Scripto | Page Revision | Transcription

copy

Andrews, Hadden and Putnam

1882 Union Commerce Building
Cleveland, 4, Ohio 

October 21, 1947

Dr. Albert Einstein Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey

Dear Dr. Einstein:

  I was not a little shocked and mystified to hear from Peter by phone last evening that, apparently on the advice from someone in the East, you were questioning the advisability of keeping your commitment to join by wire in speaking at the rallies for the launching of the program of Workers for World Security here because of your foreign birth and citizenship.  I can assure you from all of us that the high standing and great respect which is universally accorded you in this community are based upon your outstanding contributions to Science and the welfare of all peoples and have nothing to do with birth, race or citizenship. 

  In a broad movement of the peoples of the world, such as this, it is inconceivable that such matters should be given consideration.  Rabbi Brickner,  who is one of the outstanding leaders in our community,  is one of the most enthusiastic members of our committee.  One of the basic essentials of this movement is that it unite all races, creeds and social, and economic groups in a common effort to save mankind.  You have repeatedly demonstrated your broad understanding of the need and personal interest in its solution, and I am certain that any suggestion that your participation in this movement might be in any way embarrassing could only have been made without thought and without understanding of the program. 

  Our program here is to be launched through the churches the week-end before Armistice Day November 11 and at rallies at the various colleges of Western Reserve University, John Carroll, Fenn, Kenyon, etc., held Armistice Day morning.   At a meeting of the college presidents last Thursday, most of them indicated that the time they would prefer would be around 11 o'clock on the morning of the 11th. 

  On the strength of your assurance to Peter before he went to Copenhagen, I advised them that you would support their program for such meetings by a short talk by wire, and they have suggested that this be arranged for 11 o'clock.  They will, of course, have this appropriately introduce, probably in most instances by the college presidents themselves,  and it will be followed in each case by one or more other speakers, including such men as Judge Robert N. Wilkin of our federal court,  who has devoted much time and effort in writing and speaking and helping in such movements for many years,  and Ex Governor Lausche,  who has a wide reputation here for his human interests. 

  In connection with and following these rallies will he the drive for workers, which will be supported in all of our public schools as well as the churches and colleges by individual workers;  by the organizers of both our C.I.O. and our A. F. of L. unions, the ward workers for both our Republican and Democratic