THE PRESS

I have been profoundly disturbed this past fortnight by the pronouncement issued by Professor Bridgman at Harvard relative to the exchange of scientific information with totalitarian countries. . . . My apprehension has developed for two reasons. The first is that this statement may lead the general public to believe that such an attitude has been generally adopted by scientists . . . (and) secondly I feel that this manifesto represents in a way a rising tide of hatred and intolerance. . . .

I believe that Professor Bridgman errs as a scientist, for science and truth can never be the property of any one nation or of any one political theory. . . . The only way to expose the falseness of the doctrines of Fascism and Naziism is to provide for the greatest possible exchange of information so that the inconsistency and failures of these theories may be illuminated by the dazzling light of truth: Even while he is decrying totalitarianism Professor Bridgman succumbs to it by his methods, since he would employ the same type of tactics as they do . . .

The more ominous part of the pronouncement, however, is its indication of the extent to which we have allowed ourselves to be motivated by the impulses of hatred. In our passion for justice and our sympathy for persecuted peoples we have allowed our emotions to run away with us until we would correct that wrong by the imposition of further injustice upon the German people. . . . Once we give in to hatred and bitterness we have begun to be like unto them (the Fascist nations). For the Fascists love their friends and hate their enemies, too; and what do ye more than they? J. Carrell Morris,   Harvard Chemistry Dept.   --From the Christian Science Monitor.