Maryland Scientists Refuse Cooperation with Soviet Colleagues

In a letter made public today, the chairmen of the departments of Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry. Geochemistry, Mathematics, and the Institute for Fluid Dynamics at the University of Maryland stated that they would refuse to receive Soviet scientists participating in an international exchange program until the Soviet Union exhibits a willingness to live up to the principles of free scientific exchange.

The letter, addressed to Dr. Allen H. Kassof, executive director of the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), which coordinates the exchange program, called attention to the case of Prof. Benjamin Levich as “an illustration of the discouragement of free exchange of scientists by the Soviet government.” Levich, a Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences who has been repeatedly denied permission to emigrate to Israel, was invited by the University’s Physics Department in September, 1974, for several months of teaching and scholarly seminars. The six department chairmen noted that by preventing Levich from accepting the invitation the Soviet government was denying many American scientists the possibility of engaging in free scientific exchange with him.

Maryland’s ban on participation in the IREX program excludes those Soviets who have been specifically invited by colleagues at Maryland. The chairmen also agreed to periodically review their policy and adjust it to Soviet actions. Were Levich allowed to visit the university, the six would consider it a demonstration of true intent in free exchange on the part of the USSR.

The Maryland scientists contended that their unusual action is in the spirit of the Helsinki Act which was signed last August by 35 nations including the United States and the USSR. The Accord called for “the improvement of opportunities for the exchange and dissemination of scientific information…” as well as for “increased exchange and visits…among scientists.”

The six department chairmen concluded their letter by stating their belief “that this action may assist the many scientists throughout the would who are trying to achieve a true free exchange of science and scientists.”

The letter was signed by Dr. Joseph T. Vanderslice, Chemistry Department; Dr. Isidore Adler, Division of Geochemistry; Dr. Jack Minker, Department of Comparative Sciences; Dr. J.K. Goldhaber. Department of Mathematics; Dr. Alex J. Dragt. Department of Physics; and Dr. Helmut Landsberg. Director of the Institute for Fluid Dynamics and Applied Mathematics.