Pauling's troubles as a victim of anti-Communist politics was splashed across newspapers in England and France during the late spring of 1952. French scientists especially were united in their criticism of U.S. policy in the case; the U.S. science attache in Paris reported that one French physiologist told him that the Americans must be, "losing their minds."

To show their support, the French elected Pauling "Honorary President" of the summer 1952 Paris International Biochemical Congress. His arrival with his new passport caused a sensation. News of his political troubles and defiance of the government had made him a hero in France, and his hastily arranged talk on protein structures drew an overflow crowd. Afterward, he was swarmed by researchers eager to shake the honorary president's hand and express their admiration for his principles. He and Ava Helen received a stream of friends and well-wishers in their rooms at the Trianon.