HUNT FOR REDS IN U.S. ATOM PLANT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22663, 14 June 1948, Page 5

HUNT FOR REDS IN U.S. ATOM PLANT

OAK RIDGE (Tennessee), May 20.

Two scientists at the atomic laboratories here have been suspended pending determination of their loyalty. Three others have been called up before a loyalty board and it is expected that 30 More cases may be heard in the immediate future.

The charges on which the men are being heard are not sworn, but consist of anonymous accusations of Communist leanings. In most cases the accusations are admitted to be thin, even by the men hearing them. In the case of one man, a landlord reported that after he moved a copy of a Communist magazine, New Masses, was found in his room. It was stated that a close relative of the same man by marriage was a Communist.

The accused are not allowed to know the names of the people who have submitted accusations against them, but in the letter in which they are called up the charges are itemised. Otherwise, the men are permitted all latitude in conducting their defence. The New York Herald-Tribune correspondent reports that the nature of the charges, rather than the fact that the hearings are being held, has created a state of acute apprehension among scientists, the administration and examination board alike, and many fear that the result will be the liquidation of Oak Ridge as a major contributor to atomic energy research.