Document text
Machine-read from the scan, so expect some errors. Lines that couldn’t be read are left out.
Page 1
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION U.S. Atomic Energy Commission The Advisory Committee for Biology and Medicine helda most interesting meetingxon Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12, 1.949, a t Oak Ridge.. I The laboratory program directors and their of the Committee were hel @ Wat ur day. We were impressed with the progress that has bden made during the past two years inthe Biology and Health Physics programs. We feel that the Isotope Distribution program i s making a valuable contribution to bio logi - cal and medical research and we enjoyed a discussion with Dr, Paul Aebersold In regard to developments inhis program, We were also informed as tothe Cancer Research program, We feel that the cancer program under the guidance of the Oak Rrdge Institute with Its outstanding medical advisory board represent j ng the southern medical schools is progressing satis - factor i ly, We understand that this board assists in formulation and review of the cancer program and renders suggestions and r e - commendations to the Director of the Gak Ridge Institute. It was encouraging t o hear that the annual operating deficit of the hospital has been reduced from approximately $800,000 t o $250,000 Per We were pleased to learn that the Commission has adopted the general policy of obtaining the widest possible use of isotopes by qualified recipients and that they are planning a staff study C ealing with the factors now limiting distribution. Dr. William F. Bale discussed several aspects of the waste disposal program and we have asked him to prepare a paper for our orientation and study at the January meeting on the present status of the biological aspects of waste disposal. gram. They were concerned w:th the restrictions that have been apparently placed on the dissemination of unclassified information and they were of the opinion that it should be released to the public. Accordingly: The Committee reviewed the status of the Civil Defense Pro- “It is the sense of the Committee that the Atomic Energy Commission should not accept responsibility for general defense activities and that its responsibilities should be limited to the provision of factual information concerning the unique effects of atomic energy upon personnel and materials, .,... restricted docu- ’ be of value in the extent that t he s e documents be declassified.to in keeping with security. ts contain information which may anning for civilian defense, it 1
Page 2
The Fellowship Program was thoroughly discussed with special emphasis placed on Dre Richards ' letter to Mr, Wilson dated Novcmber 2 * , The Committee unanimously reaffirmed their previous ac - tion that a Fellowship Program be continued, We have all agreed to again supply Dr. Warren with a statement that will reflect ow views on the continuance of the program for transmittal to the Conmission for their consideration. The next meeting of the Advisory Committee for Biology and Medicine is scheduled to beheld at the University of California i n Los Angeles and the California Institute of Technology on f o r Biology and Medicine * Secretariat Note: Circulated in AEC 4/26