'I
                                                                                                                                                       11
                                                                                                            1 111111 11*11@1111111[1141111 1*1111 III I III!










        National Foundation
                                             for R E S EA R C H in Ulcerative Colitis

        SUITE300  170OKSTREETN.W.
        WASHINGTON 6, D. C@                                        Office of the President
                                                                   4500 Lyndale Avenue  North
                                                                   Minneapoiis 12,Minnesota
                                                          4


                                                        December 28, 1964




                Dr. Michael E. De Bakey, Chairman
                Department of Surgery
                Baylor University College of Medicine
                Houston, Texas

                Dear Dr. De Bakey:

                      I've just finished reading    with pleasure and a growing
                sense  of excitement   the excellent "Program" worked out.by your
                Presidential Commission.  It is a remarkable job.  I hope it
                produces decisive results.

                      Remembering the pleasure I had working with you on the
                legislation for the NationalLibrary of Medicine and the great
                sense of satisfaction I've had since it came into being, I'm very
                sorry to have been travelling when the announcement of the Com-
                mission was made.  I should have liked to offer to help.

                      I write now on the assumption that the Heart and Cancer
                Association and other groups which worked  with  you  will  be  creating
                a combined force to work for  the  legislative  proposals  contained  in
                the "Program". Certainly this is  a  most  immediately  necessary  step.

                      If such a group is organized and if, on the  basis  of  our  mutua
                experience, you believe me qualified, I  should  be  happy  to  consider
                serving with such a group in any of several capacities, but particular-
                ly in connection with liaison with the House, the Senate and the
                White House.

                      I've retired  from the Senate and agreed to serve this fine    but
                woefully   underfinanced little Foundation as executive director
                through 1964.  I've reorganized it; changed its name to the Digestive
                Disease  Foundation  and started it on its way.  So I'll be free    come
                January.

                      On the chance that you'll be interested, I'm enclosing some
                biographical data.









                                                   -2-        December 28, 1964
                   De Bakey, Dr. Michael E.



                                                              u to know that
                        Turning again to the Library, I want yo
                   I believe Marty Cummings a wonderful director.  He's keen,
                   forceful, intelligent and knowledgeable.  A distinct improve-
                   ment over the good Colonel.  I hope we can get him five
                   million for extra mural activities next year.  I'm sure you'll
                   be trying. -I'll be doing my best with John Fogarty.
                        with best wishes for the holiday season and warm regards,


                                                    Sincerely,




                                                    William G. Reidy
                                                    Executive Director






                   Enclosure