Document bOa4zxM5oZwOBq4gV0qk3abJy

FORM NO ! Et hyl Gaso l ine Corporat ion 25 Broadway Ne w York March 21, 1928. IN R E P LY P LEASE R E F E R T O Dr. Robert Kehoe, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Eden and Bethesda Aves., Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Dr. Kehoe: I have your letter of the 19th relative to the investigation which is tcvbe carried on in England. I heartily . subscribe to your point of view about pur taking an ''hands off" policy. This is the one we followed in respect to the investigation which was conducted here. To do otherwise might be construed (a) as lack of confi dence in our own position,or (b) as lack of confidence in the ability of the investigating committeeor (c) as an effort on our part to influence its work. Certainly our only purpose in contacting with the committee would be to assist them in any matter about which which we might have more extensive knowledge or greater facilities to supply them?than some absolutely disinterested source. . The main purpose I had. in mind in reference to your presence in London during the course of the investigation was that you would be more readily available for such assistance or service to the committee,if and when,desired from time to time, rather than your residence here. On the other hand, your presence there without its, being requested by the committee might, I can see, be regarded either as an assumption of superior knowledge on our part,or fear that, the committee might need guidance as to the course to pursue. The fact is either ox these two things may occur. The committee might consider, and I think justly so, that with 'our five years' experience and particularly your knowledge of the subject that it would be superior to that available there. Also, it might feel that a suggestion from you as to the course of the investigation would not be presumptous but helpful. It is rather difficult to forecast the nature and extent of the investigation and what may be required of us. Tie are fortunate in having Dr. Edgar and Mr. Maxwell over there, who will probably stay as long as we wish them. They have been there sufficiently long and will be within another month Dr. Robert K shoe 2- - .'arch 21, 1928. or so,able to form a pretty definite opinion as to whether their continued presence is desirable or might be considered objectionable by the committee. I think it is more than likely that the committee will want them to remain to supply such informa tion as vdshed for from time to time. This could not be misinterpreted as an offen sive attitude for us to assume. The public and the press as well as the committee must be conscious of the fact that we are vitally interested in the outcome of the investigation and it would, be regarded I think as extremely strange if we did not have some capable represents.tive there to help out all possible. Enclosed is a copy of a cable sent to Mr. Maxwell last Friday. Since then we have received a cable stating that such a letter would be delivered to the Secretary of the committee yesterday. So that our services have been unreservedly tendered and if in the progress of the work the committee should indicate or request your presence, then perhaps you might be able to make the necessary arrangements to get away on fairly short notice. I realize the embarrassment which may be caused you by your going to England at any time prior to the expiration of this spring's college work. I assure you that nothing will be done by this Company, un].ess it becomes apparent to us that your presence in England is needful, which will in any way interfere with your wish to remain on duty with the University through this term's work. I fear that we have not been as considerate of your time and that amount of loyalty due to your University work as we might have been although if this has occurred, please attribute it to the keen appreciation on our part of your'helpful co-operation rather then to any intention to cause you to so fully devote yourself to our problems,as you have done. I am sending by tpnight's boat to Mr. Maxwell a copy of your letter of the 19th instant so that he may be fully advised about the situation. A copy of my letter to him is enclosed and I am sending him a copy of this letter. Assuring you that your point of view and your wishes regarding the sub ject of your going abroad at any time in the near future will in every way be respected by us, I remain Sine ereiyjyours, EWW-sEB Enc. 2