DOCUMENT B
COPY				REPRODUCED FROM THE COLLECTIONS
				OF THE ARCHIVES OF THE
				NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

D E P A R T M E N T  O F  T H E  N A V Y

Office of the Secretary

Washington

May 8, 1942





My dear Doctor Richards:

	This will acknowledge your letter of April 7, 1942 with
reference to scientific investigation of war gases.

		As Secretary of the Navy I authorize the proposed
investigation which shall be carried out in a manner subject
to the approval of the Surgeon General.



					Sincerely yours,

					/s/ James Forrestal

					Acting Secretary of the Navy

Dr. Alfred N. Richards
Chairman, Committee on Medical Research
Office of Scientific Research and Development
1530 P Street, N. W.
Washington, D.C.