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Puolic Infoermecbn Couetites

POR IMMEDIATs ReLwAsi Atomic Selesists of Chicago
5734 University Avenue
December 16, 1954 ilidway 3°0800, Exte 3747

James R, Arnold, Chairman

On Tuesday we called upon both Secretary of the Navy
Thomas and upon Vice-President Nixon to account for
political interference with the personnel security system in
the case of Dr. Edward U. Condon. Mr. Thomas stated yesterday
in California that Mr. Nixon had never talked te him "directly
or indirectly,or to any person, about this case."

We are glad to have Mr. Thomas comment because we feel
that the record mst be set straight. Nevertheless, the fact
that Mr. Nixon did intervene in the case, if not personally
with Mr. Thomas, is indicated in a New York Times story by
W.Re Conklin datelined Cheyenne, Wyo., Oct. 23, which quotes
Mr. Nixon directly as saying, "Before I left Washington I
asked that the Dr. Condon matter be re-examined."

We are still very perturbed that the Secretary of the
Navy should overrule after less than 24 hours consideration
a decision on which the Eastern Industrial Review Board had
labored for about a year. In particular we note in the N.Y.
Times story datelined Washington, Oct. 21, that Mr. Thomas
said that the Board had more information than he did.

We feel that the public has a right to mow the full

story in this extroardinary case.

€ * o * e e ° s

The Atomic Scientists of Chicago is an organization of
scientists concerned with the impact of science on public
affairs, It is the Local chapter of the Federation of
American Scientists. Its chairman is Dr. Arthur He Rosenfsid
of the University of Chisago,