Linus Pauling
3500 Fairpoint Street, Pasadena, California

6 November 1957

Dear professor Lederberg:

On 15 May 1957, with the help of Professors Barry Commoner
and Edward U. Condon (no organization was involved), I wrote an
appeal to the governments and people of the world to reach an
international agreement to stop the testing of nuclear bombs, as
a first step toward a more general disarmament and the ultimate
effective abolition of nuclear weapons, decreasing the possibility
of a great nuclear war. Within a short time this appeal had been
signed by more than 2000 American scientists,

The problem of averting the impending catastrophe of a
nuclear world war still exists. I feel that scientists must continue
to do their part in the search for a solution to this problem.

Now I am hoping to obtain more signatures, especially
those of leading scientists who did not have an opportunity to
sign during the short period in May when the first effort was made.

A copy of the appeal is enclosed. I hope that you will
sign it and return it to me before 1 December, or send me a letter
or card saying that you sign the appeal.

I propose at some later time, probably before Christmas,
to send a statement about the appeal and its support by scientists
to the United Nations and to the leaders of nations, and to make
a public announcement about it, with the expectation that this
action will help to encourage the worid toward finding ways of
solving world problems other than by war and the threat of war.

Sincerely yours, >
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Linus Pauling :RJH \ A

 
 

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