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time that the Indian Bureau fails to be a human problem then we won't need an Indian Bureau. Any time that the Indian race has so advanced that you can control the remotely from the Portland office there won't be any need of an Indian Bureau. There is a bill in Congress to abolish the Area offices I understand.

Answer: I have gone into the latter. I believe the area offices can be of service to you and if and when I feel that they can't we will find some way of handling them. I recommend that we get down to programs and policies and not battle over organization at this time. 

Question, Mary Hillaire, Lummi, Washington.
Under the proposed decentralization program would the granting of loans to students for educational purposes, would the area offices be empowered to make the loans? 

Answer: I don't see why we can't make those allocations?

Question, Edward Wilson, Chippewa, Minnesota. 
I have heard that after the claims are settled for the Chippewas of Minnesota we will be turned loose within a car or two. Why should that area office be continued? We much favor giving more authority to our Superintendents rather than the area office. Give the superintendents more power which would be easier for our people to do their business at local agencies. If we are going to be turned loose why should that area office be continued. 

Answer: I hadn't heard that rumor. I have stated my position this morning on that issue. I think any programs will be worked out with you folks. I am not sure how long we need particular area office nor how many of them we need but I am sure we don't want to do all the business in Washington and it will be a longer distance for Joe to travel. I have no definite plans regarding any area to withdraw services until we have had a chance to consult the people involved. On California I hope we can withdraw our services within the next few years. Also New York state. 

Question, Josephine Kelley, Standing Rock, North Dakota.
I hope the NCAI members remember that in Denver Dr. Will Rogers, Jr. recommended that Dr. Dillon Ryer be suggested for Commissioner. Standing Rock Indians want abolishment of area offices. 

Answer: I was told that we were going to have a question session.

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