.
“-
Washington, D. C.
April 25, 1957
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Lambarene Hospital
Lambarene, Gabon,
French Equatorial Africa
Dear Dr. Schweitzers..
oa,
.
I am writing you as a scientist, to present data
bearing on a scientific fact: The degree * of hazard to
humanity from radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons
tests.
In the press on April 24, I read your statement
from Oslo on the hazards of nuclear weapons testing, and
in this way learned of your fears that the present testing
program may be dangerous.
Since I have spent much time
during the past several years in the study of this question,
I am taking the liberty of writing you.
Also, since your
statement was issued to news media and received wide public
attention, I am making this letter public in the belief
that every possible action should be taken to increase
public understanding on the important question of weapons
testing.
Your belief in the sanctity of life, and the
' dedication with which you have devoted your own life and
talents to unselfish causes, have made a deep impression
on the minds of persons throughout the world.
Your cone
cern over the possible effects of nuclear tests is charac-
teristic of the humane and sensitive qualities which you
ways have displayed, aud for which you are justiy honored.
Along with these
alitids, I know you have the intellectual
strength and integrity to seek the truth wherever it lies.
It is in this spirit that I write you, believing that you
will welcome whatever facts I may be able to provide regarding radioactive fallout from weapons testing.
I do not know what data you have utilized in
studying this question, but I seriously doubt, from the
evidence of your statement, that you have had access ‘to
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