Letter from J B S Haldane to E C Richardson Letter on headed notepaper of University of London, University College 'I quite see your point. I am doubtful whether the suggested action falls within our functions. In any case as president I feel I could only take it if the society asked me to fairly unanimously. In my private capacity I am doing what I can, and since this has (among other things) involved my appearing on the same platform with Mr Harry Pollitt, it has probably done me no good with the authorities. I believe that you would find it difficult to form a resolution which would command universal assent. Would you, for example, support the view that a person would not be discouraged from marriage with a European on the ground of having a 'negro' [sic] great-grandparent? I personally would say yes, but many geneticists would disagree with me. if you care to bring forward a motion, we could test the society's opinion on the subject. But I think more harm would be done by splitting the society if this occurred than good by protesting. I may add that I am on a committee of the Royal Anthropological Society to deal with cognate problems. P.S. Don't think I am trying to stop you, only as president I must consider the society as a whole.' 24 May 1934