Shapley Decries Loyalty Probes

Dr. Harlow Shapley, Director of the University observatory, yesterday blasted the House Un-American Activities Committee, claiming that it unwarranted attacks on scientists have "probably set back the national security of America by months or even years."

Answering charges leveled by New York University Professor James Burham accusing him of continously finding excuses for Soviet activities. Dr. Shapley explained that "possibly Professor Burnham was acting on a directive from the J. Parnell Thomas Committee."

Scientists Discouraged

Scientists are being discouraged from cooperation in government projects, continued Dr. Shapley, in which "they may be subjected to the smears and terrorisms of the Congressional committee."

He cited the recent investigation of Edward U. Condon, head of the government Bureau of Standards, as being typical of "organized persecution."