Letter from Thomas Gold to Dr U F Buchi, Geologische Expertisen und Forschungen Ag, Bodenacherstrasse 79, 8121 Benglen, Switzerland Thanks himi for the letter and three reprints which Gold has read with interest. Discusses wave of gas discoveries in the US of very large magnitude. Considers the global patterns of hydrocarbon occurrence significant, and there the gold belts are clearly dominant. States the flanks of the Alps should be good prospects, and in his view a seismic survey purely for porosity underlying firm caps should be carried out. Wouodl be very glad to discuss these maters with Buchi if the opportunity arises. 17 May 1979