April 13, 195.

Dr. Alexander Holleender

Oak Ridge National eboratary
P.O. Box P

Oak Ridge, Tenn.

. Dear Alex: : a | ar
_ There are very few people for whom I have as high a regard in |
every respect as I do for David Bonner, and for whom I would be willing: to
give as unreserved a recommendation and expression of confidence. I have
the utmost confidence in him as an individual, as a scientist, and as a
_ patriotic American, and would not have the slightest question as to his
trustworthiness in every respect. He ha an extremely likeable personality »
and a highly developed ethical feeling of responsibility.

I wonder whether the minor questions you refer to might not re-
flect some peoples' reactions to Bonner's individuality of thought and his. —
unquenchably free expression of opinion. I can well imagine that these
’ aspects of his personality and character might lead to personality diffi-
culties or possibly to doubts as to his fundamental approach to world and
national problems. However I have not the slightest doubt in.my own mind
as to his qualifications for the position at Oak Ridge, including the
suitability of clearing him for access to any or all restricted materials.

While I am writing you there were a couple of other items which

I wanted to mention. These are first my pleasure at-learning that Dr. Giese
is to give a seminar at Oak Ridge. Secondly, I wanted to ask whether there
were any pos$ibilities for a postdoctorate fellowship of some sort for which
_ Dr. Carl A. Beam might qualify. Beam got his degree in absentia from Yale |
last summer and has been on a U. 8, Public Health postdoctorate fellowship
this year here. He has been working primarily in radiation effects on micro-
organisms and has done a very nice job with a number of difficult aspects.
He has just recently returned from a trip east where he had the opportunity ©
of discussing his work with Dr. Atwood, who is I believe going to Oak Ridge
next year with Bonner. Apparently they see eye to eye on many of the problens
- concerned relating to lethal and mutational effects of radiation in micro- -
organisns , and Beam would like very much to work with Atwood and the rest of
your group at Oak Ridge if. such a project were feasible and if some sort of
support could be obtained. Any suggestions you have will be greatly appre-
ciated, and I shall be glad to give you further information on Beam if it is °

i desired.

With very best personal regards to you and Vice: Heldoonte>,
Yours,

E. L. Tatum
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