Linus Pauling and the International Peace Movement All Documents and Media  
Home | Search | Narrative | Linus Pauling Day-By-Day

All Documents and Media

Donor solicitation letter written by Albert Einstein, on behalf of the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists. February 10, 1947.
A form letter in which Einstein solicits funding for the work of the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists.

Transcript

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

Return to Document Page

Home | Search | Narrative | Linus Pauling Day-By-Day