D O C U M E N T 2 1 5 J U N E 1 9 2 8 2 0 9 but in this I remained a minority of one. The majority of the academic members (for example, Landau)[6] were of the opinion that the pressure of circumstances could not be escaped and that the introduction of teaching must be approved, at least to a limited extent. In essence, the recommendations of the Brodetsky com- mission were generally accepted, along with, in particular, the fundamental princi- ples set forth in your letter.[7] As a result of this, and especially of the formulation of the resolutions and also the press communiqué, a certain guarantee of a cautious procedure in the execution of these plans was given. I also participated very actively in the detailed negotiations, repeatedly seeking to inhibit the aforemen- tioned tendencies I also believe that in this respect a certain success can be claimed. If the resolutions are properly carried out, I believe that there is no need to fear that the university will be turned into a doctorate factory.[8] In the matter of the academic administration, under the impact of your letter, Mr. Warburg and Dr. Magnes told me that they agreed with the principle and also with the person of Prof. Brodetsky, but that they could support only an appointment for a limited time, and that moreover the functions of the academic council must be much more limited than proposed in your letter.[9] Mr. Warburg in particular told me that he could not accept Dr. Magnes’s functions being reduced to a very small minimum. However, in the meeting the resistance on the part of the academic members of the board of trustees, especially of Ornstein and Landau, but also of Horovitz and Otto Warburg, to the appointment of an academic head was so deter- mined that after long, sometimes painful negotiations I finally saw that the proposal had to be abandoned.[10] In the end, it was agreed that the whole question of the future academic administration would be transferred for deliberation to a committee that is to present, at the board of trustees’ next meeting, a report on both the main questions and the appropriate personal particulars.[11] It was decided to name you as the chair of the committee, to which Prof. Brodetsky, Dr. Cyrus Adler, Prof. Landau, Prof. Otto Warburg, and Dr. Buechler are also to belong, along with the president and the chancellor.[12] This decision leaves the whole question open, and we have the opportunity to support a reform along the lines you have proposed. I would therefore ask you to accept the chairmanship. In any case, however, I would strongly urge you not to take any further steps until we have had an oppor- tunity to discuss the whole issue in person. I will be in Berlin on 17 July and will then take the liberty of calling on you.[13] Then we will be able to discuss every- thing in detail. The situation is full of difficulties, and whatever is decided must in my opinion be prepared and carried out with the greatest care. I hope and wish that your health will soon be completely restored and remain, with warmest regards,[14] yours sincerely, Ch. Weizmann