Rotblat has just returned from a trip to the United States where he has been discussing the postponement of the Moscow conference, which he fears has caused damage.

However, he expresses that the postponement of the conference was almost inevitable as some of the American scientists they wanted in Moscow are in prominent positions, such as Wiesner who is Kennedy's chief scientific advisor, "... and their participation in a conference in Moscow would probably be used by the other side as a strong electioneering weapon, which could damage very considerably the chances of the Democratic Party."

Rotblat asks BR if he will be in London 10 and 11 September, as the Pugwash Continuing Committee intends on holding a meet those days. "I now have the uncomfortable task of writing to all European participants to apologize for the postponement. I am afraid we have lost a lot of goodwill and I doubt whether many of those who have previously accepted will be able to come next time."