A LETTER FROM EUROPE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R007600050004-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 7, 2004
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: December 4, 1947
• Content Type: NSPR

Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA=RDP82-00457R007600050004-3
25X1
into one which was still good but no
longer among the best in the country.
The departure of every additional
leading scientist was a shock to those
who remained,
At the present time a complete
change of attitude and morale is
visible even to the casual observer,
The laboratory sets its own program,
which is directed toward a better
understanding of this slightly new
phenomenon, the atomic bomb. Its
staff realizes that any long-range
development can be based only on
such better understanding. The men
in Loa Alamos now know what their
goals are. They are working with
increased enthusiasm and even their
number has started to increase.
A year ago it was not easy for
a university student to work on his
dissertation in the Argonne National
Laboratory. Recently such work has
been encouraged, helping to provide
us with talent for tomorrow. Not
only will, we have more good phys-
icists,', but some of these physicists
will acquire with their degrees specific
knowledge in nuclear technology.
Moreover, such research workers will
add to the fund of experience and
techniques available in the A.I:.C,
laboratories.
MUST BE WORKED OUT
The greatest problem which faces
the Atomic Energy Commission in the
coming year Is, in. my opinion, the
relations between the Commision and
industry. It would be highly desir-
able to utilize fully our splendid in-
dustrial machines in the atomic proj-
ects, This, however, Is not easy to ac-
complish. According to the law and
according to the wishes of a great
majority of our people, the bulk of
atomic information and materials im-
portant for further developments
must remain under the control of our
Government. In fact, both this infor-
mation and this material is much too
dangerous to be allowed to circulate
in an uncontrolled manner.
This makes it very difficult for in-
dustry to participate in the devel-
opments in any other way than as
contractor for the United States Gov-
ernment. This type of operation in
turn is not in perfect keeping. with
our traditions of free enterprises. In
addition, atomic projects are long-
range projects, and in many eases in-
dustry will find it difficult to embark
upon the necessary long-range plans.
These difficulties cannot be solved
by any one sweeping decision. Far-
sighted statesmanship, tact, and pa-
tience are needed. There is at least
one indication that A of thm a
available. The relations bets, t the
Atomic Energy Commission the
General Electric Company seem to
be excellent; the atomic laboratory
established by the Company is float-
fishing. There is every reason to hope
that similar cooperation will be estab-
lished with other industrial Sass.
This record may not be In keeping
with the superlatives of "atomic"
phraseology, but this seemingly in-
conspicuous work may become is time
the foundation of the second-the
A LETTER FROM EUROPE
[The following letter was written to
Dr. V. F. Weisskopf by Dr. J. M.
Burgers, Professor of Aero and Hy-
drodynamice at the Institute of Tech-
nology, Delft, Holland.]
December 4, 1947
Yesterday's newspaper mentioned
that according to a recent communica-
tion by Lilienthal the U.S.A. is en-
gaged upon the production of new
atomic weapons. Is this true? If not,
who would be responsible for such
a piece of bad news?
You had asked me some time ago
to write about the impressions made
upon us European scientists by Amer*
lean developments. For myself I must
say that l 'am thoroughly upset (What
should one say "emtrustet"T) by this
piece of information, and I think
that many scientists in Holland and
many other people will feel the same
way. I admit, of course, that the Rus-
sians have obstructed all attempts
at international agreement on atom-
ic energy. Still I had considered their
basic condition, that all existing atom-
is weapons should be destroyed, as a
rational one.
Atomic weapons present such grave
dangers to mankind that any state
preparing to use them again after
the defeat of Japan is menacing our
civilization. Now we have accepted
more or less the idea that the U.S.A.
might preserve already existing
bombs, However, the preparation of
new weapons of this kind, Is out-
stepping the boundaries of behavior.
we think indispensable for Democratic
communities. You may point to the
fact that the Russian government
has announced that It. is now .in pos-
session of atomic power. I do not
consider this as sufficient ground for
any other state being entitled to do
the same.
An announcement such as has been.
now can only produce new tensions.
Moreover, the fact that the decision
concerning its use must In conceit-
trated in a very small and special
group of people, strengthens all dan-
gers which military organizations, of
the existing type mean to mankind.
It should have been the duty of the
American people, or at least of its
leaders, to say: we will not let our-
selves be overpowered with fear; we
value a righteous attitude and respect
for civilisation above all, and we will
net Increase our stock of atomic weap-
ons. This might have meant a certain
danger for the U.S., but it would
have meant a relief to the world. I
believe that no efficient steps towards
the salvation of civilization can be
taken if we are not prepared to ac-
cept such risks.
Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R007600050004-3
 rp ~
CPYRGHT
roved FOr Release 2004/07/08
into one which was still good but no
longer among the best in the country.
The departure of every additional
leading scientist was a shock to those
who remained.
HIGHER MORALE
READILY APPARENT
At the present time a complete
change of attitude and morale is
visible even to the casual observer.
The laboratory sets its own program,
which is directed toward a better
understanding of this slightly new
phenomenon, the atomic bomb. Its
staff realizes that any long-range
development can be based only on
such better understanding. The men
in Los Alamos now know what their
goals are. They are working with
increased enthusiasm and even their
number has started to increase.
A year ago it was not easy for
a university student to work on his
dissertation in the Argonne National
Laboratory. Recently such work has
been encouraged, helping to provide
us with talent for tomorrow. Not
only will we have more good phys-
icists, but some of these physicists
will acquire with their degrees specific
knowledge in nuclear technology.
Moreover, such research workers will
add to the fund of experience and
techniques available in the A.E.C.
laboratories.
RELATIONS WITH INDUSTRY
MUST BE WORKED OUT
The greatest problem which faces
the Atomic Energy Commission in the
coming year is, in my opinion, the
relations between the Commision and
industry. It would be highly desir-
able to utilize fully our splendid in-
dustrial machines In the atomic proj-
ects. This, however, is not easy to ac-
complish. According to the law and
according to the wishes of a great
majority of our people, the bulk of
atomic information and materials Im-
portant for further developments
must remain under the control of our
Government. In fact, both this infor-
mation and this material is much too
rangerous to be allowed to circulate
n an uncontrolled
25X1A
: CIA-RDP82-00457R007600050004-3
This makes it very difficult for in-
dustry to participate in the devel-
opments in any other way than as
contractor for the United States Gov-
ernment. This type of operation in
turn is not in perfect keeping with
our traditions of free enterprises. In
addition, atomic projects are long-
range projects, and in many cases in-
dustry will find it difficult to embark
upon the necessary long-range plans.
These difficulties cannot be solved
by any one sweeping decision. Far-
sighted statesmanship, tact, and pa-
tience are needed. There is at least
one indication that all of these are
available. The relations between the
Atomic Energy Commission and the
General Electric Company seem to
be excellent; the atomic laboratory
established by the company Is flour-
ishing. There is every reason to hope
that similar cooperation will be estab-
lished with other industrial firms.
This record may not be in keeping
with the superlatives of "atomic"
phraseology, but this seemingly In-
conspicuous work may become in time
the foundation of the second-the
atomic-industrial revolution.
A LETTER FROM EUROPE
[The following letter was written to
Dr. V. F. Weisskopf by Dr. J. M.
Burgers, Professor of Aero and Hy-
drodynamics at the Institute of Tech-
nology, Delft, Holland.]
December 4, 1947
Yesterday's newspaper mentioned
that according to a recent communica-
tion by Lilienthal the U.S.A. is en-
gaged upon the production of new
atomic weapons. Is this true? If not,
who would be responsible for such
a piece of bad news?
You had asked me some time ago
to write about the impressions made
upon us European scientists by Amer-
ican developments. For myself I must
say that I am thoroughly upset (What
should one say "emtrustet"?) by this
piece of information, and I think
that many scientists in Holland and
many other people will feel the same
way. I admit, of course, that the Rus-
sians have obstructed all attempts
at international agreement on atom-
ic energy. Still I had considered their
basic condition, that all existing atom-
ic weapons should be destroyed, as a
rational one.
Atomic weapons present such grave
dangers to mankind that any state
preparing to use them again after
the defeat of Japan is menacing our
civilization. Now we have accepted
more or less the idea that the U.S.A.
might preserve already existing
bombs. However, the preparation of
new weapons of this kind, Is out-
stepping the boundaries of behavior
we think indispensable for Democratic
communities. You may point to the
fact that the Russian government
has announced that It Is now In pos-
session of atomic power. I do not
consider this as sufficient ground for
any other state being entitled to do
the same.
An announcement such as has been
now can only produce new tensions.
Moreover, the fact that the decision
concerning its use must be concen-
trated in a very small and special
group of people, strengthens all dan-
gers which military organizations of
the existing type mean to mankind.
It should have been the duty of the
American people, or at least of its
leaders, to say: we will not let our-
selves be overpowered with fear; we
value a righteous attitude and respect
for civilization above all, and we will
not increase our stock of atomic weap-
ons. This might have meant a certain
danger for the U.S., but it would
have meant a relief to the world. I
believe that no efficient steps towards
the salvation of civilization can be
taken if we are not prepared to ac-
cept such risks.
lease 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R007600050004-3