11 May 1955
Dear John:
On my return to Pasadena I have been reading the copies of Science that have come to me, and have just seen your article on Government and the Freedom of Science.
I am writing to express my appreciation to you for having published this article, which, I am sure, will be significant in the formulation of future policy.
I do not remember whether or not I told you about my situation.  At the time, a year and a half ago, when the Public Health Service grants that were in my name were suddenly cancelled, and the suggestion was made to me by Dr. Allen that separate applications be submitted, in the names of the individuals connected with phases of the work, I decided that I would apply for a small grant for support of my work on abnormal molecules in relation to disease.  The decision was made before I realized that the cancellation of the large grant was done for political reasons, involving me personally, rather than because of a change in policy about large and small grants.  I postponed making the application for some months (the other applications were made and acted on immediately), and when I did apply, about a year ago, the Public Health Service postponed decision on my application.  Decision has been postponed from meeting to meeting, every three months, and now is scheduled for June.
With best regards, I am
Sincerely yours,
Linus Pauling