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AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION
International

August 3, 1948

Subject: Transportation of Hazardous Baggage

To     : All Local Councils

Dear Chairman:

Since hearing about the two reptiles that broke loose on the American Airlines ship, an article has appeared in the Chicago Daily News about the air transportation of a spitting cobra from the Basle Switzerland Zoo to Lincoln Park Zoo here in Chicago. Its picture in the local newspaper showed photographers wearing special face protection shields while taking its picture. 

This particular type of spitting cobra is one of the most dangerous of the species. It first spits venom into its opponent's eyes and thus permanently blinds its victim -- it is reputedly deadly accurate at a distance of twelve feet. After binding its victim, the cobra moves in and sinks its fangs into the victim thus paralyzing him and rendering him helpless so that he can later be destroyed at will.

If ordinary snakes can escape their containers to roam around the airplane and raise the excitement to a fever high pitch, it is not difficult to imagine what would happen with a spitting cobra on the loose. The consequences from such a reptile's escape could well be disastrous. 

The carrying of such a dangerous cargo as this spitting cobra drives the fact home that if the industry will not police itself in "scheduling with safety" then it is left solely up to ALPA to take the initiative in seeing that the air transportation of such highly dangerous cargo is prohibited. 

Sincerely yours, 

AIR LINE PILOT ASSOCIATION

Scruggs A Colvin
Scruggs A. Colvin
Council Co-ordinator

SAC/sg