Document G6py69p47GMGDDjGXDgEMLq3m

March 26, 1953}. CONFIDENTIAL Mr. H. A. Savage Ethyl Corporation 100 Park Avenue Hew York 1?, Hew York Bear Herb: With further reference to the Southern California Air Pollution Foundation, about which you sent me two further communications (copies) from Mr. Stewart to Mr. Shea, it might be wall if I were to make some additional comment, since I may not be able to attend the staff meeting at which it will be discussed. Mr. Stewart is, of course, properly enthusiastic about the future of the Foundation, and certainly it would stand us all. {ineluding the Kettering Laboratory) in good stead to assist toward its success and also to be in its good graces* What he seems to be unaware of is that Ethyl.13 problem (or problems, as the case may be) extends`beyond Los Angeles and the Y/est Coast. Ethyl would be foolish, even if there were no other matter at issue, to engage in its air pollution investigations through the Foundation exclusively. My own view, at present, is:that the Corporation would be putting itself in an unduly vulnerable position in attempting to handle its own West Coast investigation entirely through that agency. (Incidentally the idea of being able to do the work better and cheaper through that agency is a bit naive* When did increased overhead result in reduced cost? I am prepared to develop appropriate respect for Dr. Hitchcock, i'/ho is, in all likelihood, a very able man, but does one suppose that he is prepared to provide a short, direct and brilliant solution to the series of problems with which he is just now beginning to familiarise himself? I shall, of course, be glad to hear from him and to cooperate with him professionally in every proper manner.) My opinion on this entire situation is that Ethyl Corporation should be prepared to cooperate as fully as it may be possible with the people on the West Coast, particularly With its customers, through technical discussion on the general problems and on the methods of investigating and solving them, while dealing with certain of its own highly specialised problems in accordance with its own policies and capabilities, and with such discretion as the circumstances may require in the best joint judgment of its own people. In token of its sympathy with the difficulties of Its customers, it should authorize its representatives to participate in the discussions indicated above within well-defined limits, and should make some contribution to the funds being solicited from various sources, g f 0004371 - Mr* H* A, Savage * (2) - March 26, 195^4- so aa to have a stake in the Joint benefits of the undertaking, including those which, hopefully will be of the nature of sound public relations* In view of its country-wide interest in its own problems and those of its widely distributed customers, the Corporation*s contribution should be modest but respectable* I don't think I could say anything further on the subject if I were to participate in the discussion at a staff meeting* Sincerely, RK vr Robert' A.' K e h o e ef*?r ?*S* - ', I deliberately avoided M2** Stewart while I was in Los Angeles* Rather I was careful not to seek him out or to make myself too easily available, believing that I would be at a disadvantage in a number of ways* I talked, discreetly, with our people in Los Angeles and in San Bernard5.no about, the ways in which they could assist us in our investigations* ' lie .can' reduce costs, I am sure, by making use of local assistance,, and fortunately Ethyl's people can help us more effectively than could any other group* ' V - h. ' . KAK ' . ' ' ' - . ,, 0004372 K