“Like a Schoolboy”

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7066, 27 January 1933, Page 5

“Like a Schoolboy”

EINSTEIN’S “THIRD DEGREE.” AMERICAN CONSUL’S QUESTIONS. Before Professor Albert Einstein was granted a passport to enable him to visit the United States recently, the American Consul in Berlin demanded from him detailed answers about his political views, philosophy of life, habits and health. The American Women’s Patriotic Association had got wind of Professor Einstein’s pacifist views, and had protested to the State Department against his being allowed to enter the United States, on the ground that he was a Communist. The unfortunate Consul in Berlin had to put up tho barrage of questions to the famous scientist. Professor Einstein laughed when telling of Ms experience. He said: “Imagine me, an honorary citizen of New York—<and one who received a telegram of good wishes last Christmas from President Hoover, being asked whether I was a polygamist, and whether I wished to upset the United States Government. All the world knows that I am going to America at the invitation of the Flcxner Institute to take up research work. The American Consul, however, did not seem to know this.'

' “ ‘What is the purpose of your visit to America?’ ho asked me. I just laughed. It was the only possible answer.

“He then started to question me about my political views, making me feel like a schoolboy on tho carpet before his headmaster for some misdemeanour. This was too much for me. 'Mr Consul,’ I declared with some veil emenence, 'I am not asking if I may go to America, but America is asking me if I will go over there. All I want to know is this: Am I to order porters to come and fetch my luggage or not?”’

The ultimatum had its effect. Professor Einstein was granted his visa. A parting shot from him was: “Give hoed to these dear, wise, patriotic ladies, and remember that tho capital of Rome was once saved by the cackling of its faithful geese.”