Viewing page 69 of 73

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-68-

device was to be installed in the National Museum of History and Technology. It was constructed by another subcontractor after the termination of this subcontract. The Department of Justice has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint; however, no action has been taken, probably due to the illness of the judge to whom the case is assigned.

4. [[underline]] Madam Hedia Baccar [[/underline]] v. [[underline]] Mediterranean Marine Sorting Center [[/underline]]

As previously reported, this suit for breach of contract was filed in Tunis by a former employee of the Smithsonian Mediterranean Marine Sorting Center. The case was dismissed by the Tunisian Tribunal of the First Instance on May 17, 1975. The plaintiff has appealed that decision. A hearing on the appeal has taken place and a decision is to be rendered by May 12, 1976.

5. [[underline]] Paul F. Mason [[/underline]] v. [[underline]] United States [[/underline]]

This suit, which was based upon an allegation of racial discrimination, was dismissed by consent December 22, 1975, with a provision that it could be reopened within 60 days if a settlement agreement could not be reached between the parties. As of this date, plaintiff has made no effort whatsoever to reach a settlement, or to reopen the litigation.

6. [[underline]] Clark [[/underline]] v. [[underline]] Smithsonian Institution [[/underline]]

This suit is based on a tort claim for injuries suffered in an automobile accident involving a Smithsonian vehicle. The case has been referred to the Justice Department. The plaintiff seeks $10,000 in damages, but the Justice Department anticipates being able to settle the claim for approximately $600.

7. [[underline]] Benno Benima [[/underline]] v. [[underline]] Smithsonian Institution [[/underline]]

This complaint was filed January 20, 1976, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts alleging that the complainant had been discriminated against on the basis of age. Our review of the facts has resulted in the opinion, which is shared by the U.S. Department of Justice, that the complaint is procedurally defective as well as unmeritorious. It is anticipated that the U.S. Attorney will file an answer or motion to dismiss on our behalf in early May 1976.

8. [[underline]] Donald R. Precure [[/underline]] v. [[underline]] United States and John Naveau [[/underline]]

This suit, filed April 21, 1976, against the United States and an SI security guard, arises out of an incident which took place in the Gem Hall of the National Museum of Natural History in May 1975, when a