George Sarton, professor of the History of Science, emeritus, replying to charges levelled against professors at Harvard and M.I.T. by the House Un-American Activities Committee, yesterday declared that "the danger is not in the things which students or professors may say, but that they may be intimidated into saying nothing."
Sarton is chairman of the Struik Defense Committee, a group formed last fall to raise money for the defense of Dirk J. Struck, suspended professor of Mathematics at M.I.T.
The policy statement of the committee reads, "We believe that Professor Struik should have the right to express his views without intimidation. Without taking a stand on his political opinions, we feel his indictment is a potential threat to the freedom of expression of all of us."
It continues, "Agreement or disagreement with Professor Struik's views is not an issue here, and this statement is directed to Americans of all political beliefs. It is important that this case be defended vigorously and to the full by all freedom-loving people."
Sarton said that to his knowledge Struik has not advocated the overthrow of the U.S. government by force. "I don't believe that he has been so strong in his statements as some Republicans have been in speaking about Truman and Roosevelt," Sarton commented.
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