H.G. Wells, noted author, when informed of Dr. Sigmund Freud’s death, expressed keen regret that the famous scientist’s “passionate desire” to become a British citizen had not been satisfied.
“A number of us,” he said, “did all we could to satisfy that desire, for it was a great honor to Britain. But we were unable to do it. All that was necessary was a small private bill which could have been passed in half an hour with the consent of the Government, but it was not done. I am extraordinarily sorry that it couldn’t be done.”
All newspapers here published editorials eulogizing Prof. Freud, whom the News Chronicle termed the “greatest scientist of his age.” All commented on the Nazi persecution which drove him, in the last year of his life, into exile.
Sir William Bragg, president of the Royal Society, declared that Dr. Freud “was very greatly respected and was an honored member of the Royal Society. Britain was delighted to help him when he was in difficulties and all will miss him.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
