THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

March 26, 1952

DIRECTOR, FBI

J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER
INTERNAL SECURITY - R

Information has been received by this Bureau that J. Robert Oppenheimer, who has been Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Advisory Committee for the past six years, is due for reappointment in June, 1952.

As you are aware, extensive investigation of Oppenheimer has been conducted by the Bureau which reflected that in the past he has associated with Communist Party members and functionaries; that his wife was formerly a Communist Party member; and that his brother, Frank Oppenheimer, was a former Communist Party member.

Atomic Energy Commissioner Thomas E. Murray recently informed a representative of this Bureau that J. Robert Oppenheimer imposes a tremendous influence on the Atomic Energy Program, on the United States Defense Program and on all "scientific thinking" throughout the world. Commissioner Murray also informed that the Atomic Energy Commission Advisory Committee is in a position to exert influence over the extent of Atomic Energy Commission production, expansion and stockpiling. Commissioner Murray stated that he intended to oppose Oppenheimer's reappointment to the Atomic Energy Commission Advisory Committee, not necessarily because of Oppenheimer's communist background, but because Commissioner Murray feels that someone else should have an opportunity to furnish counsel and aid to the Atomic Energy Program.

Commissioner Murray further informed that he hoped that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was alert to the activities of Oppenheimer since he felt that Oppenheimer was in an "enviable position." Commissioner Murray was informed that inasmuch as extensive investigation of Oppenheimer has been conducted by this Bureau, the results of which were furnished to the Atomic Energy Commission and other interested governmental agencies and officials and since the Atomic Energy Commission has given security clearance to Oppenheimer, this Bureau cannot assume any security responsibility for Oppenheimer's activities. Commissioner Murray was further informed that in the absence of any specific allegations concerning Oppenheimer, this Bureau did not contemplate instituting an extensive investigation at this time.

Commissioner Murray replied that he fully understood our position and he desired us to know that if any pertinent information came to his attention concerning Oppenheimer's activities, he would immediately inform us.

In connection with Commissioner Murray's remarks, the "New York Times" for March 8, 1952 carried an article reporting the recent remarks of Dr. Kenneth S. Pitzer before the American Chemical Society's Southern California Section. Dr. Pitzer is former Director of Research for the Atomic Energy Commission. Dr. Pitzer charged that there have been serious delays in the Atomic Energy Program. He recommended that the Atomic Energy Commission rules of procedure be overhauled to reduce the authority of scientific "kibitzers" and that the Atomic Energy Commission be more dependent on laboratory directors and Atomic Energy Commission project engineers. Dr. Pitzer contended that more than one of the influential members of long standing on the General Advisory Committee seem to have "remarkably little enthusiasm for the primary goals of the Atomic Energy Commission." This Bureau does not intend to interview Dr. Kenneth S. Pitzer concerning his allegations unless advised to the contrary by you.

Following the interview with Commissioner Murray, information was received from Mr. Bryan LaPlante, Chief, Washington Area Security Office, Atomic Energy Commission concerning Mrs. Robert Oppenheimer. Mr. LaPlante stated he received his information from Mr. Robert Kirkman of the Security Office, New York Operations Office, Atomic Energy Commission. According to Mr. LaPlante, Mrs. J. Robert Oppenheimer uses intoxicants to excess and when her husband is out of town she frequently calls R. F. Tessein, late at night, to come to her house and drink with her. R. F. Tessein is the chauffeur for the Oppenheimers and he is also in charge of Security and the Guard Force at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University. R. F. Tessein has apparently complained to Mr. Kirkman concerning Mrs. Oppenheimer's actions.

The data contained herein are being furnished for your confidential information.

Truman Papers
"Subject File - FBI O" Folder, Box 169