Document zQNn8b2wMbBKyLOM1moB4EM6R

AIR MAIL February 8, 1943 Mr. R. E. Rovley, Bureau of Light and Power, 222 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, California. Lear Mr. Rowley: I have received information through Mr. C.D* Lowry, Jr., of Universal Oil Products Company, of Chicago, to the effect that army troops training in the California desert-are having diffi culties in burning leaded gasoline In their cook-stoves. Inas much as this problem is developing elsewhere, it is of consi derable importance that the facts be clearly established, and' therefore, I should like to take advantage of this opportunity to follow the matter up. I think there Is no secret in the fact that a special stove lias been designed for the use of the Army where only leaded fuel can be had. If such stoves are not available, unleaded fuel should be used. However, if the circumstances are such that leaded fuel has been used in ordinary stoves, we should learn os much as possible about the difficulties, Clnce there is no doubt that thi3 situation will have to be met both by our armed forces and those of our allies. (I rely upon your judgment as an army consultant to exercise such discretion as may be necessary in the use of any information I may give you that has not been generally released. It may not be possible to supply stoves of special design within this country. I believe they are Intended primarily for outgoing units, in the anticipation that unleaded fuel is available throughout continental U.S.A. I should net wish to precipitate a demand for equipment that may not be had.} I particularly want to know something about the following points: (a; What technical difficulties have occurred, and what has been done about them? (b) Vhat length of time has been involved in the use of these stoves with leaded fuel? (c) "What have been the conditions with respect to the. exposure of Individuals and groups of persons, to the fumes or to contaminated food, - that is, what provisions have been made for ventilation to carry away fumes, and what precautions, if any, are taken to prevent the contamina tion of food from direct or indirect contact with the combustion tfE 0009606 ley - (2) - February 8, 194J ^ (d) Has there been any fear of being poisoned on the exposed persons, and have there been any cases of illness sed suspicion of poisoning? ^ff*ealize that these questions may be unfair in relation to your X*experience, but they are questions that are bound to be raised this connection and ve should obtain, the answers if possible. XX Vith the idea la mind that you may wish to aid or be aided in 4 the investigation of these matters, I am sending a copy of this letter of Mr* S. M. Vagner, Division Manager of the Ethyl Cor poration ik Los Angeles, asking him to get in touch vith you and /' to give you every assistance in obtaining-this information. It should he possible to make such arrangements as will provide un/ leaded gasoline for use if necessary. I think Mr. Vagner eould / be helpful in this connection. But it should also be possible to ;'-icapitalize on this situation as a source of guidance for the / future. .1 shall appreciate greatly any assistance or information / you may be able to give on this highly important matter. Very truly yours. RAK ef / X~"- fiohert' A. Kehoe, M. D. C. C. Mr, S. M. Vagner, Ethyl Corporation, 977 VT Sixth Street, Los Angeles, California. ./ K 0 0 0 3 G 0 7 February 8, 1943 AIR KAIL Mr* 8* B* Bovley, Bureau of Light and Fever, 222 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, California* Dear Mr. Rowleyt X have received Information through Mr* C* D. Lovry, Jr., of Universal Oil Products Company, of Chicago, to the effect that army troops training In the California desert are having diffi culties in burning leaded gasoline In their cook-stoves* Inas much as this problem is developing elsewhere, it Is of consi derable Importance that the facts be clearly established, and therefore, I should like to take advantage of this opportunity to follow the matter up. I think there is no secret in the fact that a special stove has been designed for the use of the Army where only leaded fuel can be had* If such stoves are not available, unleaded fuel should be used. However, if the circumstances are such that leaded fuel has been used in ordinary stoves, ve should learn as much as possible about the difficulties, since there is no doubt that this situation will have to be met both by our armed forces and those of our allies. (I rely upon your judgment as an army consultant to exercise such discretion as may be necessary in the use of any information X may give you that has not been generally released. It may not bo possible to supply stoves of special design within this country. I believe they are intended primarily for outgoing units, in the anticipation that unleaded fuel is available throughout continental U.S.A. I should not wish to precipitate a demand for equipment that may not be had.)I I particularly want to know something about the following points i (a) What technical difficulties have occurred, and what has been done about them? (b) What length of time has been involved in the use of these stoves with leaded fuel? (c) Vhat have been the conditions with respect to the exposure of individuals and groups of persons, to the fumes or to contaminated food, - that is, what provisions have been made for ventilation to carry away fumes, and what precautions, if any, are taken to prevent the contamina tion of food from direct or indirect contact with the combustion ME 0 0 0 S u 0 8 Hr* R* S. Rowley - (2) - February 8# 19^3 products? (d) Has there been any fear of being poisoned onthe pert of exposed persons# and have there been any cases of illness that aroused suspicion of poisoning? ; *' ; '\ I realise that these questions nay be unfair in relation to you** experience? but they arc questions that are bound to be4raised in this oonneotion and we should obtain: the answers if possible. With the idea in mind that you may wish to aid or be aided! in the investigation of these matters, I am sending a copy cif* tills letter of Mr. S* II* Wagner# Division Manager of the Ethyl Cor poration in Los Angeles # asking him to get in touch with you and, to give you every assistance in obtaining this information* :It 1 should be possible to make such arrangements as will provide un leaded gasoline for use if necessary* I think Mr* Wagner cowCLd be helpful In this connection* But It should also be possible to capitalise on this situation as a source of guidance for the i) future* Z shall appreciate greatly any assistance or information you may be able to give on this highly important matter*! \ Very truly yours# V ftoberi A* Xehoe# M. 13* RAX of C. C. Mr. S. M. Wagner# Ethyl Corporation# 977 W* Sixth Street, Los Angeles# California. VS V \ i; KE 000960a