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The original documents are located in Box 5, folder "Schedule Proposals" of the Bradley H.
Patterson Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 5 of the Bradley H. Patterson Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
June 6, 1974
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
LEONARD GARMENT
SUBJECT:
Federal Design Improvement Program:
Call for Cabinet and Agency Head
Meetings
Under your leadership and encouragement, the National Endowment
for the Arts has been spearheading an impressive effort to improve
standards and products of design throughout the Executive Branch:
from architecture to stationery.
A first Federal Design Assembly was held in April of 1973 to bring to
federal agencies directly a picture of the opportunities and benefits
in improving design (see Tab A).
A second Federal Design Assembly is planned for this Fall to follow
up on the first and to nail down commitments from Department heads
and their top staffs that they will continue to give these opportunities
priority attention.
Nancy Hanks and the National Endowment for the Arts are actively
leading this effort; she has already, for instance, convened panels
of top designers who can render free advisory help to any agencies on
their publications and graphics; the Civil Service Commission is helping
with recruitment and employment of design professionals within the
Federal Service.
A visual/oral briefing has been prepared, demonstrating the benefits
to Departments and Agencies in improving their design systems, not
the least of which are more effective functioning and the saving of
time and money.
Now is the time for Cabinet and Agency heads to designate liaison
officers for this program, to make plans for attending the Fall
. 2 -
Design Assembly and to start working more closely with Nancy
Hanks and Bob Hampton on implementation. Two similar but
separate memoranda are attached for your signature to get these
processes started (see Tab B).
As soon as you return in July, Nancy and I want to have Cabinet
Members and, later the same day, agency heads, see this visual/
oral briefing (and will submit a schedule proposal with the hope
that you can drop in on the first of those two briefings personally).
The second, larger meeting, with agency heads, will also have
some of the press invited.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the two memoranda.
March 28, 1973
Last May I called upon the Federal Council on
the Arts and Humanities to sponsor an annual
Design Assembly for Federal administrators
and artists.
Today I am pleased to welcome you to the first
of these important gatherings.
One of the most influential principles of modern
design holds that form should follow function.
Unfortunately, this principle has not always been
reflected in our public lives. It is disheartening
to think that archeologists might someday dig
about the remains of our public buildings, recall
that this was an age in which form presumably
followed function, and then reflect upon what
government must have been like if its functions
were reflected in these designs.
The ideas that shape American government are
among the noblest in human thought. I believe
this nobility can and should be reflected in the
excellence of our public design, 80 that future
generations may look at what we created and
think well, not only of our creations, but also
of ourselves.
It is in this spirit that I wish you a most productive
and satisfying session.
RICHARD NIXON
MEMORANDUM FOR
MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
The Federal Design Improvement Program, initiated by this
Administration, is two years old, and I am encouraged with the
progress made to date. The long-range success of this effort
depends in large part both on your personal understanding of the
program's goals and its benefits to the nation, and on your Department's
continuing and institutional follow-through on the program's objectives.
To provide you with a background on the progress of our efforts
to promote design excellence in the Federal Government, 1 had
planned a briefing for the Cabinet on June 13, 1974. Since I will
be in the Middle East at that time, I have rescheduled the briefing
on the Federal Design Improvement Program for July. Your office
will be notified of the date and time for this briefing within the next
several weeks.
In the meantime, I am requesting that you designate one of your
Assistant Secretaries or an equivalent officer to serve as your
Agency's liaison officer for the Federal Design Improvement Program.
That officer's first responsibility will be to compile an invitation list
of your agency's representatives to attend the Second Federal Design
Assembly, September 11-12, 1974 in Washington, D.C. Please have
your liaison officer contact the National Endowment for the Arts
(382-6841) for more specific information.
As I said in my message of May 16, 1972, the Federal Government
has an appropriate and critical role to play in encouraging standards
of design excellence. To promote these standards, four specific
efforts are underway:
-- an annual Design Assembly for Federal administrators
-- a review and expansion of the "1962 Guiding Principles
for Federal Architecture"
- 2 -
-- A Federal Graphics Improvement Program
-- A Civil Service Commission review of current recruiting
and rating procedures for design professionals.
I believe the Federal Design Improvement Program deserves attention
at the highest levels of government because effective Federal design
can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all agencies. As we
approach the Bicentennial, I would like to see the Federal Government
reflect the highest standards of design excellence in all its programs.
MEMORANDUM FOR
AGENCY HEADS
The Federal Design Improvement Program, initiated by this
Administration, is two years old, and I am encouraged with
the progress made to date. The long-range success of this
effort depends in large part both on your personal understanding
of the program's goals and its benefits to the nation, and on your
Agency's continuing and institutional follow-through on the
program's objectives.
To provide you with a background on the progress of our efforts
to promote design excellence in the Federal Government, I had
planned a briefing for Agency Heads on June 13, 1974. Since I
will be in the Middle East at that time, I have rescheduled the
briefing on the Federal Design Improvement Program for July.
Your office will be notified of the date and time for this briefing
within the next several weeks.
In the meantime, I am requesting that you designate one of your
senior associates to serve as your Agency's liaison officer for the
Federal Design Improvement Program. That officer's first
responsibility will be to compile an invitation list of your agency's
representatives to attend the Second Federal Design Assembly,
September 11-12, 1974 in Washington, D.C. Please have your
liaison officer contact immediately the National Endowment for
the Arts (382-6841) for more specific information.
As I said in my message of May 16, 1972, the Federal Government
has an appropriate and critical role to play in encouraging standards
of design excellence. To promote these standards, four specific
efforts are underway:
-- an annual Design Assembly for Federal administrators
a review and expansion of the "1962 Guiding Principles
for Federal Architecture"
- 2 -
-- A Federal Graphics Improvement Program
-- A Civil Service Commission review of current recruiting
and rating procedures for design professionals.
I believe the Federal Design Improvement Program deserves attention
at the highest levels of government because effective Federal design
can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all agencies. As we
approach the Bicentennial, I would like to see the Federal government
reflect the highest standards of design excellence in all its programs.
Did NOT 6°
look in file for
Tab A
1115.6.74
May 29, 1974
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
LEONARD GARMENT
SUBJECT:
Federal Design Improvement Programs
Call for Cabinet and Agengy Head
Meetings
Under your leadership and encouragement, the National Endowment
for the Arts has been spearheading an effort to improve standards and
products of design throughout the Executive Branch; from architecture
to stationery.
A first Federal Design Assembly was held in April of 1973 to bring to
federal agencies directly a picture of the opportunities and benefits
in improving design (see Tab A).
A second Federal Design Assembly is planned for this Fall to follow
up on the first and to nail down commitments from Department heads
and their top staffs that they will continue to give these opportunities
priority attention.
Nancy Hanlis and the National Endowment for the Arts are actively
leading this effort; she has already, for instance, convened panels
of top designers who can render free advisory help to any agencies on
their publications and graphics; the Civil Service Commission is helping
with recruitment and employment of design professionals within the
Federal Service.
A visual/oral briefing has been prepared, demonstrating the benefits
to Departments and Agencies in improving their design systems, not
the least of which are more effective functioning and the saving of
time and money.
New is the time for Cabinet and Agency heads to see this briefing,
to designate liaison officers for this program, to make plans for
attending the Fall Design Assembly and to start working more
closely with Nancy Hanks and Bob Hampton on implementation.
- a -
Nancy and I recommend that since this has been your leadership
all along, you issue the call to (a) Cabinet Members and (b) Agency
Heads to attend two similar briefings on the same day (June 13);
(we will later submit a schedule proposal with the hope that you
could drop in on the first of these two meetings personally).
The second, larger meeting, with agency heads, will also have
some of the press invited.
Two separate, but similar, memoranda are attached for your
signature, (Tab B).
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the two memoranda.
bcc: Nancy Hanks
Dave Parker
MEMORANDUM FOR
MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
The Federal Design Improvement Program, initiated by this
Administration, is two years old, and I am encouraged with the
progress made to date. The long-range success of this effort
depends in large part both on your personal understanding of the
program's goals and its benefits to the nation, and on your
Department's continuing and institutional follow-through on the
program's objectives.
To provide you with the background on the progress of our efforts
to promote design excellence in the Federal Government, I invite
you to attend a briefing for Cabinet Officers on June 13 at 10:00 a.m.
in the West Wing of the White House.
I am also requesting that you designate one of your Assistant
Secretaries or an equivalent officer to serve as your Department's
liaison officer for the Federal Design Improvement Program. You
should bring this officer with you to the June 13 briefing.
As I said in my message of May 16, 1972, the Federal Government has
an appropriate and critical role to play in encouraging standards of
design excellence. To promote these standards, four specific efforts
are underway:
-- an annual Design Assembly for Federal administrators
a review and expansion of the "1962 Guiding Principles for
Federal Architecture"
-- a Federal Graphics Improvement Program
a Civil Service Commission review of current recruiting and
rating procedures for design professionals.
I believe the Federal Design Improvement Program deserves
attention at the highest levels of government because effective
Federal design can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all
agencies. As we approach the Bicentennial, I would like to see
the Federal Government reflect the highest standards of design
excellence in all Its programs.
MEMORANDUM FOR
AGENCY HEADS
The Federal Design Improvement Program, initiated by this
Administration, is two years old, and I am encouraged with
the progress made to date. The long-range success of this
effort depends in large part both on your personal understanding
of the program's goals and its benefits to the nation, and on your
Agency's continuing and institutional follow-through on the program's
objectives.
To provide you with the background on the progress of our efforts
to promote design excellence in the Federal Government, I invite
you to attend a briefing for Agency Heads of June 13 at 2:30 p.m.
in Room 450 of the Executive Office Building.
I am also requesting that you designate one of your senior associates
to serve as your Agency's liaison officer for the Federal Design
Improvement Program. You should bring this officer with you to
the June 13 briefing and confirm your attendance to the National
Endowment for the Arts (382-6841). Invited members of the press
will be present.
As I said in my message of May 16, 1972, the Federal Government
has an appropriate and critical role to play in encouraging standards
of design excellence. To promote these standards, four specific
efforts are underway:
-- an annual Design Assembly for Federal administrators
-- a review and expansion of the "1962 Guiding Principles for
Federal Architecture"
-- a Federal Graphics Improvement Program
-- a Civil Service Commission review of current recruiting and
rating procedures for design professionals.
- 2 -
I believe the Federal Design Improvement Program deserves attention
at the highest levels of government because effective Federal design
can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all agencies. As
we approach the Bicentennial, I would like to see the Federal
government reflect the highest standards of design excellence in
all its programs.
June 26, 1974
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
LEONARD GARMENT
SUBJECT:
Federal Design Improvement Program:
Call for Cabinet and Agency Head
Meetings
Under your leadership and encouragement, the National Endowment
for the Arts has been spearheading an impressive effort to improve
standards and products of design throughout the Executive Branch:
from architecture to stationery.
A first Federal Design Assembly was held in April of 1973 to bring to
federal agencies directly a picture of the opportunities and benefits
in improving design (see Tab A).
A second Federal Design Assembly is planned for this Fall to follow
up on the first and to nail down commitments from Department heads
and their top staffs that they will continue to give these opportunities
priority attention.
Nancy Hanks and the National Endowment for the Arts are actively
leading this effort; she has already, for instance, convened panels
of top designers who can render free advisory help to any agencies on
their publications and graphics; the Civil Service Commission is helping
with recruitment and employment of design professionals within the
Federal Service.
A visual/oral briefing has been prepared, demonstrating the benefits
to Departments and Agencies in improving their design systems, not
the least of which are more effective functioning and the saving of
time and money.
Now is the time for Cabinet and Agency heads to designate liaison
officers for this program, to make plans for attending the Fall
OF FORD
March 28, 1973
Last May I called upon the Federal Council on
the Arts and Humanities to sponsor an annual
Design Assembly for Federal administrators
and artists.
Today I am pleased to welcome you to the first
of these important gatherings.
One of the most Influential principles of modern
design holds that form should follow function.
Unfortunately, this principle has not always been
reflected in our public lives. It is disheartening
to think that archeologists might someday dig
about the remains of our public buildings, recall
that this was an age in which form presumably
followed function, and then reflect upon what
government must have been like if its functions
were reflected in these designs.
The ideas that shape American government are
among the nohlest in human thought. I believe
this nobility can and should be reflected in the
excellence of our public design, 80 that future
generations may look at what we created and
think well, not only of our creations, but also
of ourselves.
It is in this spirit that 1 wish you a most productive
and satisfying session.
FORD
RICHARD NIXON
MEMORANDUM FOR DEPARTMENT AND AGENCY HEADS
The Federal Design Improvement Program, initiated by this
Administration, is two years old, and I am encouraged with the
progress made to date. The long-range success of this effort
depends in large part both on your personal understanding of the
program's goals and its benefits to the nation, and on your
Department's continuing and institutional follow-through on the
program's objectives.
To help assure that follow-through, I have asked Leonard Garment
to send each of you a memorandum with some further instructions
to ensure an effective implementation of this program.
As I said in my message of May 16, 1972, the Federal Government
has an appropriate and critical role to play in encouraging standards
of design excellence. To promote these standards, four specific
efforts are underway:
--
an annual Design Assembly for Federal administrators
--
a review and expansion of the "1962 Guiding Principles
for Federal Architecture"
--
a Federal Graphics Improvement Program
a Civil Service Commission review of current recruiting
and rating procedures for design professionals.
I believe the Federal Design Improvement Program deserves
attention at the highest levels of government because effective
Federal design can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all
agencies. As we approach the Bicentennial, I would like to see the
Federal Government reflect the highest standards of design excellence
in all its programs.
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
FROM:
LEONARD GARMENT
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Federal Design Improvement Program
In accordance with the President's memorandum of
each of you is requested:
A. To designate one of your Assistant Secretaries or an
equivalent officer to serve as your Department's liaison officer
for the Federal Design Improvement Program. That officer's
first responsibility will be to compile an invitation list of your
Department's representatives to attend the Second Federal Design
Assembly, September 11-12, 1974 in Washington, D.C. By July
.
please have your liaison officer call the National Endowment for the
Arts (382-6841) for more specific instructions.
B. To attend a special briefing for the Cabinet in the West Wing
of the White House at 10:00 a.m. on July 31, 1974. You are asked to
bring your designated liaison officer with you at that time.
MEMORANDUM FOR:
AGENCY HEADS
FROM:
LEONARD GARMENT
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Federal Design Improvement Program
In accordance with the President's memorandum of
each of you is requested:
A. To designate one of your senior associates of at least
Assistant Secretary rank to serve as your Agency's liaison officer
for the Federal Design Improvement Program. That officer's
first responsibility will be to compile an invitation list of your
Agency's representatives to attend the Second Federal Design
Assembly, September 11-12, 1974 in Washington, D.C. By July
,
please have your liaison officer call the National Endowment for the
Arts (382-6841) for more specific instructions.
B. To attend a special briefing for Agency Heads in the Executive
Briefing Room of the White House (Room 450 EOB) at 2:30 p.m. on
July 31, 1974. You are asked to bring your designated liaison officer
with you at that time. Some members of the press will also be present.
CC: The Chairman, Civil Service Commission
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL
DATE: July 16, 1974
FROM: Leonard Garment
Via:
David Parker
MEETING:
Drop-by.
DATE:
July 31, 1974 -- 10:00 a.m. or 10:30 a. m.
PURPOSE:
To kick off or wind up a slide presentation
Nancy Hanks and I will be making to the
entire Cabinet on the Federal Design Improvement
Program and the upcoming Second Federal
Design Assembly. To confirm your interest
in and commitment to this program (see Tab A).
FORMAT:
Cabinet Room for five minutes.
Entire Cabinet will be there, and each Member
will be bringing his Department's designated
liaison officer for the Federal Design Improvement
Program. They will be viewing a 15-minute
slide-presentation emphasising the benefits of
good design and will have a wind-up by Nancy
about the Second Federal Design Assembly planned
for next September 11-12. You would begin or end
the meeting but would not have to sit through the
presentation itself. (A second similar briefing,
for Agency Heads and their designees plus selected
press is being held at 2:30 p.m. on the same day
in Room 450 EOB.)
SPEECH
You would make five minutes of remarks on the
MATERIAL:
theme of the importance of good design throughout
the federal establishment.
PRESS
Photo opportunity or Oilie Atkins photo, at Ron's
COVERAGE:
discretion.
STAFF:
Leonard Garment, Bradley H. Patterson, Jr.
RECOMMEND:
Nancy Hanks, Leonard Garment
- 2 -
OPPOSED:
None known.
PREVIOUS
PARTICIPATION:
You made a tape message to the First Federal
Design Assembly on April 2, 1973; you have
written two messages about this program
(see Tab A).
BACKGROUND:
Pro: Design shows up in everything the Executive
Branch does; an association of you with
design improvement means an additional
imprint from you on the federal system for
a long time to come.
Con: The Design Assembly is going to go ahead
with the momentum you have given it
already; its fate and success won't hinge
on this particular drop-by.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
March 28, 1973
Last May I called upon the Federal Council on
the Arts and Humanities to sponsor an annual
Design Assembly for Federal administrators
and artists.
Today I am pleased to welcome you to the first
of these important gatherings.
One of the most Influential principles of modern
design holds that form should follow function.
Unfortunately, this principle has not always been
reflected in our public lives. Is is disheartening
to think that archeologists might someday dig
about the remains of our public buildings, recall
that this 1989 an age in which form presumably
followed function, and then reflect upon what
government must have been like if its functions
were reflected in these designs.
The ideas that shape American government are
among the noblest in human thought. I believe
this nobility can and should be reflected in the
excellence of our public design, so that future
generations may look at what we created and
think well, not only of our creations, but also
of ourselves.
It is in this spirit that I wish you a most productive
and satisfying session.
RICHARD NIXON
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL
DATE: July 31, 1974
FROM: Leonard Garment
VIA:
David N. Parker
MEETING:
Dedication of the Hirshhorn Museum and
Sculpture Garden. Black Tie Dinner,
brief remarks; Mrs. Nixon is also invited.
DATE:
Tuesday, October 1, 1974; 6:30 - 9:30 p. p.m.
or any segment of time in between.
PURPOSE:
To express the appreciation of the Government
and the people of the United States for the
Hirshhorn gift of 4,000 paintings and 2, 000
sculptures.
FORMAT:
Location of the black tie dinner is the original
Great Hall of the Smithsonian Institution, next
door to the new Museum. Dillon Ripley will
be the Master of Ceremonies; the Chief Justice
will attend in his capacity as Chancellor of the
Smithsonian, also Pat Moynihan in his capacity
as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
Hirshhorn Museum. Other Congressional,
governmental and citisen leaders will attend --
a total of about 100.
The President can make brief remarks at any
time at his convenience; his participation has
not been included in the printed program.
At 9:00 p.m. the dedication group moves from
the Great Hall across the street to the Plasa
of the Hirshhorn Museum and Mr. Hirshhorn,
aided by Messrs. Burger and Moynihan, will
officiate at the actual "opening" ceremony. At
the end would be a tour of the Museum and Garden
(optional for the President), with dancing and a
reception to conclude the evening.
- 2 -
SPEECH
I will assist Dave Gergen in working this
MATERIAL:
up, in consultation with the Smithsonian
people.
PRESS
COVERAGE:
Press will cover the dinner and ceremonies
in full.
STAFF:
Also receiving invitations will be: Kissinger,
Armstreag, Ash, Haig, Ziegler, Stein, Timmons,
Garment, Baroody, Rose Woods, Helen Smith,
Lucy Winchester, Steve Bull. The entire
Cabinet will be invited.
RECOMMEND:
Leonard Garment
OPPOSED:
None known.
PREVIOUS
PARTICIPATION:
Records show that you have not met Mr. Hirshhorn
since you became President.
BACKGROUND;
You are recognised as having taken significant
initiatives to aid the arts and humanities during
your administration; this would be an occasion
to take some credit for these initiatives. On
the con side the authorising bill for the Muesum
was passed and signed in the previous administration.
As a matter of information the sculpture and
paintings in the Hirshhorn collection are broadly
representative works of the major contemporary
artists. Pat Moynihan asked me to emphasise to
you his personal hope that you will attend.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 30, 1974
Frank -
Leonard and I would like
to suggest the indicated amendments
to the draft talking points re the
upcoming Indian leaders' meeting with
the President. I have put them into
the form of a clean draft.
Incidentally, Dick LaCourse
has left Washington; Rose Robinson is
running the Washington AIPA office
now.
Bend
Pattraso
FORD of LIBRARY 938839
September 30, 1974
MEETING WITH LEADERS OF THE
AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITY
Unscheduled
(15 minutes)
The Oval Office
1. PURPOSE
To reassure Indian people of your support for the
philosophy and goals of self-determination.
II.
BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS AND PRESS PLAN
A. Background:
L
Indian leaders first of all want reassurance that
the policy of "self-determination without termination",
set forth in a Special Message of 1970, is going to
be continued and in fact strengthened in this
Administration.
2. Indian leaders also would like to hear confirmation
from you that they will continued to be consulted
on matters which affect them .. a premise made
is 1970 and adhered to semewhat imporfectly since.
3.
Five specific issues on Indian minds which you are
likely to hear about are:
a) Are we going to replace the defunct National
Council on Indian Opportunity with a new
Domestic Council or Cabinet Committee on
Indian Affairs?
GERALD 1893817 R. FORD
b)
How will the FY 1976 budget stringencies
affect Indian programs?
e) What kind of Indian lisison arrangements,
if any, do you plan to have in the White House/
Executive Office?
d) Will we continue vigerously to discharge our
trust responsibility for protecting Indian land,
water and fishing rights?
a) Ms. Attaquin and Mr. Strickland will want to
know your views about extending federal
recognition to the many small and mestly
landless Eastern Indian bends which they
represent.
Suggested answers are under "Talking Points".
At Tab A is a fact sheet summarising the very solid
accomplishments which have been realised for
Indian people in the past 5 years.
At Tab B is a summary of the major pending
legislation affecting Indians.
B.
Participants:
Melford Tenasket, President of the National Congress
of American Indians, and Charles Trimble,
Executive Director of NCAI
Rebert Lewis, President of the National Tribal
Chairmans' Association (and Governer of Zumi
Pueble) and William Youpee, Executive Director
of NTCA
Helen Attaquin, President of the Coalition of Eastern
Native Americans, and W. 3. Strickland, Executive
Director of CENA
LaDenna Harris, President of Americans for Indian
Opportunity (AIO)
Richard LaCourse, Director of the American Indian
Press Association
Secretary Morton
Secretary Weinberger
Morris Thempson, Commissioner of Indian Affairs
Frank G. Zarb, Office of Management and Budget
Bradley H. Patterson, Jr., White House Staff
C.
Press Plan:
Press photo opportunity. Meeting to be announced.
III.
TALKING POINTS
1.
I welcome you here today to assure you of my intention
of establishing lines of communication between my
Administration and Indian people across the country.
We will continue the policy of "self-determination" begun
in 1970; and we will build on that policy and strengthen
it in the future. The Indian legislative program proposed
in 1970 stands, and I seek your own cooporation in
persuading the Congress to move it.
2.
I recognise the importance of consultation with the Indian
Community before making major policy decisions. This
process will continue under my Administration and all
agencies have been instructed to carry on such a consultative
mechanism.
3.
If some of those five specific points are raised:
a) NCIO Replacement
Yes, we do plan to establish a Cabinet Committee or
Demostic Council Committee on Indian Affairs, as
an internal Executive Branch coordinating body, to
ensure that the principal federal Departments
handling Indian matters (Interier, HEW, Justice,
Agriculture, Commerce, etc) work together and
speak as cas voice.
b) NY 1976 Budget
Although we all recognize the present economic
constraints facing us, 1 will do overything in my
power to ensure that budget changes do not impact
the Indian people dispreportionately.
e) White House/Executive Office Lisison Arrangements
I am still in the process of organizing the staff here,
and do plan to have an office on the Demestic Council
or White House Staff which concerns itself with
Indian matters. In OMB, Mr. Zarb is the Assistant
Director with oversight over Interier's Indian
responsibilities.
d) Protection of Trust Rights
You do have my commitment that the Federal Executive
Branch will continue to carry out its responsibilities
to protect Indian trust lands and natural resources
rights. We hope very much to see the bill creating
an Indian Trust Counsel enacted, and would like
your own help in pushing this legislation.
e) Recognition of Eastern Indians
Only the Congress can extend this recognition -- by
legislation. If the history and circumstances of any
of the Eastern Indian bands duplicates that of the
Menaminees, whom we did restore to Reservation
status, I would like to know of it. I am skeptical
of creating new Indian reservations at this point in
our history.