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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 10, 1995

        LETTER FROM WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF LEON PANETTA TO
                  DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM J. PERRY

February 10, 1995

The Honorable William J. Perry
Secretary of Defense
The Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301

Dear Secretary Perry:

The President was very disturbed to read in today's Washington Post that the Department may not be spending the funds provided by Congress for breast cancer and AIDS research. He asked that I make clear his position with respect to this issue.

The President believes that research to combat these deadly diseases is vitally important to all Americans, and it is of special significance to him. Every year, we are losing 46,000 women to breast cancer, and some 183,000 women are diagnosed with the disease. Last year, 40,000 Americans died of AIDS. The President believes that we cannot afford to allow these tragic losses to continue. And that is why breast cancer and AIDS research is a high priority for this Administration.

As you continue to carry out this important program, please keep the President advised of your progress.

Sincerely,

/s/ Leon E. Panetta

Chief of Staff