Robert R. Wilson discusses arguing with Luis Alvarez about Communism.

Wilson:

On the other hand, Luis arguing with me might have thought I was a Communist, or something close to it. But it was fun. I've always enjoyed arguing with Luis. He has a very keen mind, for one thing, and he likes to argue, and he would take the time. I was miles from Luis. Whatever his politics were, mine were different, although we had quite a bit of common ground. I felt much closer to him that I was to the Communists around. But I still would argue with him like all hell.

I brought that up as an indication of the friendliness of the place. We never lost a close relationship, during that period. Later, I think my relationship with Luis got a little strained — during the Korean War or the McCarthy period, when the people at Berkeley went into hydrogen work, then —

Weart:

— you were in the other —

Wilson:

— yes — then I think our relationship did become quite strained. But during the time I was a student and for a long time afterwards my relationship to everybody there was very warm. And although we argued a lot, why, we would all go to DiBiasi’s parties and such, and everybody would go and have a good time together. Also, Ernest would take a group to his home, usually before the Monday evening Journal Club. He had a boat, and he was very good at inviting us to go with him on his boat.