Document rev1jwrxqbB4rwqRY53j3ow1v

January 26, 1929 Mr* A. E. Mittnacht, Ethyl Gasoline,Corp, 25 Broadway, New York City* Dear Mr* Mittnacht: Thank you for your letter of January 24 in which you quote a letter of Mr* Pricker* I must say frankly that I think Mr* Fricker is quite mistaken as to the func tions of the Medical Department. I think he should under stand and should give the representatives of the S. 0. of Kentucky to understand that the business relationships of. the Ethyl Gasoline Corporation and the S. 0. of Kentucky are In his hands, and that our medical staff has no parti cular interest in these matters. All of us I am sure are quite willing to show to all the people whom we meet such courtesies as ar due them, and I believe that we do so* On the other hand we are under the necessity of making our visits as quickly as possible and in having as direct a connection with the actual management of the men whom we examine as it is possible to get. Obviously the super intendents at the various plants know mor about the actlvities of their own men and can arrange quickly for exam inations better than anyone else, and it has been our plan to wire ahead to these men and to acquaint them with our activities. This is purely for the purpose of saving time and for the purpose of not making ourselves a greater cause of inconvenience than necessary. I think you will ' understand that my assistants cannot possibly be thinking - always of matters of diplomacy and it is my feeling that they should not be expected to* In many instances we do not even know the district managers and have no direct contact with them. Just why we should have to concern ourselves with the susceptibilities of all the people of co these various organixre*<sis not quite clear to me* Our work is a serious work which is related purely to the men who are mixing Ethyl Gasoline and to the conditions under which they work. I think Mr. Fricker should understand this and should make our way as easy as possible in this connection rather than attempt to complicate it. I should appreciate it if you Would so inform him. I am enclosing herewith a copy of the circular letter which I have designed to send to the field men. I would be glad if you would look this over and if possible bring the matter to the attention of Mr* Walter in order to see whether any changes or additions might profitably be made.. With kindest regards. Kg 000070