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Re < 1976

ORGANISATION MONDIALE

WORLD HEALTH
DE LA SANTE

ORGANIZATION

ES
ea’

1211 GENEVE 27 - SUISSE

1211 GENEVA 27 - SWITZERLAND
Télégr.: UNISANTE-Genéve

Telegr.: UNISANTE-Geneva
Tél. 346061 Télex. 27821

In reply please refer to: PERSONAL 18 March 1976

Priére de rappeler la référence:

Dear Josh,

First, you will be interested in knowing that Bulanov has
responded to your letter to him of 28 January, concerning blood
group factors in the pathogenesis of cholera. He has discussed
this with Cvjetanovic and they are preparing a study to look into
this matter. Perhaps they have already corresponded with you
about it.

I have had no reaction as yet from Dr Mahler concerning your
report. This is not strange because I have seen him for exactly
3 minutes since that date when we happened to meet each other in
New York during our respective travels.

One of the central concerns I have is that "Management" in
this Organization has placed an inordinately great paper burden
on the technical units. Substantive technical work has suffered
proportionately. It is a Management problem to strike a reasonable
balance, if this Organization will continue to accomplish any
meaningful work in the technical field. Perhaps your suggestions
may help somewhat in this connexion. I have tried to point out
this dilemma several times, and shall continue to do so until and
after I leave in July.

Las

Professor J. Lederberg

Department of Genetics

Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford University Medical Centre
Stanford, Ca. 94305

USA
Professor J. Lederberg Page 2...

18 March 1976

I have had many queries from the technical units as to the assessment
you made of their work following the visits of Marguerite and yourself
in December. I have tried to tell them that with the information and
time at your disposal it would be unrealistic to expect any firm judgement,
but that your views will be transmitted to the ACMR in conjunction with
the reviews of the various technical units, which will be undertaken
during the ACMR session. Is there anything you would like to commit to
paper which would assuage their curiosity and concern?

As you know, Gus Nossal is here concentrating on the Tropical
Disease§ Programme. He is also experiencing some frustration, but I
believe very positive results will be forthcoming.

I believe we shall be able to report much progress, both at
Headquarters and in the regions with respect to the development of
research activities, although again it is primarily organizational,
rather than substantive in nature. I am trying to effectuate a smooth
transition with Howard Goodman taking over, but problems remain on
that score.

You will hear more about preparations for the ACMR in due course,
With best regards to Marguerite and yourself,

Yours sincerely,

a

Martin Kaplan