA

An Employe-Owned Organization

 

 

September 19, 1966

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
Stanford University
Department of Genetics
Stanford, California

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

Thank you for sending me the clipping from the
Washington Fost concerning the UPI story about "The
Asteroid Peril to the Zarth."

As you probably know, we published that same
article on page one of July 27. The following day,
in an attempt to correct or offset the effects of the gee
earlier story, UrI sent us a follow-up carrying 4 Cue
Washington dateline. We also vublished that on page —
one. While its intent was to offset the sensational
and rather irresponsible statements made in the earlier
UPI story, I'm afraid tnat it does not do justice to
Dr. Butler nor does it present his work in proper
perspective. ,

I'm going to call this to the attention of our
U.I sources and see whether any further explanstion
is forthcoming. If not, we may take the opportunity
to use the material from the Washington Post, with
your permission, of course, and try to strsighten
out the record.

I agree with you that sensationalizing science
news in this manner erodes the confidence of serious-
minded scientists in speaking to the press. uven
more important, i'm afraid that it erodes the con-
fidence of tne readers and it's certsinly a practice
to which we do not subscribe.

Sincerely, Quan

Alexender Bodi
editor

 

AB: td