August 11, 1970

HR, 350‐15, approves const amendment barring discrimination on sax basis; large margin surprises supporters: measure sent to Sen, which has approved it twice but with riders nullifying much of effect; if approved again must be ratified by 38 states; Griffiths sees Sen under pressure to act soon; her use of unusual ‘discharge petition’ to dislodge amendment from com noted; Celler opposes passage on grounds he plans hearings and because of need tor further consideration; asserts female differences in physical structure and biological function; warns amendment would invalidate laws protecting women, urges HR instead legislate against specific discrimination; Griffiths charges protective laws have become restraints; Repr Dwyer holds law can continue to recognize valid sex differences; Reprs Ford, Albert, Morton, Speaker McCormack s in favor; Griffiths gets permission to print in Cong record lr in favor from Dem natl chmn O'Brien; 9 women Reprs present; 10th, Repr Sullivan, absent and opposed; other opponents listed

Natl Air Pollution Control Adm Comr Middleton opposes project because of pollution it would add to city's air, telegram to Kretchmer; says analysis of Con Ed's own data reveals that power plants have greatest impact on air quality in Bronx, Queens and mid‐Manhattan; group of Puerto Rican orgns backs project

Neues Deutschland repts Ulbricht has asked some NATO and nonaligned Western nations to recognize regime and establish normal diplomatic relations; Western diplomats hold he seeks to enhance nation's prestige

Prisoners seize 5 guards and hold them hostage for almost 8 hrs in Manhattan House of Detention until they are allowed to present their grievances to press and Mayor's office; guards released unharmed after prisoners talk with Lindsay counsel M Dontzin, Correction Comr McGrath, reporters, atty M Pollina and other prison officials; McGrath assures prisoners, in writing, that no reprisals will be taken against them; list of 10 grievances includes charges of brutality on part of correction officers, racism, bad food, overcrowding and detention for overly long periods before trials come up; McGrath says all allegations will be checked and that he will meet with Lindsay to see what steps can be taken to improve conditions; prisoners and guards comment on prison conditions; incident described; illus

Nixon sends to Cong 1st White House rept on state of nation's environment, which finds misuse of country's available land resources out of hand and irreversible; urges Govt to use some of its grant and loan programs to require sound community planning instead of allotting funds to development projects which merely respond to uncontrolled growth