2 1 2 D O C U M E N T 2 6 6 J U L Y 1 9 2 2 as Lenard’s consorts[4] lie in wait, guard yourself all-round with care so we don’t lament you as their bait. If this works and you are safe from the hateful pack of hounds, then some use to the world I’ll rate to my joy beyond all bounds. And if you aren’t now on the brink and do have a little time, then this “cousin” would be tickled pink with ever so brief a friendly line. In respectful devotion, Sigmund Einstein Nuremberg, 43 Regensburger St. 266. To Max Planck Kiel, 6 July 1922 Dear Colleague This letter is not easy for me to write but it really does have to be done. I must inform you that I cannot deliver the talk I promised for the Scientists’ Convention, despite my earlier definite commitment.[1] For I have been warned by some thor- oughly reliable persons (many of them, independently) against staying in Berlin[2] at present and generally particularly against making any kind of public appear- ances in Germany.[3] For, I am supposedly among the group of persons being tar- geted by nationalist assassins. I have no secure proof, of course but the prevailing situation now makes it appear thoroughly credible.[4] If it had been an action of substantial professional importance, I would not have let myself be swayed by such motives, but a merely formal act is involved that someone (e.g., Laue)[5] could easily perform in my place.[6] The whole difficulty arises from the fact that news- papers mentioned my name too often and thereby mobilized the riffraff against me. So there is no helping it besides patience and—leaving town. I ask you one thing: Please take this little incident with humor, as I myself do. With amicable greetings, yours, A. Einstein.
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