the field of genetics, some by persons who have engaged in recklesi and alarming predictions based on assumptions which go far beyond present scientific knowledge, The Atomic Energy Commission has sponsored extensive research in the field of radiation genetics for several years and will continue this necessary research, It supports about 1/3 of all federally supported genetic research carried on in the United States, and in addition, is carrying on extensive research in its own laboratories, It is spending approximately 1.5 million dollars a year on such studies. Since 1950 the Commission's expenditures on the program of its Division of Biology and Medicine has totaled more than 100 million dollars, about 1/2 of which has gone into research on the effects of atomic radiation on living organisms, including genetic effects, Within recent days the importance of such studies has been emphasized by the announcement and the National Academy of Sciences will undertake a broad appraisal of the effects of atomic radiatio: with financlal support of the Rockefeller Foundation, This study is a very timely undertaking and will be carried on with full cooperation of the Atomic Energy Commission, The Commission stand: ready to facilitate in every way this project and will make available to the National Academy of Sciences the data which it hae amassed, - 9 - ee