A Statenent I an informed that the sincerity of my position in the debzte over recombinant DIJA has been ques tioned because I have "zllowe2" recorr3inant D:& research (and the development of associated facilities) to proceed et Caltech. It is also alleged that I, myself, am ecgaged in recombinmt DiW research. The introduction of slander and innuendo into this discussion is most unfortunate; while I doubt that facts can ever overtake invective, these are the facts. Yes, reconbinant DXA research is in progress at Caltech. Yes, a P2 level laboratory is in use and a P3 level facility is under construction. When the NIH Guidelines - which I consider to be sorely inadequate - were issced last June, then, as Chairnm of the Division of Biology, I had to decide vhether to accept these Guidelines as the rules for Caltech or to seek to prohibit such research on my czzqus. I considered the latter option and rejected it on grounds 0: both principle and precticality. On principle, as Chairnzn, I do not have, nor do I believe I should have, the right, merely on the basis of my own inclination, to order a faculty nez~ber not to perform a "iegal" experiment. where the chaiman had such personal, arbitrar,, ai:thority; it is entithetic to the collegial ideal. I have the right to attempt to dissuade faculty fron perfoming what I regard as ill-advised experinents and I have exercised that right. I would not vant to be in an institution In practice, as long as such research is carried on elsewhere I understarid tile pressure upon my faculty to do likewise. recoclbinant DPTA techniques are not in qEestion. Caltech hns alvays keen in tis,- forefront of genetics axil molec-dar genetics. I vi11 not uni-laterelly vithdraw the Division of Bioloa from the cornunity of moleculer biologists vith the inevitable cost to our research and teaching progrms. The power and effectivecess of Further, vhile I continue to believe that the present Guidelines ex~ose society to urnecessary m.2 excessive potential hzzard, there woald he scant reciuction of that hazar0 Were suck vork banned at Caltech while it co?%?~%e? et 40 or 50 other institutions. This issue sjxply cannot be resolved 03 a 'lloc31 option'' bzsis. icieally , internation22 - regi1a.tions mike sense. Gzly riz;