Albert Einstein Letter to Dr. Frank Kingdon

Albert Einstein and Dr. Frank Kingdon

In a letter to his colleague Dr. Frank Kingdon, dated September 3, 1942, Albert Einstein expresses his pain and repulsion at the crimes of the Nazis and their various henchmen, among others, the “traitors” of Vichy-France. Einstein is disappointed and alarmed by the U.S. government’s inaction and apathetic response to events in Nazi Europe. He is convinced that Washington’s stance is misguided. Nevertheless, he almost apologetically justifies his reluctance to directly approach the U.S. government, believing that any “lip-service” or “pressure from outside” to prod the United States into action is useless.

Einstein is baffled by Washington’s mollycoddling of Franco at the expense of Loyalist Spain. He questions the U.S. government’s “kid-glove” treatment of Finland and its virtual abandonment of Russia in its time of “dire need”. He also cannot fathom why the United States would fail to “recognize a French government in Exile” and, to add insult to injury, have an “official representative in fascist France”.

Einstein saves his most scathing criticism for an American government largely controlled by “financiers” who are blinded by a mentality that is “near to the fascist frame of mind.” Furthermore, Einstein asserts that if Adolf Hitler were not a lunatic, he might have succeeded in his nefarious plans. The fact that he was unmistakably a lunatic offered a small measure of hope that he might ultimately be defeated by the Western powers, despite Washington’s inaction in Europe.

As a refugee who “sought and found” asylum in the United States, Einstein could not in good conscience directly appeal to or criticize the U.S. government. In his letter to Dr. Kingdon, Einstein unburdened himself and expressed the urgent need for action rather than words.

The following is the full transcript of the letter:

Dear Dr. Kingdon:

You can imagine how the new crimes committed by the Nazis in France make me suffer, crimes assisted to by the Vichy-trators. I cannot, however, make up my mind to approach Washington on the matter. My reason is a sad one indeed and I wish to explain it to you so that you may understand my negative attitude: I do not believe in the effectiveness of a lame and half-hearted lip-service brought about by pressure from outside.

Why did Washington help to strangulate Loyalist Spain? Why has it an official representative in fascist France? Why does it not recognize a French Government in Exile? Why does it flirt with Franco-Spain? Why is there no really serious effort to assist Russia in her dire need? Why is Finland treated with kid-gloves? (I know their explanations but do not believe them.)

Because it is a government controlled to a large degree by financiers the mentality of whom is near to the fascist frame of mind. If Hitler were not a lunatic he could easily have avoided the hostility of the Western powers. That he is a lunatic is the sole advantage in the present sinister picture of the world.

I am not impressed by words but by deeds and facts. I don’t like to mention those things, especially as one who is grateful having sought and found refuge and protection in this country. But I am sure that my short remarks will suffice as explanation and you will understand that I cannot feel enough optimism to participate in the action which you promote with such worthy intentions.

May I use this occasion, my dear Dr. Kingdon, to express to you my appreciation and gratitude for you indefatiguable efforts in the service of humanity and justice.

Very sincerely yours,
A. Einstein

Source: “Einstein, Albert. Extraordinary typed letter signed, 3 September 1942,” Heritage Auctions.

Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.