ZAVINDER

TREASURY DEPARTMENT

BUREAU OF
THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

 

OFFICE OF THE SURGEON GENERAL
IN REPLYING WASHINGTON

ADDRESS THE SURGEON GENERAL
U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

March 28, 1922.
PERSONAL.

‘Dr. Lawrence Kolb,
U. S. Veterans' Hospital #37,
Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Dear Dr. Kolb:

I am in receipt of your letter addressed to me under date of the
16th instant, concerning newspaper publicity relative to certain deaths
- occurring at your institution.

I want you to understand that my telegraphic inquiry to you was
inspired by the fact that Washington newspaper men were asking us for
information and we had had no reports from your station. Presumably,
you would have made reports a little later. It is always wise, however,
to keep the Bureau posted in matters of this kind.

I assure you that these occurrences have by no means shaken our
confidence in your place and we had not the slightest shadow of a doubt
that when the explanation came it would prove entirely satisfactory.

I am very much obliged to you for your personal letter, which I
have read with much interest and + have also referred your formal report
to the Inspection Service. |

You have, of course, seen the press reports of the possible transfer
of our hospitals to the Veterans’ Bureau and really everyone would be
glad to have news. 1 wish I could give you such news. As a matter of
fact the whole thing depends upon the issuanee of an executive order;
unless and until this is done we know no more than you doe Indications
are that such a transfer will take place probably at an early date, but
indications in official matters do not always mean final action.

The greatest regret I have is the uncertainty which always upsets
personnel. Whatever happens the Public Health Service will, of course,
do all in its power to protect. the best interests of its Reserve Officers
and Other personnel. We would feel in honor bound to do this.

With kind regards, I am

Very sineerely yours, .

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