JUL i7 1970

S. S. Route, Box 175A
Corrales, N. M. 87048

July 15, 1970

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
Genetics Dept.
Stanford University
Stanford, Cal. 94605

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

We were quite surprised recently to learn of your public statements to the effect
that population control in the United States at the present time is undesirable.

In view of the growing Sclentific concern Tor onvironmental {séues Such as control ©
of air and water pollution we find it difficult to understand your position on
population, since it seems obvious to us that overpopulation often contributes to
these other ecological problems.

 

Since we are all working toward a common goal - the preservation of our environ-
ment ~- it seems tragic to us that leaders of the scientific community should begin
qQuarrelling over whether or not population contrel is the main issue. We feel all
environmental issues are interrelated so deeply that te become divided on their
relative importance now can only mean further disasterous delays which our environ-
ment can ill afford.

No reply to this letter is expected, but we urge you to reconsider your public
statements on population control and to work instead for a unified and effective
popular movement to solve all our ecolegical woes.

   

Sincerely,

x Will you please enlighten ‘ne where you have read any such statement
attributed to me?

If by "control" you mean "coercion", I would have to protest -- both
about the moral and the politically-effective aspects of proposals to use
intrusive means to accomplish ends about which there can be no disagreement.

Sincerely,

Jee Kent

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