Cost Overruns

SECRET

Date: August 6, 1951

TO: Richard Gorrell

FROM: Harvey Corbin

RE: Ellis Island Budget

On July 12th you were informed that the Ellis Island project is currently 1.6 million dollars over budget and you were asked to submit (1.) a detailed explanation for each, (2.) a list of initiatives aimed at controlling costs, and (3.) a projected/revised budget for fiscal year 1951.

As of today I have yet to receive a response from you other than a litany of excuse ranging from "a shortage of equipment," to my personal favorite, "increased security resulting from the need to keep lab subjects under control." Put some mouse traps in the lab. How expensive is that?

For the reasons listed above I am suspending payment of all bills associated with the Ellis Island project until you submit the documents outlined in paragraph one.