LONDON, W.1, U.K.
27th June 1967 Dear Colleague,
In spite of the wide opposition of a very large section of world public opinion, the war in Vietnam continues to escalate. The advanced technology of a great industrial nation is being employed in the systematic destruction of the meagre resources of a poor developing country.
In reponse to an enquiry concerning the most effective way in which scientists outside Vietnam could help scientific laboratories in universities, institutions and schools to continue to function, the Association for the Dissemination of Science and Technology of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam recently sent the World Federation of Scientific Workers a list of scientific apparatus urgently needed. This list contains a large number of items of obvious importance for the continued functioning of their laboratories.
In addition, an appeal has been launched by a group of French colleagues for money to buy books for the library of the University of Hanoi.
In order to help our Vietnamese colleagues and to demonstrate our feeling about the continued American bombing of North Vietnam, we have decided to donate one day's salary to a fund in support of these two appeals.
We are inviting scientists all over the world to join us in this action. The money thus donated should be sent to: Dr W. A. Wooster, Treasurer, at the above address. Cheques should be endorsed “‘Vietnam Appeal Account”’.
The intention is that of the money received half should be used to purchase the equipment requested by our Vietnamese colleagues We are assured that such equipment can be transported to Hanoi without difficulty. The other half will be transinitted to the appeal fund of our French colleagues to provide books for the library of the University of Hanoi.
In view of the urgency of the need, we ask you to respond quickly to this appeal.
Yours sincerely,