Harry, I have discussed the content of this paper (but I have not seen the final version) and how to proceed with Louis Schipper. I am confident that the quality is high, the work is highly innovative and that the findings are a major breakthrough in the temperature dependence of soil organic matter breakdown. The authors are naturally concerned that the findings could be released prior to publication and the loss of ownership. I agree that this is unusual but we are asking you to approve submission without seeing the paper. Once it is accepted, the authors have agreed to send the paper for us to approve prior to publication. Thank you, David