103 



Mr. McCandless. Mr. Congressman, I would not say that the State 

 Department would be the sole opposition. 



We met with employees of the State Department as we were trying 

 to draft comprehensive legislation on the matter, and we were im- 

 pressed then, and subsequent to the introduction of the Harris-Pryor 

 bill with their rather adamant position that this treaty with the signa- 

 tory nations was almost divinely inspired and that state could see 

 no way in the world if this treaty were allowed to lapse in 1976, that it 

 would be possible to ever get another treaty or to get one as good as the 

 one that they think they had. 



Mr. Keith. I am not an attorney, but it does seem to me that Miss 

 Herrington said they oppose a new treaty. I would appreciate it if 

 she could document that statement or if you could. 



Miss Herrington. Did I not say they opposed the Harris-Pryor bill 

 on the ground that a new treaty — well, Louis Regenstein can speak, 

 who is our Washington coordinator. He feels he would like to have 

 a word on that subject. 



Mr. Regenstein. Thank you very' much, Mr. Chairman. 



We have had numerous conversations with officials of the State De- 

 partment concerned with this area. 



Let me mention the one man who is directly concerned with it, 

 Mr. Stewart Blow. He is the assistant to the oceanic coordinator in 

 the State Department. 



He has stated to me numerous times that he opposes the Harris- 

 Pryor bill and opposes any tampering with the Pribiloif Fur Treaty. 



Mr. Dingell. (Presiding) the Chair would like to observe in order 

 to have an orderly record it would be well for you. Miss Herrington, 

 to be sure that the committee has the names of both gentlemen at the 

 table and, if you have not already done so, to let our reporter know 

 who they are. 



Miss Herrington. At this time, I believe I could continue. 



Mr. Dingell. I want to be sure we have the names of the two 

 grentlemen. 



Miss Herrington. We will certainly submit them. 



Mr. Regenstein. I am Louis Regenstein, Washington coordinator 

 for the committee. 



Mr. McCandless. I am Robert McCandless, attorney for the Com- 

 mittee for Humane Legislation, Inc. 



Mr. Keith. I think, really, Mr. Chairman, that your observation 

 that the State Department opposes a new treaty on this matter is some- 

 thing for the State Department to make, not for an individual to 

 comment on as vou did or as your associate did. 



You are talking about a subordinate in the State Department. That 

 is quite different from the State Department positions. The State De- 

 partment will have its chance to be heard if there is a new treaty 

 proposed. 



I think we should be looking to you for arguments that would ad- 

 Aance the cause of the new treaty rather than a statement to the effect 

 that the Department will oppose any new treaty. 



Miss Herrington. Thank you, sir. We shall be only too glad to look 

 to the State Department to express a positive position. 



I think perhaps I should take up the issue here and face it head-on. 

 and refer at that time to the alternate bill, H.R. 10420, which is a 



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