Dr. Francis P. Shepard
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
La Jolla, California

Dear Dr. Shepard:

Doak and I received your letter yesterday, and this reply summarizes our thoughts. As I mentioned last week the friction within the Army Corps of Engineers has left the whole project in an uncertain state. My latest information, a telephone call within the past hour, is that the differences of opinion between the Division and the state-supported District levels have not been reconciled in the least.

To summarize Doak's, Ted's. and my conclusions first, we do believe a Sonoprobe investigation by Ben would be worthwhile to our overall studies, and so would deserve our support (incidentally, it sounds like a more interesting and realistic line of research than some of the other items Ben had outlined earlier). Second, we don't as yet know how the Harbor Division-Army Engineers problem will turn out, and so do not know what funds will be available for what jobs. Therefore, third, we need some more complete idea of costs so as to budget any sum we might receive. Can you or Ben provide us with answer to these questions, answers we can convert into money needs?

1 - Will Sonoprobe work in sand? Ted recalls that models a couple years ago only worked if some mud is also in the bottom
2 - What type of vessel is needed? Size, construction, problems of deck space, etc.
3 - How much vessel time within the late fall - late spring period is contemplated?
4 - What sort of personnel are needed for normal operations i.e. a several-man crew for rigging, a full-time technician for electronic repairs, etc.
5 - What are normal maintenance costs for normal operations? i.e. are expensive parts burned -out daily?
6 - What is the plan of Ben's investigations other than Sonoprobing?
7 - What support in time and money in equipment, transportation, supplies, etc. is needed for these other investigations? Beyond the needs, what additional support might be desirable if funds are available? Probably this item will need the greatest advance thought, as the recent financial problems have made even more sensitive my normal adverse reaction to unexpected expenses. Also, I recall, Ben's nature is to be quite sensitive when they are questioned.
8 - Will any of his work need local supervision?
9 - Will Ben have accomplished his field work before the HIG contract funds expire? If not, how can he continue?

I'm sorry I have to write such a probing letter, especially when the basic uncertainty (funds) lies closer to here than there. If nothing else, I've certainly had my stomach full of contract research and will know enough to avoid it next time.
Sincerely yours,
(signed) Ralph

Ralph Moberly, Jr.
Assistant Professor
Department of Geology

cc: Mr Doak C. Cox, Dr. Theodore Chamberlain