THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

August 22, 2000

Dear Josh:

Thank you for your letter on the proposal to test the safety and
efficacy of mycoherbicides against the coca crop in Colombia.
You raise a number of important questions about the scientific
and national security impact of both the proposed tests and any
subsequent use of mycoherbicides in Colombia.

The United States will not support the use of mycoherbicides
against the Colombian coca crop unless three conditions are met:
first, a rigorous, carefully supervised research and test
program in Colombia determines that mycoherbicides are safe,
effective, and superior to existing chemical eradication
methods; second, a broader national security assessment,
including consideration of the potential impact on biological
weapons proliferation and terrorism, provides a solid foundation
for concluding that the use of this particular drug control tool
is in our national interest; and, third, the Colombian
government agrees with proceeding with the mycoherbicide
program.

Due to the magnitude of the cocaine problem confronting Colombia
and the United States, I believe we have a responsibility to
explore every reasonable tool against the Colombian coca crop.
Our decision to provide funds to the United Nations Drug Control
Program and the Colombian Government to test the safety and
efficacy cf mycoherbicides is but one part of a larger program
aimed at supporting Colombian anti-drug efforts.

Thank you again for your views on such an important issue.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
University Professor
The Rockefeller University

1230 York Avenue
New York, New York 10021-6399