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Mr. Adams briefed the Committee on a number of recent developments and items of sensitivity, such as personal selections in the offing, which were not reflected in the proposed agenda materials and which he would bring to the attention of the full Board at its May 9 meeting. Introducing the Financial Report, Miss Leven noted that management is prepared to approve an increase of $.25 in ticket prices for the Air and Space museum theater and spacearium in anticipation of increasing costs.  The Committee agreed that the future increases of this sort ought to be considered by management in the normal process of budgeting. Commenting on the Financial Report, Mr. Jameson underscored how well the Smithsonian had been treated in the formulation of the President's budget for fiscal year 1989, particularly with respect to the Institution's planning and contracting for the repair and renovation of its facilities.  Miss Leven noted that, in accordance with the authority of the Secretary to establish and terminate bank accounts as provided by the Board of Regents on September 17, 1979, the Smithsonian has closed three accounts which were no longer needed in Manila, Dublin, and Washington, D.C.

In the Committee's discussion of the agenda paper on Afro-American Programming, Mr. Humelsine expressed appreciation for the helpful interest which Chairman Yates of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior and Related Agencies has shown in this area. Mr. Anderson added that more than a dozen highly qualified minority candidates have been proposed for hiring under the "fast-track" recruitment process which was recently established and which is referred to below under the status report on Affirmative Action Initiatives.

The Secretary brought the Committee up to date on the various discussions which have recently taken place on the Museum of the American Indian. It was noted that on April 14 Mr. Humelsine released the following statement on behalf of the Executive Committee:

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Washington, D.C.

[[underlined]] Statement of Carlisle H. Humelsine,
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Regents [[/underlined]]

The Executive Committee of the Board of Regents has not yet had the benefit of a complete discussion with Secretary Adams on the Museum of the American Indian and the recently amended S. 1722.  However, judging from the materials that are available we strongly endorse the position which the Secretary has taken and which, in fact, reflects earlier discussions and the position of the board of Regents.

From the Executive Committee's point of view, it would be unconscionable and irresponsible to provide for a National Museum of American Indian on the Mall without assuring that It will have responsibility for substantial permanent collections.  The Committee is also concerned that authorities proposed for the Museum's Board of Trustees would fundamentally violate the Smithsonian's Charter and would forever cripple Smithsonian management.  In both respects the proposed measure