October 7, 1960
Dear Mr. Senator:
I am writing and appealing to you on behalf of Professor Linus Pauling of the California Institute of Technology.  This is the first occasion that I have ever taken to write a letter to a public official and I do so with a sincerity and conviction that I think this occasion warrants.  I recognize that your Committee has the authority to subpoena Professor Pauling and ask him questions that it deems relevant to the proper exercise of its powers.  To the extent of my knowledge of the area of investigation and Professor Pauling's character and motivations, I believe that this investigation will do far more harm in this country and abroad than any good that will be accomplished.  Further investigation of Professor Pauling will be interpreted as a serious indictment of his motivations to prevent a nuclear war and will discourage free inquiry and expression of opinion by scientists and all lay citizens on this vital public issue.  I believe that the harm to our prestige and influence among scientists abroad will be incalculable, and will damage any attempts at reaching understanding with other nations in promoting peace and disarmament and scientific exchanges that do not even apply to disarmament.
Respectfully yours,
Arthur Kornberg