July 2, 1956

Dr. ds R. Irwin
Chalrmua, Department of Genetics

Dear Bob:

i uttuch herewith remests for.leave for the periods July 8 to July 14
1956, and for July 14 to July 28. The second interval is primarily for
vagabkon purposes, and is not concerned with the following comment.

ay you know, research workers are finding it more and more necessary
to consult with one another by conferences, symposia and similar mee tings.
Fraa time two time, we nave attended such meetings on University expense
accounts; naturally we try to be as thrifty as possible with University
funas. For this reason, I have often mide similar trips at my ovm axpense
when I gould twavel by cur, ov with a group of peonle, or could take advanta sa
of persenal hospitality in piace ot expensive hotels. Furthermore, it has
some tlaes beeu pusgible to tuxe advantage of funus available to the organigers
of the conferences.

gobart #, uright's experience last spring points, however, to 4 potential
danger in tiese economies. lie was involved in an automobile accident while
returning from a visit to another laboratory, but he was not on a formal
expense accuuit, having gone at my own urging, and knowing that he could
get accomodations en route and at his destim tion free of personal cost. His
hospital expenses were enormous. iihen he appiled for compensation for thase
from the State Industrial Commission he found, as might be expected, tint
the State adopted a rather legalistic attddéaddewith regard to the formal
obligations of the University. I was minly impressed that the University
itself was not a party to these hearings, that its own good intentions (ax
post facto) would have no bearing on such ckaims. Wright's claim was even tually
declined thougli only partly on these grounds, partly on the fact that he was
about 4 miles off the principal route at the téme of the accident.

It seems to m very important therefore that the University clarify its
contractual obligations to ite officers when they are engageu in what I
belddve is construed as’ their official duties. For that reason, I am asking
that Dean Froker affirm the University's recognition of this position by
some phrase such as is typed on the cari— undoubtddly « legal expert should
be consultec as to the best form. If this is not the University's position,
the phrase may be stricken. I also request that the aduinistration mike 4
more general announcemnt of its legal obligations in the event of accidents 5
so that faculty members may know whether they should file expense accounts
for any trip, whether they have no backing at all, or whether they can safely
economize on University travel funds and still be covered.

Yours sincerely,

Joshua Lederkery