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June 4, 1946

DR. EINSTEIN'S TALK FOR PARAMOUNT NEWSREEL

Our world faces a crisis as yet unperceived by those possessing the power to make great decisions for good or evil. The unleashed power of the atom has changed everything save our modes of thinking, and we thus drift toward unparalleled catastrophe. We scientists who have released this immense power have an overwhelming responsibility in this world life and death struggle. Atomic energy must be harnessed for the benefit of mankind and not for humanity's destruction.

Professor Bethe of Cornell University, Dr. Condon, President of the American Physical Society, Professors Szilard and Urey of the University of Chicago, and the Federation of American Scientists join me in this appeal. We scientists ask public support of our efforts to bring realization to America that mankind's destiny is being decided today, now, this moment. We must let the people know that a new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels.

An effective program of education for public understanding of the scientific facts of atomic energy and their implications for sociery has been planned. It will reach the American people through the agency of the National Committee of Atomic Information. In carrying through the program, we shall welcome your financial help to our Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists, now at Princeton, New Jersey. We ask for public support in this fateful moment, to make it possible for the atomic scientists to live up to their social obligation.