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-60-

[[preprinted]]  
U. Alexis Johnson
[[line]]

3133 Connecticut Avenue N.W.  Wasahington D.C. 20008
[[/preprinted]]

January 8, 1980

The Honorable
Warren E. Burger,
Chancellor
The Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Chancellor:

I understand that my personal views might be welcomed with regard to the propriety of the Institution seeking some support from the Keidanren (Japanese Federation of Industries) for construction of a proposed Asian center on the Mall.

The Keidanren is a unique institution without any real parallel in our economic life.  In some ways it parallels the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National  Association of Manufacturers, but goes beyond them in the broadness of its interests.  Its membership includes the top business and industrial elite of Japan and while in no position to dictate to the government, it has a strong influence on government policy, and on the election of members of the Diet.

While it has some funds of its own, when major amounts are required it has proved effective in encouraging some of its members to contribute to causes which has its support, in particularly for American colleges and universities.  I have never heard of any instance in which such support was criticized  or used to bring improper influence on an institution.

While American institutions have received very considerable support for numerous projects, my own impression is that as business conditions in Japan have slowed in recent years, the Keidanren and its members are becoming much more reluctant to enter into the support of projects abroad, particularly for construction of buildings.  On the other hand Japanese business has become much more concerned at its "image" in the United States.