My telegram Circular D. 1736† 18th September, 1945, and subsequent correspondence about employment of German scientists.

Apart from value which we may derive from use of German scientists in defence field and in civil industry, we have noted with some concern increasing attempts on part of Russian authorities to obtain German scientists from Western zones for building up of Russian war potential. Categories of scientists concerned are in our opinion:

(a) Scientists of first rank whose ability to solve completely new and fundamental problems is of extreme importance in time of war but whose activities are normally of peaceful and academic character.

(b) Industrial scientists and technicians who are normally engaged in applied research and development work of peaceful nature but whose ability and experience can readily be directed to war work.

(c) Scientists and technicians who have special knowledge and experience of design, development and production of particular weapons and munitions.

2. Our conclusion is that vigorous steps should he taken to increase employment of scientists in Germany and elsewhere and we are investigating methods of doing this in the United Kingdom, the Colonies and Germany. In particular, we are investigating the possibility of increasing scientific employment in Germany by the placing of innocuous research contracts to be worked in Germany.

3. In spite of these steps, however, it seems likely that there will remain some hundreds of scientists for whom we shall not at the moment be able to find suitable employment and it has occurred to us that in view of danger of allowing these scientists to find employment on war potential in Russia you may be prepared to employ some or increase the number already employed.

4. We are at present engaged in producing a list of these men for whom we wish to find employment giving what details are available of their qualifications. We shall send you a copy of this list and in event of your wishing to obtain services of any scientists on it we suggest that details might be discussed with your Scientific Liaison Offices in London.