(Re2c)
A. Einstein
H-2, Mercer Street
Princeton,
New Jersey, U.S.A.
September 1rst,1943
Bureau of Ordnance
Navy Department
Dear Mr. Brunauer:
I am glad and happy that you and Mr. Von Neuman will visit me for a discussion of our problem.
I do not have the feeling that much can be achieved in this matter through mathematical calculation. The reason is the same as in many other cases: you have to introduce, for the sake of simplicity, many doubtful assumptions which may essentially influence the outcome. Experiment seems to me the only reliable way of confirmation in this case. Mr. Kirkwood, furthermore, is the most experienced man for such an enterprise. Till now I do not see a necessity to have an assistant.
I accept your proposition about the financial matters and shall arrange it with the Institute.
With best wishes,
sincerely yours,
