November 9, 1950

Dr, G. Seger

Project Review Officer

Division of Research Grants and Fellowshira
National Institutes of Health

Betheada 14, Maryland

Dear Dr, Seger:

Thank you for your letter of November 6, 1950, and for your
advice in the interest of our research program,

fhe application for research support, "Genetics of Bacteria"
waa made at what we would both admit to be an early date, in
anticipation of difficulties which are likely to erise if the
aprlication is reviewed later, Review in May or June implies
that even preliminary approval (or disapproval) cannot de given
pefore early July, It is extremely difficult to find auitable
personnel for employment in the Fall at this late date, Reo
ogniging thet finel arvproval of funds might have to wait for
congreasional aypropriation, I hoped that the judgment of the
advisory board would be worth seeking at an early date.

I do not wish to peraist in this aprlication if 1t involves
a conflict with your review policies. If necessary, I will be
flad to advance the beginning date of the grant arplication co
thet i¢ will cover the period June 1, 1951 ~ May 31, 1952. Prefe
erably, I would like to submit the present aprlication for review
at the next meeting of the advisory board, if there is any likeli-
hood that the board can render a judgment that will be useful
in planning our personnel situation, But, thirdly, I will be
rleesed to withdraw this arrlisaticn for resubmittal later if,
in your judgment, there {9 inevfficient justification for pre-e
senting it now,

Pending your reply, I am retaining the applieation as re
turned.

Yours sincerely,

Joshua Lederberg
Astociate Professor of Genetics

Jit mS