Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists
Incorporated
Room 28, 90 Nassau Street
Princeton, New Jersey
February 10, 1947
Dear Friend:
I write to you for help at the suggestion of a friend.
Through the release of atomic energy, our generation has brought into the world the
most revolutionary force since prehistoric man’s discovery of fire. This basic power
of the universe cannot be fitted into the outmoded concept of narrow nationalisms.
For there is no secret and there is no defense; there is no possibility of control
except through the aroused understanding and insistence of the peoples of the world.
We scientists recognize our inescapable responsibility to carry to our fellow citizens
an understanding of the simple facts of atomic energy and its implications for society.
In this lies our only security and our only hope – we believe that an informed citizenry
will act for life and not for death.
We need $1,000,000 for this great educational task. Sustained by faith in man’s ability
to control his destiny through the exercise of reason, we have pledged all our strength
and out knowledge to this work. I do not hesitate to call upon you to help.
Faithfully yours,
A. Einstein
AE/ef
