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Letter from Linus Pauling to Arthur Holly Compton. May 14, 1940.
Pauling writes to inform Compton that he cannot sign Compton's peace petition, as he does not agree with its "implication of nonresistance to the brutal attack by Germany on the principles of freedom and security of the individual."

Transcript

May 14, 1940

Professor Arthur H. Compton

Physics Department

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Dear Professor Compton:

I am not able to approve the peace resolution contained in your letter of April 17, 1940. There is, of course, no need for me to see that I am vigorously opposed to war in general and I am a supporter of peace. Without doubt you will obtain many signatures to your resolution from people who view only this aspect of it. On the other hand, the resolution carries the implication of nonresistance to the brutal attack by Germany on the principles of the freedom and security of the individual, including in particular the scientist who is devoted to the pursuit of truth. I can not subscribe to such a policy of nonresistance.

Yours truly,

Linus Pauling

LP:jr

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