| |
N0KFQ > TODAY 16.11.13 16:35l 47 Lines 2283 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 7315_KB0WSA
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Nov 16
Path: IZ3LSV<IW0QNL<JH4XSY<F1OYP<VK6ZRT<N0KFQ<KB0WSA
Sent: 131116/1523Z 7315@KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA BPQK1.4.57
Nov 16, 1945:
German scientists brought to United States to work on rocket
technology
In a move that stirs up some controversy, the United States ships
88 German scientists to America to assist the nation in its
production of rocket technology. Most of these men had served
under the Nazi regime and critics in the United States questioned
the morality of placing them in the service of America.
Nevertheless, the U.S. government, desperate to acquire the
scientific know-how that had produced the terrifying and
destructive V-1 and V-2 rockets for Germany during WWII, and
fearful that the Russians were also utilizing captured German
scientists for the same end, welcomed the men with open
arms.Realizing that the importation of scientists who had so
recently worked for the Nazi regime so hated by Americans was a
delicate public relations situation, the U.S. military cloaked
the operation in secrecy. In announcing the plan, a military
spokesman merely indicated that some German scientists who had
worked on rocket development had "volunteered" to come to the
United States and work for a "very moderate salary." The
voluntary nature of the scheme was somewhat undercut by the
admission that the scientists were in "protective custody." Upon
their arrival in the United States on November 16, newsmen and
photographers were not allowed to interview or photograph the
newcomers. A few days later, a source in Sweden claimed that the
scientists were members of the Nazi team at Peenemeunde where the
V-weapons had been produced. The U.S. government continued to
remain somewhat vague about the situation, stating only that
"certain outstanding German scientists and technicians" were
being imported in order to "take full advantage of these
significant developments, which are deemed vital to our national
security."The situation pointed out one of the many ironies
connected with the Cold War. The United States and the Soviet
Union, once allies against Germany and the Nazi regime during
World War II, were now in a fierce contest to acquire the best
and brightest scientists who had helped arm the German forces in
order to construct weapons systems to threaten each other.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
Using Outpost Ver 2.8.0.c42
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
