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'Should Smithsonian elect to make a nominal admission charge for each of its showings of the Motion Picture, then an announcement, agreed by Conoco and Smithsonian, printed or visual, will be made which clearly indicates that funds from the charge will be utilized by Smithsonian for maintenance and operation of the theater.'

While raising the prices in all likelihood does not constitute a contract violation per se, (after all, the original price is merely being restored), nonetheless it clearly provides funds beyond 'maintenance and operation' and would, I feel, be a source of concern to Conoco and a contradiction of our original intent.

"The second point is pure public relations.  At the time of the price reduction, a press release was issued and resulted in a number of inquiries.  If a price rise attracts an equal amount of attention, I think we can be assured of some unfavorable coverage, focusing on the accumulation of Smithsonian trust funds and the uses to which they are put.  Finally, for a visiting family group, the difference between fifty cents and a dollar might well be the difference between being able to afford to see the movie and not.

"I would certainly appreciate any opportunity of presenting this material to the Regents, or any other consideration you might give it."

Subsequent to receipt of the above explanation, members of the Board of Regents were asked to either reaffirm their original intention of raising the admission fee or to reconsider the matter in light of the problems posed and refrain from increasing the fee at this time.  The Regents voted unanimously not to increase the admission fee at this time.