ALIEN SCIENTISTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 101, 11 February 1950, Page 5

ALIEN SCIENTISTS

PROBLEM IN U.S. WASHINGTON, Feb. 10. Five hundred alien scientists in the United States know i.so many of America’s top military secrets that “we'eannot afford to let them go home,” a high official said to-day. The scientists were brought from Germany to the United Stages after the war to work on jet engiries, rockets, aerodynamics, submarines and nuclear physics. An official said: “Many of the scientists know more than most of our admirals and generals.” About 600 research specialists were brought to America out of a panel of 24,000 recommended by German scientists. The contracts provided for return passages. Ninety-three have gone back to Europe, including 10 who were dispensed with for security reasons. Many want to stay in the United 'States when their, official research work is completed, but a number want to go home. The United States is trying to persuade these men to stay by finding them permanent teaching jobs in universities. “We. coddle them outrageously,” defence officials said. “We have no choice. We cannot afford to let' them go back knowing as much as they do.” Many of the scientists worked at the White Sands proving ground in New Mexico and at other testing centres, but none was admitted to atomic installations for obvious security reasons.