William Graham

For the second time in the past year, your distinguished newspaper has chosen to attack, on its editorial page, the qualifications of William R. Graham, first as the designated deputy director of National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and later as the designated science adviser to the President.

While serving as chairman of the President’s General Advisory Committee on Arms Control and Disarmament, Dr. Graham performed presidential assignments with independence and thoroughness, qualities helpful to a science adviser.

One should not infer from his low-key approach that he will lack the access to key decision makers needed to represent the scientific community. Perhaps The Times will revisit Dr. Graham’s qualifications once it is possible to judge his performance on the job.

WILLIAM R. HARRIS

Pacific Palisades

Harris was a consultant to the General Advisory Committee on Arms Control and Disarmament.