III. ADMINISTRATION TESTIMONY— 91ST CONGRESS 



Statement of the Department of the Interior Before House 

 Committee on Public Works, December 3, 1969 



statement of HON. WALTER J. HICKEL, SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR 



Secretary Hickel. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am Wally Hickel ; 

 I was born in Kansas in August of 1919. And I don't know how any- 

 body could have missed me during the hearings in January of last 

 year — this past January. 



As to your letter, not being facetious, I have no apologies, the 

 January letter of the 19th that you referred to 



Mr. Howard. The 14th. 



Secretary Hickel. What happened to that letter — there weren't 

 any intentions because you were of the opposite party, that the letter 

 wasn't answered. It was possible at that time that literally thousands 

 of letters came in saying what a bad guy I was and I was trying to 

 get around to those letters. I read your testimony on the Hill about 

 the letters not being answered, and I literally shook up our Depart- 

 ment. And I will say this : That there is a letter now that is about 5 

 weeks old that is quite lengthy in its reply and you will have that 

 reply, if not today, tomorrow. I have gone over it somewhat two or 

 three times to be sure that all my philosophies are in there and it is not 

 just a bureaucratic reply to a letter. 



I am more than concerned about our relationship and our coopera- 

 tion in those areas in which you are concerned ; especially in the Gate- 

 way National Eecreation Area that you referred to, Sandy Hook, 

 Jamaica Bay, and Breezy Point. 



I hope that in the reply that you will get that it will answer those 

 questions to your satisfaction, and I would just say this : That I don't 

 say that we get any more or any less mail than anyone else, but Con- 

 gress, regardless of where they come from. Congressmen or Senators, 

 or their political party, I Avant those letters answered as promptly 

 and expeditiously as possible. It hasn't been true in your case, 

 obviously. 



I would hope that the next time you write me a letter you pick 

 up the phone and say you are writing me and I will pick up the 

 phone and tell you when I am answering it. 



iVIr. PIoward. I have to watch my units. I do thank you for your 

 reply. I never would have indicated that Secretary Hickel was a bad 

 guy, as you referred to it, and I didn't until perhaps 6 or 8 or 10 

 months went by. 



Secretary PIickel. That is a long enough time to have a baby, and 

 that is too long. 



Mr. Howard. Thank you very much. And I thank the committee for 

 bearing with me so that I may relieve some of my frustrations. 



Mr. Secretary, please proceed. 



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