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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON

July 22, 1992

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I am writing to ask the Smithsonian to reconsider its decision to withdraw from competition for a contract to manage the Taif Wildlife Research Center and the Mazahat Al-Said Wildlife Protected Area.

A potentially important new area for cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is conservation of the natural environment. Modest initial efforts, such as the U.S. role in establishing the first national park in the Kingdom, have multiplied in the aftermath of Saddam Hussein's wanton assault on the ecology of the Persian Gulf. As Saudis become more conscious of the fragility of the ecological system in which they live, they increasingly turn to the U.S. for technical advice and assistance. We should make every effort to respond effectively.

Over lunch on May 29, the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Saud Al Faisal, mentioned to the Secretary that he was the Executive Director of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development. Prince Saud expressed disappointment that the Smithsonian, despite continuing indications of strong interest, had withdrawn, on May 19, from competition for a contract to manage the Taif Wildlife Research Center and the Mazahat Al-Said Wildlife Protected Area. Anticipating signature, the Commission had dismissed the current management, including the foreign scientists.

I recognize that the management of the Institution must take into account a wide range of factors. However, given the unique opportunity open to the Smithsonian to strengthen U.S.

Dr. Robert McCormick Adams,
Secretary,
Smithsonian.