A Móra Ferenc Múzeum Évkönyve: Studia Historica 6. (Szeged, 2003)

András LENGYEL – András LENGYEL, jr.: Polányi Mihály levelei Orowan Egonhoz

January, 1936. Dear Orowan, I have just heard that the Professional Committee for Jewish Refugees has decided not to discuss your case until your Russian post is decided upon. They expect you to take the position in Russia if you can get it and if it is reasonably suitable. Obviously Mr Adams has given information to the Committee on your negotiations with USSR and he probably told them that the difficulties were in course of being removed. Professor Namier who is a very influential member of all these Committees seems to take the firm view that nothing can be done for you so long the negotiations with USSR are pending, and that the Committee expects you to make every effort to get a post in USSR and that no assistance should be given to you unless such efforts fail through no fault of yours. I have not seen Bragg yet but I doubt very much whether he can do anything to help you as things stand at the moment. I quite feel that you are put into a difficult position by this attitude of the Relief Committees, but you must recognise that the relief position is becoming desperate, and that the people in charge of funds therefore are driven to take the rigid attitude not to give any help to anybody who can possibly get on in some other way. I am sure that Bragg will be as much disappointed as I am about this turn of affairs but I prefer to tell you this without delay because, as I say, I don't think Bragg will be able to do anything. Yours M Polanyi Autograph letter. Printed text on the notepaper (left): Telephone: Andwick 2681. / Professor M. Polanyi, (right): The Victoria / University of Manchester / Department of Chemistry. Professional Committee for Jewish Refugees: Jewish organization in England supporting and finding employment for Jewish scientists from Germany and Central Europe. — Mr. Adams: about him see the comment to letter 4. — Professor Namier. about him see the comment to letter 2. — Bragg: about him see the comment to letter 2.