July 8, 1976

Academician Vladimir 3. Timakov,
President

U.S.S.R. Academy of Medical Science
Solyanka 14, Moscow, U.S.S.R.

Dear colleague:

I have been gratified to read in the press of the release of geneticist
Zhores A. Medvedev from inveluntary confinement in a mental institution.
Let me gay in all candor that the incident as well as it could be
observed in the United States had all of the earmarks of the return of
political repression of scientific freedom. I hope that the authorities
in your country will not be misled by the rather limited level of public
expression by scientists here in reacting to this situation. When we
read of events like this the wost unpleasant images of authoritarian
repression are evoked, images for which there is unfortunately all to
substantial a precedent in many countries in the world. I have delayed
somewhat in replying to the situation mainly out of perplexity as to
whether Medvedev's personal fate would be helped or hindered by such
comment. This kind of reticence may however obecure your own correct
perception of how such matters are perceived here and this can only lead
to further miscalculations and an eresion of the confidence of the world
scientific community about the freedom of scientific investigation in
the Soviet Union.

Sincerely,

Joshua Lederberg
Professor of Genetics

JL/ged
cc Academician Mstislav V. Keldysh, President

U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences
Leninsky Prospekt 14

Moscow, U.5.5.R. n
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bee Mark K. Benenson, Chairman MY?
Amnesty International of?
Suite 1213

1346 Conpecticut Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20036

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