ATTACHMENT 4

Letter from Thomas Shipman to Gordon Dunning, July 21,
1954.  ACHRE No. DOE-020795-D-4, (1 p)




July 21, 1954



Dr. Gordon Dunning
Division of Biology and Medicine
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Washington, D.C.

Dear Gordon:

When we finally decided to issue LA-1440 we were aware of the fact 
that we would almost certainly live to regret it.  There was the data, 
however, and we felt that we probably had an obligation to make it 
available to others.  We attempted at that time to refrain from 
drawing any conclusions, nor have we yet arrived at any.  The blood 
counts were done with extreme care by the same technicians throughout 
and we are satisfied that the changes in counts are actual and not 
imaginary.  It is our belief, however, that they don't mean anything; 
if they do mean anything, we don't know what it is.

We are continuing periodic blood counts on the same group of subjects.  
Their level of exposure to radiation is more or less the same as it 
has been, and we are fortunate in still having the same hematology 
technicians.  The records up to date indicate nothing that is startling 
or dramatic.  For the present we do not anticipate any work other than 
continued collection of routine data.  Should there be a significant 
change in personnel or a significant change in working conditions we 
would probably find it advisable to write it up bringing the whole 
study up to date.

Please come out and spend a week or so with us.  We have many things 
going on which we would like to discuss with you.

Very sincerely yours,



THOMAS L. SHIPMAN, M.D.,
Health Division Leader


ILLEGIBLE LANL/RC
COLLECTION TR-6704
BOX NO. 236
FOLDER 18

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