Document jm6orgEd1M5DDnYqMbq6RM3ky

JOHN G. WELLS, M. O. 41 JEFFERSON STREET NEWNAN, GEORGIA TELEPHONE AL 3-0S1 1 4 February 1964 Mr. A.C. Link United States Rubber Company Hogansville, Georgia Dear Mr. Link: We have received a communication from Dr. Louis Crallev of the United States Public Health Service dated 17 January 1964. This is entitled, "Implementing Plan 0f Occupational Health Study Of Asbestos Products Industry." In our numerous discussions regarding this proposal I believe the following to be a representation of our opinion. There are two basic considerations involved. One, immediate; and the other, longterm. The. immediate-C'onsl'deration relates to the personal interest of the United States Rubber Company in Hogansville as regards the day- bv-day early detection_.of. asbestos disease, protection of workers, improvement of personnel morale and avoidance of costly litigation. Our program has been-in continuous operation since 1957, and the results, I believe, are tangible in regard to the above specified points with the added* dividends of better worker morale and diminution. of fear. I can see no immediate benefit whatsoever in our participating in Public Health Study. There may be a long term benefit which we ' could only hope -to receive' over the course of three or more decades.. It would- seenf~.thaJtf the United States Rubber Company might have a general obligation, as a constituent member of the textile industry, to help'accumulate data which over the course of decades"'... would be of benefit-to..-succeeding-generations. . In addition-to the obligation of citizenship are the con siderations relating to our own people who have gone on record as tentatively favoring -the: United^States Public Health Service Plan. I believe we should be willing therefore to co-operate with the Public Health Study with the clear understanding that we are performing an obligation of citizenship which will produce no immediate benefit to the United States Rubber Company; and which if handled according to the original proposal could well produce havoc in our carefully nurtured program. 5Clf.Q-.iC7  If*-. If the ublic Health Service would be content to work hrourh us, and with no ir-r.ediate contact with the working population believe we could participate in the plan. JGV/fj CC: Hr. John Alexander Hr. D. T. Austin seif, me $