Access Control
Date
1 June 1948
Abstract
TLC. "To Dr. Nathan" written across top of letter in red pencil.
Creator
Transcript file(s)
Subject (Topical)
Details
Identifier
einstein:620,Folder 3.31
einstein_02_01_003_031_001
Extent
1 item
Format
Rights
These materials are made available for research and educational purposes. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine the copyright status of materials in the Vassar College Digital Library.
Publisher
: einstein:620-1
COPY
A. Einstein
112 Mercer Street
Princeton
New Jersey, U.S.A.
June 1, 1948
Gentlemen:
Since I shall not be able to participate in your important discussions, I should want to present my views in a short statement.
You have come together because all of us are greatly disturbed. We must not remain inactive while our country is headed toward a conflict with the Soviet Union which would be both unnecessary and disastrous.
There are no vital problems which would make a conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union unavoidable. [If the two countries would be completely separated from each other because of an earthquake or some similar incident, they both could well continue to exist. This is why] It should be possible through negotiations to find a modus vivendi. As soon as this is accomplished, the road to a permanent solution of the security and peace problem will no longer be blocked.
I had assumed until a little while ago that Soviet apprehension about foreign intervention was the main source of the existing international tension. However, this opinion seems no longer tenable since our government—twice during the last few weeks—brusquely rejected a Soviet suggestion to enter into direct negotiations in the hope to arrange for an understanding between the two countries.
This attitude of our government seems to be a clear indication that our present policy may lead to a break with the Soviet Union e.g. preventive war although this is not openly admitted. The victorious war against Nazi-Germany and Japan has led to an unhealthy influence of our military men and of military
[TLC. “To Dr. Nathan” written across top of letter in red pencil.]
A. Einstein
112 Mercer Street
Princeton
New Jersey, U.S.A.
June 1, 1948
Gentlemen:
Since I shall not be able to participate in your important discussions, I should want to present my views in a short statement.
You have come together because all of us are greatly disturbed. We must not remain inactive while our country is headed toward a conflict with the Soviet Union which would be both unnecessary and disastrous.
There are no vital problems which would make a conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union unavoidable. [If the two countries would be completely separated from each other because of an earthquake or some similar incident, they both could well continue to exist. This is why] It should be possible through negotiations to find a modus vivendi. As soon as this is accomplished, the road to a permanent solution of the security and peace problem will no longer be blocked.
I had assumed until a little while ago that Soviet apprehension about foreign intervention was the main source of the existing international tension. However, this opinion seems no longer tenable since our government—twice during the last few weeks—brusquely rejected a Soviet suggestion to enter into direct negotiations in the hope to arrange for an understanding between the two countries.
This attitude of our government seems to be a clear indication that our present policy may lead to a break with the Soviet Union e.g. preventive war although this is not openly admitted. The victorious war against Nazi-Germany and Japan has led to an unhealthy influence of our military men and of military
[TLC. “To Dr. Nathan” written across top of letter in red pencil.]
: einstein:620-1
-2-
attitudes which endangers the democratic institutions of our country and the peace of the world. The danger is even increased since they are convinced to enjoy temporary temporary military superiority.
However, the democratic tradition is still alive throughout this land, and the desire for a peaceful solution of the international problems is universal. We have the duty to see to it that the political aspirations of our people gain influence and become dominant—as long as there is still time. I hope that your meeting will help to find an effective way for the mobilization of public opinion in regard to this all-important political issue.
Sincerely yours,
(signed) Albert Einstein
attitudes which endangers the democratic institutions of our country and the peace of the world. The danger is even increased since they are convinced to enjoy temporary temporary military superiority.
However, the democratic tradition is still alive throughout this land, and the desire for a peaceful solution of the international problems is universal. We have the duty to see to it that the political aspirations of our people gain influence and become dominant—as long as there is still time. I hope that your meeting will help to find an effective way for the mobilization of public opinion in regard to this all-important political issue.
Sincerely yours,
(signed) Albert Einstein
: einstein:620-2
-2-
attitudes which endangers the democratic institutions of our country and the peace of the world. The danger is even increased since they are convinced to enjoy temporary temporary military superiority.
However, the democratic tradition is still alive throughout this land, and the desire for a peaceful solution of the international problems is universal. We have the duty to see to it that the political aspirations of our people gain influence and become dominant—as long as there is still time. I hope that your meeting will help to find an effective way for the mobilization of public opinion in regard to this all-important political issue.
Sincerely yours,
(signed) Albert Einstein
attitudes which endangers the democratic institutions of our country and the peace of the world. The danger is even increased since they are convinced to enjoy temporary temporary military superiority.
However, the democratic tradition is still alive throughout this land, and the desire for a peaceful solution of the international problems is universal. We have the duty to see to it that the political aspirations of our people gain influence and become dominant—as long as there is still time. I hope that your meeting will help to find an effective way for the mobilization of public opinion in regard to this all-important political issue.
Sincerely yours,
(signed) Albert Einstein
