Document 3NwxEvr9Qy49JXGaDG8y0RnmD

Seattle, Washington Tarmary }Q. 1963 BDC * Ethyl Corporation J. R. Wileob - St. Louis F. M. Murdoch - St. Louis y" <3eJE. Alexander - Texas C^f P. C. Krixov - Texas City P. H. AVON Springfield (jx. CONFIDENTIAL Sf=- y/*** I was finally successful in contacting Don Johnson of the Ethyl Corporation relative to the possibility of oar sale of VCM to BASF and the probable need of permission from Ethyl to Include EDC know-how. Don proposes to have a tentative answer for me by Friday of this week although he expects that this particular deal might cause some problems. Because of the close relation ship that has existed between Ethyl and BASF, Den felt that Ethyl may prefer to deal directly with BASF. Wo discussed the advisability of releasing Monsanto from their keep-confidential agreement with Ethyl. Don thought that the time might be ripe for so doing. Ha thought it might be well to consider a mutual release. They have a tost year keep-confidential requirement on the VCM know-how they purchased from us. This has proved awkward to them. They feel they have made improve ments in the know-how they purchased from us but have been unable to sell this know-how with the improvements because the basic know-how was still ours. They have had a number of inquiries for the purchase of such know-how. I told Don that I thought we should seriously consider this problem at this time, particularly in view of the possibility of the common market regulations requiring them to modify their agreement with SICE by putting a definite time limit on SICE'a keep-confidential obligation. If such a requirement was made, then SICE would ultimately have greater freedom than we would under our existing agreement. 1 mentioned to Don that we are somewhat concerned over this situ ation as it gives Ethyl a veto power on our ability to sell our know how. This is particularly significant since the ownership of Ethyl has now changed and we really have little knowledge of the nature or philosophy of the new ownership. STG 1006098 RSV0031826 P. H. Avon -Z- January 30, 1963 1 lave so way of yrdk&^ Sficyl's utthtate meth to proposal tot oar lo^atfttoiil obligation be waawi Z felt Aat Don IdwMavtt semewfeai receptive to fills aad that Its felt awU bt mitod out to our mutual advantage.' 1 should hueer more het a coupla of days. RKS/jp R. H. SCHLATTMAK STS 1006099 RSV0031827