Pauling's troubles as a victim of anti-Communist politics was splashed across newspapers
in England and France during the late spring of 1952. French scientists especially
were united in their criticism of U.S. policy in the case; the U.S. science attache
in Paris reported that one French physiologist told him that the Americans must be,
"losing their minds."
To show their support, the French elected Pauling "Honorary President" of the summer
1952 Paris International Biochemical Congress. His arrival with his new passport caused
a sensation. News of his political troubles and defiance of the government had made
him a hero in France, and his hastily arranged talk on protein structures drew an
overflow crowd. Afterward, he was swarmed by researchers eager to shake the honorary
president's hand and express their admiration for his principles. He and Ava Helen
received a stream of friends and well-wishers in their rooms at the Trianon.
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Click images to enlarge
"Dr. Pauling Gets Limited Passport." July 16, 1952.
Commemorative dinner menu. International Congress of Biochemistry, Paris, France. July 26, 1952.
"I have read your editorial of Thursday 15 May 1952, which has the heading 'He Will
Stay at Home.' I assume that you will now give your readers the benefit of a similar
editorial, informing them that, although there has been no change in the situation,
the State Department, less than three months later, has reversed its decision and
has issued me a passport. I have not received any apology, such as was made to Professor
Lattimore, but I think that the passport itself serves as an apology."
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