December 15,
1934
Exhibit No,
144
(Handwritten)
Mr, Webb sent copies for other Directors
Copy to: Mr.
Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., General Motors Corp,, New York City, Mr.
Donaldson Brown, General Motors Corp., New York City.
December 15, 1934.
Mr. E. W.
Webb,
President
Ethyl Gasoline Corporation, 185 E, 42nd Street, New York City. Dear
Mr. Webb: I learned through our Organic Chemicals Division today
that the Ethyl Gasoline Corporation has in mind forming a German
company with the I.G. to manufacture Ethyl lead in that country.
I have just
had two weeks in Washington, no inconsiderable part of which was
devoted to criticising the interchanging with foreign companies of
chemical knowledge which might have a military value. Such giving of
information by an industrial company might have the gravest
repercussions on it. The Ethyl Gasoline Corporation would be no
exception, in fact, would probably be singled out for special attack
because of the ownership of its stock.
It should
seem. on the face of it, that the quantity of Ethyl lead used for
commercial purposes in Germany would be too small to go after. It
has been claimed that Germany is secretly arming. Ethyl lead would
doubtless be a valuable aid to military aeroplanes.
I am writing
you this to say that in my opinion under no conditions should you or
the Board of Directors of the Ethyl Gasoline Corporation disclose
any secrets or 'know how' in connection with the manufacture of
tetraethyl lead to Germany.
I am informed
that you will be advised through the Dyestuffs Division of the
necessity of disclosing the information which you have received from
Germany to appropriate War Department officials.
Yours
very truly,