Document Nbv7EGZe98bEVBpQJE99Q4YV

Personal and Confidential SWBbep 25t 1936 Dr Graham Edgar Ethyl Gasoline Corporation Chrysler Building lie York City lien York Dear Grahams During the past year vie have obtained a number of small samples of sea water from different parts of the ocean, vie hare been able to analyze these with approximate accuracy but we are not quite content with the results which we have obtained. CUolak would like to have one or two gallon samples taken in such a way as to avoid local contaminating Influences. It occurred to me that we might very easily get sob samples at or near the site of the bromine plant. I wonder therefore, if you would give me the name of someone to whom I could writ who would b most likely to get the kind of samples that w e want. For your private ear I should like to point out to you that when Lewis was here a few days ago, he showed me a letter from Mr. Harper's office I believe in which the question was raised as to whether or not atr*line masks might not be employed at one of the south American mixing plants instead of the canister masks which we specify. You will remember that I pointed out that this plant was using air-line masks and recommended that you ask Roberts to see that the specified masks were employed* This was done by Roberts with the result that the change was made but apparently somewhat grudgingly* Either Mr. Harper or someone in his offled sent this report on to Lewis and called him up asking for permission to use the airlln masks -over Robert's: reeonmiendation to the contrary. Lewis was apparently disposed to talc the matter in M s own hands and agree to the us of the air-line masks until I pointed out to him the circum stances as well as the I mention this to you because it is my feeling that the activities of Lewis as Chairman of the Safety Committee should not be extended beyond the limits of the United States. Moreover I think that all Information and correspondence on matters of policy sith regard to foreign concerns should go only through the hands of those persons who are npw faced with the responsibility in these fields, 1 think you should develop the understanding in the lew York office that for the present, at least, all matters which concern South America should come through jour hands since no one else is aware of all of the developments. Perhaps I should have told Lewis to take this matter up with you and perhaps I should have pointed out to him that he should not take any action on matters in which you were concerned, without consulting you. However I neglected to do this but only put him right on the circumstances. . This is a matter of no great consequence In this instance and yet it might get us in very embarrassing situations if we are to allow conditions to exist which might result in contradictory instructions, I wrote Lewis some time ago, pointing out that in m y opinion the safety organizatlon should tot develop at this time beyqad the confines of the United states and Canada, 1 had distinctly in mind, although I did not say so specifically, that I felt he should confine his own actions and recom mendations to the local field. Certainly he should do this until he has had the experience and familiarity with all of our problems that will enable him to work effectively and intelligently, X do not have the idea that he would deliberately extend his activities for the sake of authority but I do think he is perhaps a little unaware of the scope and significance of his own work in this'field at.present, X give you this information for what it m a y be worth ,to you. Sincerely yours, RAKjis Robert A,, Kehoe, M,D, 0015439