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NPO " Vector "

Institute of Molecular Biology

633159, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk region, Russia
Telephone: (3832) 640140; Fax: (3832) 328831
Telex: 133196 NPO SU;

E-mail: vector@vector.nsk.su

Prof. Joshua LEDERBERG,
Chair

Working Group on Biological
Weapons Control

Washington, D.C. 20418, USA

Dear Prof. Lederberg,

On August, 11, 1993 within the frames of IX International
Virological Congress in Glasgow the discussion is planned
concerning the issue of eradication of the remaining variola
(smallpox) virus collections which are maintained in WHO
Collaborating Centers on Smallpox and Related Infections in USA
and Russia. It is declared that the fact of complete eradication
of both the viable viral strains and even the cloned genomic
fragments would mean the complete deliverance of mankind from this
most dangerous pathogen.

We are deeply worried by this decision and appeal to you with
our considerations on the issue. Considering our information,
please, keep in mind the unparalleled character of the action
which is to eradicate the "extinguishing species" as well as the
irreversible loss of additional information concerning the viruses
for the future generations of scientists. It should be noted that
only a few typical variola strains are planned to be sequenced and
studied before the eradication of variola strains collections
which include several hundreds of strains.

Being the specialists in the field of virology, molecular
biology and molecular evolution we are sure that eradication of
the collections will cause irretrievable damage to the
comprehension of evolution and structural and functional
regularities of orthopoxviruses genomic organization.

We ask you, dear colleague, to support our position and to
inform us about your opinion. We would greatly appreciate
receiving a letter with your opinion by fax (383-2-328-831) or via
E-mail (vector@vector.nsk.su). Our conventional post service is
unfortunately unreliable. We would be very grateful to you if you
send the copy of your letter to the Chairman of the Roundtable at
the International Congress in Glasgow Dr. Yuri Ghendon.

Thank you very much in advance.
I am looking forward to your reply.

With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,

 

Lev si" andakhchiev,
Prof., General Director
of NPO "Vector"