March 6, 1996


                                         Prof. Dr. Ivica Kostović, Minister 
                                         Ministry of Science and Technology
                                         Strossmayerov trg 4
                                         10000 ZAGREB
                                         Croatia

Dear Dr. Kostović, 
 
       I am writing to you with the earnest request to examine the status of 
professor from the University of Zagreb, Dr.Marijan Jošt, a world known plant 
breeder and scientist. I have recently received information from the United 
States that a deep unjustice takes place at the University of Zagreb in 
Croatia. I have learned that prof. Jošt was deprived of his professorship at 
the University without valid reasons and in spite of court orders stating that 
the charges against him were groundless he continues to be suspended from his 
position in the University.  By  people in  many countries  who have had 
professional contacts with prof. Jošt it is considered as an extremly  unfair  
treatment. Prof.Jošt is  well known to agricultural  research  workers abroad 
from his practical achievements in plant breeding, publications, contributions  
in international symposia  and from serving as  coordinator and main author 
of published  results  obtained from  world wide International Wheat Restorer 
Germplasm Screening Nurseries whose importance for recognizing the chances of
introducing hybrid wheat varieties into production cannot be overestimated.
I cannot understand why the research worker of this caliber should be deprived 
of his position at the University. 

       I hope you will be able to intervene in this unjust situation of prof. 
Marijan Jošt and to cause that he recovers his position. It will mean not only
the restoration of basic justic, but also will contribute to the development
of new wheat varieties, to progress in plant breeding research and will serve
your country.

                                             Sincerely yours

                                             Dr. Ludwik Spiss 
                                             Professor of Plant Breeding 
cc.
Prof.Dr.Marijan Šunjić, Rector
University of Zagreb
Trg maršala Tita 14
10000 Zagreb
Croatia