Oak Ridge petition, July 13, 1945
Source: U.S. National Archives, Record Group 77, Records of the Chief of Engineers, Manhattan Engineer District, Harrison-Bundy File, folder #76. Leo Szilard sent copies of the July 3 version of the Chicago petition to the Manhattan Project laboratory at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. After discussion and debate, the Oak Ridge scientists produced two similar petitions. The petition reproduced below endorsed the July 3 version, with a modification to the last paragraph. This petition received 18 signatures, which are listed here in alphabetical order.
July 13, 1945.
We, the undersigned, agree in essence with the attached petition, but feel that our attitude is more clearly expressed if its last paragraph is replaced by the following: We respectfully petition that the use of atomic bombs, particularly against cities, be sanctioned by you as the Chief Executive only under the following conditions: 1. Opportunity has been given to the Japanese to surrender on terms ensuring them the possibility of peaceful development in their homeland. 2. Convincing warnings have been given that a refusal to surrender will be followed by the use of a new weapon. 3. Responsibility for use of atomic bombs is shared with our allies. [in alphabetical order:] 1. Garland M. Branch, Jr. 2. Edmond D. Cashwell 3. Frank C. Hoyt 4. Edwin P. Meiners, Jr. 5. Forrest H. Murray 6. Lothar W. Nordheim 7. Lionel D. Norris, Jr. 8. Louis A. Pardue 9. J. H. Rush 10. Raymond B. Sawyer 11. David Saxon 12. Richard Scalettar 13. Frederic Schuler 14. Harold Schweinler 15. Arthur H. Snell 16. Harry Soodak 17. Alvin M. Weinberg 18. E. O. Wollan
Note: These names were transcribed from hand-written signatures. Although efforts have been made to verify correct spelling, errors may remain.