With Utmost Regret

During his last turbulent years in public office, David Lilienthal had often turned the phrases over in his mind. They came easily last week as he wrote his letter to the President. "I submit herewith my resignation as chairman and member of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission ... to be effective at the close of business on December 31, 1949."

The letter was not a complete surprise (TiME, Nov. 28). Lilienthal had hinted broadly that, at 50, he had found it high time to divorce himself from Government salaries (present salary: $17,500) and start building for his own financial future. "These years have certainly been strenuous and exacting," he wrote, "but they have also been very rewarding, in every way except financially . . ." And, added articulate David Lilienthal, he had long wanted the chance to discuss the problems of the atom more freely "than is either feasible or suitable for one who carries specific public responsibilities."

Who's in Charge? Other reasons he left unmentioned, but one was written large in last summer's headlines. In answering up to Republican Senator Bourke B. Hickenlooper's charges of maladministration, Lilienthal had rekindled the partisan politics which blazed up during the fight over his nomination. Should he stand for reappointment in 1950, he reasoned that neither he nor the program would benefit from another tumultuous going-over.

There was another, more subtle factor. Under Chairman Lilienthal's stewardship, the U.S. atomic program had successfully made the transition from military to civilian control. Production and morale were up; personnel turnover had been reduced; scientific research had taken big strides (see SCIENCE). But with Russian possession of the bomb, new readjustments were bound to come. It was probably time for congressional re-evaluation of the Atomic Energy (McMahon) Act of 1946, for redefining problems of secrecy and military security, for clarifying the checks & balances on AEC--the "advisory" scientists, the military liaison officers, the joint congressional "watchdog" committee itself. Any changes that had to be made would come more smoothly under a less controversial AEC chairman.

On Call. Lilienthal's old enemies were jubilant. Cried Tennessee's aged Senator Kenneth McKellar, who had badgered Lilienthal ever since his days with the Tennessee Valley Authority: "The country is better off.", But Illinois' Senator Paul Douglas declared that David Lilienthal was a "great public servant" who deserved to know that "the great mass of Americans recognize the splendid work he has done." In a letter of unusual warmth and appreciation to "Dear Dave," President Harry Truman agreed. "Reluctantly and with the utmost regret," he accepted the resignation, but with the understanding that Lilienthal would still be on call at any time.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.