Viewing page 140 of 143

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

– 109 –

under way since February 1987 to determine the fair amount to compensate STRI for the impact of the spill on its research operations.

Although Tesaco has consistently denied culpability, claiming that an "Act of God" caused the spill, they have also consistently expressed regret over the inconveniences and tangible consequences of the spill. In that vein, Texaco has agreed to reimburse STRI for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the connection with the clean-up, and to provide a significant grant to be used by STRI to support tropical research. The total amount is expected to be $1,300,000, and resolution of the matter is anticipated prior to October 1. Given the sensitivity of this issue no prior publicity will occur, and a joint press release will be developed announcing the gift.

[[underlined]] Smithsonian Council Meeting [[/underlined]]

The Smithsonian Council will consider two topics when it convenes with the Secretary and staff for its annual meeting October 22 – 25, 1987. The meeting will open on Thursday evening, October 22, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an informal dinner at the Harvard Faculty Club hosted by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. On Friday, October 23, the Council will hold a discussion about Smithsonian astronomy and the research programs, directions and role of the Astrophysical Observatory. On Saturday, October 24, in Washington, the day is set aside for consideration of the Institute's American Indian programs and research and education, including principal issues, directions, and relationships with Native American peoples. The day's events conclude with a tour of the Quadrangle for the Council and an informal dinner at the Renwick Gallery. On Sunday morning, the Council will convene in an executive session to develop comments and recommendations on the topics addressed.

As before, Regents are cordially invited to join Council members and staff for this annual event.

[[underlined]] Television and Other Electronic Media [[/underlined]]

SMITHSONIAN WORLD.

On July 22, 1987, [[underlined]] Smithsonian World's [[/underlined]] third season concluded with broadcast of "Islam," of which [[underlined]] Variety [[/underlined]] wrote: "Sensitive writing backed with outstanding photography. SW achieves what it set out to do, by bringing viewers closer to a positive understanding of religious and political forces that cannot be ignored." The only cultural documentary series on American television, [[underlined]] Smithsonian World [[/underlined]] continues to attract critical acclaim and awards. [[underlined]] The Christian Science Monitor [[/underlined]] said of this season's first show, "The Wyeths' may proved to be the Number One television program of the year on any network… A classic." And it has been nominated for two Emmy awards.

Planning for the fourth year is well underway. As David McCullough has retired from the series to complete his biography of Harry Truman, for which he has received a Guggenheim award, thought is being given to having no on-camera host for this year. There may also be other changes. As Executive Producer Adrian Malone states, "The basic premise remains the same: that [[underlined]] Smithsonian World [[/underlined]] deals in depth with issues. In Season