Document xzjmwbZqX5mj7MakaXB8rB12m

PERSONAL DR. E. U. CONDON, Director, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. My dear Condon: Fred Lack called me up this morning on A.S.A. standard matters and in the course of the talk told me of his conversation with you and of your feeling that it would be well if the two stormy petrel groups were moved out of the Bureau to some place elsewhere in the Department. If this is a correct statement of your position, I think it a wise one since after many years as a member of the Visiting Committee, I am convinced (as were all the other members - Dunn, Bush, Compton, Coolidge and Morris Leeds who served in my time) that the presence in the Bureau of groups dealing with highly controversial matters did the Bureau no good. Per contra, we all thought they did distinct damage in generating suspicion of the Bureau1s integrity which was not confined to the area of controversy, but extended into the heart of the Bureau's primary functions. These are so vitally important to science, technology, and the Nation that, like Caesar's wife, they must be above suspicion. I am particularly anxious to know Just how you feel on this matter before Mr. C. E. Wilson and I see Mr. Harriman and Mr. Foster on the matter of A.S.A.-Depart ment of Commerce relations which the Advisory Committee directed us to take up. We are expecting that you will participate in the conference when it can be arranged. So far we have had hard luck in finding a mutually satisfactory time. Sincerely, Frank B. Jewett. dT m IxF t