Letter from Thomas Gold to Dr W Ernst, Institut fur Geologie end Palaontologie, Universitat Tubingen, Sigwartstrasse 10, D-700 Tubingen, West Germany Gold was very glad to have had the opportunity of meeting him. Hopes he can succeed in reviving his interest in the relation between gas and earthquakes, and perhaps they may eventually arrange for some joint work. Discusses the question of methane bacteria which is of great interest to Gold. Will be very interested to hear any reactions he may have to Gold's long paper. It will probably appear in January. 29 December 1978