Oppenheimer

Russian scientific achievements have served to warn this nation that it can ill-afford to waste valuable scientific talent. Considering the present situation as well as the history of the Oppenheimer "case," the Administration should restore J. Robert Oppenheimer's security clearance.

Dr. Oppenheimer's contributions to the development of the atom bomb are well-known. There is little doubt that he could today render valuable service to America's dismal attempt to find her place in the sun in the Sputnik Age.

The only barrier to Oppenheimer's return to government service is the 1954 decision of the Gray Board to withdraw his security clearance. Oppenheimer's loyalty at no time was questioned by this group. Security clearance was denied because the Board believed his past associations had placed him in a position which was unfavorable to national security.

Since 1954 it has become increasingly clear that Dr. Oppenheimer has corrected whatever faults he may have had in the past. It has, at the same time, become evident that 1954 security standards were unduly narrow and arbitrary. Such criteria for defining security risk are not absolute and immutable, but must reflect the nation's changing security needs. The 1954 standards, which made it possible for valuable men such as Oppenheimer to be judged security risks, were unrealistic.

The Gray Board decision left a bad taste in the mouths of many scientists who at the time considered working for the government. When professional competence, unchallenged loyalty, and a vigorous and uncompromising intellect become irrelevant in assessing a scientist's right to work for the government, valuable talent will be scarce.

Restoring Oppenheimer's security clearance would correct an obvious injustice and at the same time encourage needed scientific talent to enter government service.