· @fftu •f t t Att m l Oit ntritl lhts ingtnn l l l 21531 2 June 1987 Dear George Thank you for your letter of 1 June 1987 concerning the international negotiations to protect the stratospheric ozone layer currently under consideration within the Domestic Policy Council I appreciate the progress that has be n made by State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency in addressing this issue and negotiating toward an international agreement and I understand your concerns about delay in the negotiations or dramatic change in the United States' negotiattng position I believe we can accommodate necessary progress in the negotiations and also pursue on an accelerated basis the process now underway within the Domestic Policy Council which will present this issue to the President in ap e peditious and fair manner As a result of the first Dome tic Policy · Council meeting on this topic on 15 May several Counc11 members inquired about the scientific facts and theories concerning ozone depletion the anticipated effects on health and the environment and a study of predicted costs and benefits A series of working group meetings have been addressing these questions in preparation for a meeting of -the Domestic Policy Council on 11 June and presentation to the President immediately thereafter The process now in place will allow the President to make the necessary decisions in a timely manner to guide our negotiators in the development of the strongest possible protocol with thorough airing of views from all interested officers in the President's Cabinet Lee Thomas is now a member of the Domestic Policy Council and his views will continue to be fully considered as of course will those of the Department of State I believe this approach will accommodate the needs of our negotiator as well as the President and the Cabinet Sincerely yours EDWIN MEESE III Attorney General The Honorable George P Schultz Secretary of State Washington D C 20520