Selected Crisis Note

Example Crisis Note - J. Robert Oppenheimer

Committee: Manhattan Project Crisis

Note Text

Dear Emily Roberts,

My wonderful assistant! You have worked with me for over a decade, and I am still overjoyed every time I get the opportunity to send you a letter. Your service has been characterized by complete loyalty, discretion, and commitment; I appreciate everything that you have done for me very much.

As I'm sure you know, I can not disclose specific details of my recent work. That said, I have a task that I must ask you to do.

I can still remember the vacation my family and I took to Geneva, Switzerland. I yearn for the tranquil parks, lakes, and roads that popped up throughout the city. I would quite like to surprise my family with a vacation house there.

Over the next weeks, I will begin sending you money that I have earned in my recent work, as well as money that I have saved from my years spent in academia. Please begin collecting this money, as well as researching real estate in Geneva. If you find any promising properties please let me know, so I can consider whether it would be a wise investment.

Yours very truly,
J. Robert Oppenheimer

Commentary

• This letter opens by clearly establishing a long-term relationship with a loyal, fictional assistant.
• The note stays entirely in character as a personal letter — no out-of-character commentary or parenthetical notes.
• The character (Oppenheimer) gives specific instructions to collect money and investigate Geneva real estate.
• Though his true intention (to flee the country) is hidden, his actions and requests align with that goal.
• The letter also subtly introduces character assets: a trusted assistant, funds from government work, and a family.