July &7, 1952

Date We Re Singleton

Genetios Society of Anerica
Brookhaven Hational Laboratory
Upton, Lele, NeY

Dear Dr. Singleton:

Z have your letter of July 15, asking for a revision or confirmation
of a statenent of prinsiple in comection with the eleotion for the Goummittes
on Scientific Freedom and Public Education of the Genetios Society off Amerioa.
I learned from your letter, for tho first time, that Curt Stern wae the other
niminee (presumably the choice of the executive committees sitting ac a conmskttees
on nonihations).

Z have decided to withdraw in faver of Dr. Stern. My feelings on the
functioning of the special committee are the aame as thay were in 1950. At
that time, it eeaned probable that the committee might assume dostrinal fume-
ticns that I thought would have unfortunate consequences for cenetios. The
actions of the comittes during the past two years, and the choloes by the
Society for membership on the comittee, have affirmed a thoughtful policy
wits which I an in acoord. I have the fullest confidence in Dr. Stern'a
judgment, and feel that the society should have the benefit of this ent ef
his experience in the society's affairs.

As the duly noninated alternative candidate, I coneluto that my withdrawal
should leave no conteat. If you wish, you may enter the previous paragraph
ag my formal statenent. If a contest ie essential,it would be appropriate to
look for candidates who have distinctive views, between which the membership
may make a coneldered choloe. If, es I suepect, the Society's vlewa are go
coherent at the present tine that it would be diffkeult to find such candidates,
it might be tine to consider discharging the conm-4ttee and traneferring ite
—— to the Executive Committee, cubject to instructions from the member-~
ahip.

Yours sincerely,

Joghus. Lederberg

OCs Ce Stern