Viewing page 60 of 150

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-58-

The Chancellor asked if we are able to say now, assuming we went ahead today, what amount of funds we might be requesting from Congress five years from now. Mr. Blitzer said that annual operating costs were estimated at $800,000 for the first full year. It was pointed out that certain of the conditions to which any agreement might be subject point out the need to study the operations of the Museum. For example, there should be serious consideration of integrating parts of the Museum activities with other existing Smithsonian activities, such as conservation, the archives and the library. Furthermore, there might be some disposition of parts of the real estate. These factors contribute to the uncertainty of the budget five years hence. It seems to Mr. Blitzer very unlikely that apart from inflation, there would be major increases.
Mr. Higginbotham called attention to the footnote appearing on the first page of Mr. Haskins' report and repeated it to the members as follows: 

"Committee member Mr. Higginbotham recommends that if adequate appropriations are not forthcoming, the Institution seek to reprogram necessary funds from lower priority activities rather than cancelling the acquisition of the Museum."

Mr. Higginbotham continued that it seems to him the ideal resolution would be to authorize the Secretary to negotiate, subject