Document Ozyy5V0Z61jG22yqoDkakXGyw

April 18, 1946 CONFIDENTIAL Mr. John Schaefer, Ethyl Corporation, Chrysler Building, Hew York City 17. .. Dear John . I am sending a copy of this letter to Clint Bond, despite the fact that I have made mention of it to him, for the reason that I would like to have the reaction of both of you to a matter that is of some consequence. I have discussed this matter also with Mr. Vern Porter, and will refer to his opinion later. . It so happens that Dr. Clarence Lorio has acted as physician for Schuylkill Products Company, under an arrangement which sounds a bit ptrange and which to the best of my knowledge and belief Is something like this: persons injured or ill in the course of the day's work are sent to Dr. Lorio's office, or if need be, to a hospital under his care* in addition any employee who desires medical attention goes 9to Dr. Lorio without charge to himself, thereby sub stantially guaranteeing that Dr. Lorio will see all cases of sus pected lead poisoning at the time of onset and will be able to handle the situation accordingly; some financial arrangement compensating D r . Lorio for these services was made. (Mr. Erikson was a little vague as to the specific financial arrangements, but apparently, at one time, the compensation coris!sted of $1.25 per month per person. I believe there were also additional charges in connection with specif ic Injuries or hospital cass.) It so happens that Mr. Eriksop would like to disturb his own plans as little as possible, and he is thinking particularly toward the day when the business will be returned to him. As a matter of courtesy to him, and also as a matter of professional courtesy, I should, like to be able to deal with Dr. Lorio as I would any other r-epected professional colleague. Accordingly I have considered the Advisability of retaining him on some mutually satisfactory basis thait would not be too expensive, continuing the arrangement with respect to general medical care to plant personnel, and perhaps the care of Injuries. I am told that he is a fairly competent surgeon. Certainly he is In good standing, professionally speaking, although appArehtly in not too good odpr personally. The latter is no n e concern of mine, but I consulted Vern Porter on the subject of/in our situation In Baton Eouge, we could afford to have such an arrangement. Porter has given the matter thought and has advised me that under the circumstances he believes it would be wise to continue Dr. Lorio*s services. Mr. John Schaefer - {2j - April 18, 1946 This poses a number of questions. These men working in this plant are our responsibility. From the professional viewpoint they are entitled to every bit of care and attention that we can give them. On the other hand, we do not like to take the responsibility in the plant hospital for the care of more than minor injuries. I have always beiieved that it was wise to engage the services of the ablest man in the community in taking care of the illness and injuries of our employees. I shall continue to think that way and to act accordingly. It must be admitted, however, that the proper medical care of negroes, especially in the south, is a difficult one. It Is entirely conceivable that D r . Lorio will do as good a job at this as anyone. I 'shall have to determine the facts in this regard, but I may well find that this is the situation. The other matter is this If Dr. Lorio were to continue;to see these people when they are ill, he would have the first chance perhaps to.refer them to us for diagnosis. We shall want to avoid cases of lead poisoning by proper care, and I have devised a regimen which I believe will do this. On the other hand, we may have cases of poisoning, and there may be complaints which workmen themselves will believe are due to lead. Consequently we shall want to know about every case of sickness as early as possible, and in those instances in which lead may b e :to blame, we shall want to prove the point to our own satisfaction with out delay. e would expect, therefore, that Dr. Lorio would keep us informed about his contacts with workmen and would steer them to us promptly. Naturally, we should maintain a regimen of observation, but this might well be a secondary line of defense. Any arrangement made to this end had perhaps best be effected by myself at least- in the first instance, and inasmuch as we cannot delay unduly, it may be advisable for me to take some steps in this regard promptly. Accord singly I would appreciate very much having the benefit of your counsel, as to the desirability or undesirability of this matter from your own personal and official points of view. Sincerely yours, RAK ef C.C.: Mr. C. W. Bond Robert A. Kehoe, M. D. Kg 0001078