OPPENHEIMER, J. Robert (1904-1967). Typed letter signed ("Robert Oppenheimer") with autograph corrections, to magazine publisher Gardner Cowles Jr., Princeton, NJ, 10 March 1948.

One page, 140 x 215mm (contemporary notations in blue indelible pencil).

Responding to an article on Russian atomic bomb research, Oppenheimer credits the publisher for his reasonable approach to "a matter hitherto usually dealt with only hysterically". After his correspondent forwards him a magazine containing an article titled "When will Russia have the Atomic Bomb," Oppenheimer states that he has heard unanimously favorable feedback on the article. He concludes by lauding Cowles for what he feels is a "considerable public service in talking so reasonably about a matter hitherto usually dealt with only hysterically."

Due to Oppenheimer's strong left-wing views and relationships with known Communist Party members, he was closely monitored by the FBI since the early 1940s. During the height of the Red Scare, Oppenheimer's security clearance was notably revoked over concerns that he was an agent of the Soviet Union.