Document V3Edz8Qy652zD5M0dYgzmZRZZ

v May 2nrT, 1932 Mr. E, W. Webb Etbyl Gasoline Corporation Chrysler Building New York City, New York My dear Mr. Webb: I was sorry not to have seen you in Cincinnati at the last week end but I understand that you are to be here during the latter part of the present week. Therefore, since we will probably have an opportunity to talk over some matters, I am taking this opportunity to raise a question which I have con sidered for some time but especially recently. Prom time to time quantities of fluid in liter cases have been shipped abroad to various persons. Most of this has gone to Mr, Bovin and I have no doubt he has taken care of the details of its dis position in a proper manner* The recent shipment of several drums of fluid to France brings me to consider whether this latter fluid and any and all other ship ments of fluid, are taken care of in accordance with the strict manner of handling of such materials in the United States. I wonder what are the details of the manner of handling, what instructions have been given to men who finally have to do with the actual handling and what precautions are taken against the obtaining of fluid by persons who are either irresponsible or improperly instructed. It nevertheless occurs to me that any difficulties which might arise, would react unfavorably in every way upon the Ethyl Gasoline Corpora tion. Vhen I first went to England, I found that fluid was being handled very carelessly by people in tihe Royal Air Service. Fortunately, no tragic results developed. I wonder whether we may have a repetition of the same difficulties in the handling of inexperienced persons in Italy, Prance and elsewhere. It seems Inevitable SoblSmB W^/?kl?`sgs6ldapifl|lnlgut!8581?>ntters involving their^owrr health and that/all men work "Tender them. This is true particularly in the Air Service work where the hasards are always fairly great. Recognising the difficulties we have had in this matter with various persons in the United States in government circles, it would seem strange to me if the same situation did not obtain abroad. I can not but wonder, therefore, whether * 0 0 0 118 1 - 2- we are leaving undone anything which should "be done in safe guarding the handling of Ethyl fluid abroad. I have no fears in England for there we have the experienced supervision of Mr. Bevin as well as the critical attention of Mr. Boldero. 'Haturally, I know much less of what goes on elsewhere and I know nothing of the ability or knowledge of the position in Paris. If there 13 any information 'Which you can give me along these lines, I should appreciate having it and in any case I Should like to discuss the matter with ybu in Cincinnati at the end of the week. If it seems likely that any considerable amount of commercial activity will de velop on the continent during the coming year, I cannot but feel it might be wise if this whole matter were looked into very carefully and if arrangements were made to provide for complete safety in handling fluid both in government circles and elsewhere. Very truly yours, RAK:IS 0001182