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With reference to the foregoing report, the Secretary mentioned that the Institution will continue to be involved in such exchanges.  Mr. Ripley reported that he himself has been asked to present a scientific paper in connection with a geological and biological seminar and field trip to be held in China in late May and June.  He will be joined by several of his Smithsonian scientific colleagues.  Mr. Ripley felt this exchange activity gave the Institution a unique opportunity to establish long-lasting relationships with Chinese scholars and cultural leaders.

He added that such relations, particularly in the sciences, have been initiated with Cuba, or specifically with the Cuban Academy of Sciences.  With an invitation from the Cuban Academy in the spring of 1978, the Smithsonian sent a delegation of thirteen scientists to Cuba.  In the spring of 1979 a Cuban delegation of nine, including the President of the Academy, visited the Smithsonian, and in October 1979 a group of Smithsonian scientists went to conduct field studies and museum work in Cuba.  Mr. Ripley now plans to visit the Cuban Academy in April 1980, during the Congressional recess, to pursue his scientific interests and to establish more firmly the Institution's scientific relationships.

[[underlined]]Regents Dinner[[/underlined]]

At the invitation of the Secretary and Mrs. Ripley the Regents gathered at the Museum of History and Technology for dinner on Sunday evening, January 27, 1980.  The evening included mechanical demonstrations in the Hall of Heavy Machinery and, during dinner in the Hall of Musical Instruments, a performance of American music from the age of Jefferson to that of Cole Porter.  The Secretary presented the following citation to the retiring Under Secretary: