Document 6BqQeYGJx2vVyE3ObpJM4gpng

AIR MAIL February 8, 19*0 Mr. R. E. Rowley, ' Bureau of Light and Power, 222 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, California . - , Lear Mr. Rowley* I have received information through Mr. C. L* Lowry, Jr., of Universal Oil Products Company, of Chicago, to the effect that army troops training in the California desert-are having diffi culties in burning leaded gasoline In their cook-stoves. Inas much as this problem is developing elsewhere, it is of consi derable importance that the facts be clearly established, and' therefore, I should like to take advantage of this opportunity to follow the matter up. I think there is no secret in the fact that a special stove lias been designed for the use of the Army where only leaded fuel can be had. If such stoves are not available, unleaded fuel should be used. However, if the circumstances are such that leaded fuel has been used in ordinary stoves, we should learn os much as possible about the difficulties, lnce there is no doubt that thi3 situation will have to be met both by our armed forces and those of our allies. (I rely upon your judgment as an army consultant to exercise such discretion as may be necessary in the us of any information I may give you that has not been generally released. It may not be possible to supply stoves of special design within this country. I believe they are Intended primarily for outgoing units, in the anticipation that unleaded fuel is available throughout continental U.S.A. I should net wish to precipitate a demand for equipment that may not be h a d .} I particularly want to know something about the following points t (a) What technical difficulties have occurred, and what has been done about them? (b) "What length of time has been involved in the use of these stoves with leaded fuel? (c) "What have been the conditions with respect to the. exposure of Individuals and groups of persons, to the fumes or to contaminated food, - that is, what provisions have been made for ventilation to carry away fumes, and what precautions, If any, are taken to prevent the contamina tion of food from direct or indirect contact with the combustion ft'E 003606 ley - (2) - February 8, 194J (d) Has there been any fear of being poisoned on the exposed persons, and have there been any cases of illness sed suspicion of poisoning? that these questions nay be unfair in relation to your experience, but they are questions that are bound to be raised in this connection and ve should obtain the ansvers if possible. With the idea In alad that you may wish to aid or be aided in the investigation of these natters, I am sending a copy of this letter of Mr . S. M . Wagner, Division Manager of the Ethyl Cor poration i A X o s Angeles, asking him to get in touch vith you and to give you every assistance in obtaining-ihis information. It should be possible to make such arrangements as will provide un leaded gasoline for use if necessary. I think Mr. Wagner eould be helpful in this connection. But it should also be possible to capitalize on this situation as a source of guidance for the future. .1 shall appreciate greatly any assistance or information you may be able to give on this highly important matter. - Very truly yours. Robert' A . K e h o e , M . D . RAK ef C . C . Mr , 3 , H . Vagner, Ethyl Corporation, 977 V. Sixth Street, Los Angeles, California. K 0008607 AIR mil* February 8 19^2 Mr* R* 25* Rowley Bureau of Light and Pcver, 222 South Hill Street* Los Angeles California* Dear Mr. Rowley* X have received information through Mr* C* X>* Lowry, Jr* of Universal Oil Products Company of Chicago to the effect that army troops training in the California desert are having diffi culties in burning leaded gasoline in their cook-stoves* Inas much as this problem is developing elsewhere it is of consi derable importance that the facts be clearly established and therefore X should like to take advantage of this opportunity to follow the matter up. I think there Is no secret in the fact that a special stove has been designed for the use of the Army Where only leaded fuel can be had* Xf such stoves are not available unleaded fuel should be used. However If the circumstances are such that leaded fuel has been used in ordinary stoves we should learn as much as possible about the difficulties, since there is no doubt that this situation will have to be met both by our armed forces and those of our allies* (X rely upon your judgment as an army consultant to exercise such discretion as may be necessary in the use of any information X may givo you that has not been generally released* It may not bo possible to supply stoves of special design within this country. I believe they are intended primarily for outgoing units In the anticipation that unleaded fuel Is available throughout continental U.S.A. I should not wish to precipitate a demand for equipment that may not be h a d .} I particularly want to know something about the following points * (a) Vhat technical difficulties have occurred and what has been done about them? (b) Vhat length of time 3ms been involved in the use of these stoves with leaded fuel? (c) Vhat have been the conditions with respect to the exposure of individuals and groups of persons to the fumes or to contaminated food - that is what provisions have been made for ventilation to carry away fumes and what precautions if any are taken to prevent the contamina tion of food from direct or indirect contact with the combustion 0009608 Mr* R. S. Rowley - (2) - February 8# 19^3 \M products? (d) Has there been any fear of being poisoned on th part of exposed persons and have there been any eases of i l l e s a that aroused suspicion of poisoning? ;^ X realise that these questions m y be unfair in relation to your experience; but they arc questions that are bound to beraised in this connection and ve should obtain: the answers if possible. Vith the idea in mind that you may wish to aid or be aided'in the investigation of these matters, I am sending a copy of* this letter of K r . 5* It* Vagner, Division Manager of the Ethyl Corporetion in Los Angeles, asking him to get in touch with you end, to give you every assistance in obtaining this information* lit. 1 should be possible to stake such arrangements as vili provide un leaded gasoline for use if necessary* I think Mr* Vagner couCLd be helpful in this connection. But it should also be possible to capitalise on this situation as a source of guidance for the future* X shall appreciate greatly any assistance or information you may he able to give on this highly important matter! * Very truly yours, V ftoberi A* Xehoe, M. i3 RAX ef C. C. Mr. S. M. Vagner, Ethyl Corporation, 977 V. Sixth Street, Los Angeles, California \ V ! Vv. I\ KE 0003G09