Memo

Internal Memorandum: HEW C-491-06

1958-09-17

To: Arthur S. Flemming,HEW Secretary

From: Frank Overby,AMO

Re: Communicable Disease Center Threat Assessment-

Incident Designated #06301-C-R Classified TS-3

Doc. TA-08a

Contingency Recommendations,Policy/Procedures

 

Having reviewed Document TA-08a,in accordance with your instructions,I have consulted with specialists from the Approved List,[update ver. 58.8].What follows is a brief outline of our current recommendations.This is only a preliminary outline,based on information available to date.Obviously we are all very concerned by the Rhodesian Incident.Although we are convinced these measures will improve our ability to contain future Incidents,more detailed information is vital to developing more effective counter-measures.

　

1. Establishment of research facility to contain and study specimens to determine the cause of the “Illness”.Special emphasis is to be placed on development for decontamination procedures and vaccines.

2. Pending availability of effective vaccinations,Containment Teams must be recruited and trained to deal with future outbreaks.

3. Due to the threat of public panic,all information,specimens and records should be classified TS-1 effective immediately.

　

　

Based on the eyewitness accounts from African and British survivors,the only reliable method for rendering ‘Specimens’ inert seems to be causing catastrophic damage to the brain.Conventional tactics appear to be futile.Once rendered inert,and appropriate fluid and tissue samples are extracted for research,the remaining specimen/s should be incinerated to prevent secondary or tertiary infection.Additional research has shown a possible source.In the local folklore there are tales of primates turning on one another in a ‘cannibalistic madness’.The stories describe these creatures behaving in a similar manner as that in the Rhodesian report.It may indicate a primate specific contagion,possibly one that has been largely isolated until recent expansion of human occupied territory.Although our British allies have assured us that the outbreak was contained,we must prepare for the worst case scenario.Also,the presence of this contagion among wild ape populations clearly establishes this as a lingering threat that must not be ignored.

We will continue to develop more detailed Policy/Procedure recommendations,taking into account any additional information as it becomes available.As you pointed out,in regard to security clearance,my previous assignments with the FSA afforded me top clearance,as do the specialists I have assembled.However it may be necessary to elevate this program to Ghost status to maintain confidentiality.I hope and pray that we are never confronted by this organism again,but we must be prepared.We will continue our efforts,and await your response.

　

Frank Overby,AMO