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In answer to the question of whether the resolution has been examined in light of conditions considered by the Committee, Mr. Blitzer reported that the bill as written does fulfill the wishes of the Committee.  It is explicitly conditioned upon the receipt of an adequate appropriation, and the Smithsonian does not get the Museum until that happens.  The Regents remain totally free legally to dispose of the property as they see fit, and although there will be an advisory commission, it is purely advisory and the Regents will make policy and be responsible for the conduct of the Museum.

Dr. Gell-Mann inquired whether by supporting this motion we take any position whether the collection will be moved?   Judge Higginbotham said there are some houses which are absolutely essential to the Museum as it is at present.  In the future, however, there would probably be some negotiations as to what would be retained or disposed of.  There are no plans to make any immediate moves.

It was specifically noted that this legislation fulfills the four conditions recommended by the [[underlined]] ad hoc [[/underlined]] Committee and accepted by the Board of Regents.  Specifically, the draft Bill does the following:

1.  Authorizes the Board of Regents to accept a deed or other instrument donating and transferring to the Smithsonian all assets of the Museum of African Art;

2.  Establishes in the Smithsonian a bureau to be known as the "Frederick Douglas Museum of African Art";

3.  Authorizes the Board of Regents to perform all the functions common to the operation of a museum including explicit authority "to see, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property of whatsoever nature. . . ";