Document ExV97yzkNgVx4pKbqKZKbGbQ0

Caracas: November 24, 1939 Dr. R. A. Kehoe Kettering Laboratory University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Doctor: The decree governing the use of tetra ethyl lead in gasoline for i. Venezuela is, as you have no doubt noticed, very loosely written | . and subject to a variety of interpretations. In order to clarify H some of the points and get a workable interpretation of others. Dr. Ottolina has discussed the problem with the Minister of Sani tation and Public Assistance. So far he has not received definite answers' but expects to have sufficient understanding to go ahead in the near future and clear up the remaining points later. The first point concerns who shall make the examinations to comply with the decree. As written, the Company doctor,or Dr. Ottolina, could make the examinations. However, since Dr. Ottolina must examine the men for us anyway, it seems he is the logical person to make the examinations for compliance and make contacts with the Minister of Sanitation. This has been accepted as a basis by the Minister and it is Dr. Ottolina*s intention to make the exam inations according to the schedule set down in the decree i.e. each month for the first three months and after that time, quarterly. This will involve considerable work especially at the start and especially in view of the fact that Dr. Ottolina will have to go to Maracaibo to make the examinations. Actually, the plants are located at San Lorenzo and La Salina for Shell and Lago respectively. But as a joint hospital is maintained at Maracaibo, it was thought best to have the examinations made there where all facilities are available. Dr. Ottolina will inform the companies when he intends to be in Maracaibo so that they may have the men there when he arrives. Blending operations will probably start late in December or January and Dr. Ottolina intends to make first examinations early in De cember. As it is doubtful if Lago's plant will be ready by that time. Dr. Ottolina will delay his visit to them until his subsequent visit. The second point concerns analysis of faeces for lead which is re quired under clause fifteen of the decree. At present there is no laboratory in Venezuela able to do this work. We tentatively suggested that perhaps samples could be sent to you but the Minis ter did not seem particularly disposed toward this. Other solutions are that either the government laboratory, a private laboratory or the oil Company laboratory prepare themselves to do this work. It appears that either one of the above would be acceptable and from convenience standpoint, the Maracaibo hospital would be the logical place as transportation of samples could then probably be done away SA -2- with. I presume therefore, that you will wish to send Dr. Ottolina a few copies of the method used by you so that he may discuss it with the Ministry and others concerned. This is all, of course, much ado about very little in view of the significance of this.test alone and it would be well, I believe, to supply Dr. Ottolina with a memorandum on the value and interpreta tion of these results once obtained. In one of your early letters to Dr. Ottolina you mention sending a general memorandum. He is unable to find this and, therefore, will require another. Supposing an arrangement is arrived at involving transportation of samples. Dr. Ottolina has requested full details on containers, packing, precautions to be followed, etc. The third point is details of physical and blood examinations required. I gave Dr. Ottolina a copy of the translations of published articles. It would probably be well for him to have copies for the Company doctors and the Ministry. Could you send these? I could send them from Buenos Aires but he would be better served if you could send them. Best personal regards, LBR:em 001049