July 31, 1973

Sen S Symington, during hearing on secret US bombing of Cambodia, July 30, releases lr from Gen J D Ryan, saying that similarly falsified raids were made by USAF over N Laos between Feb '70 and Apr '72

NYS Legis passes on July 31 Gov Rockefeller's bill to permit increase in mortgage interest rates from 7.5% to 8%

R Halloran, noting upcoming talks between Japanese Premier Tanaka and Pres Nixon, discusses present day Japan; sees Japan symbolized by Tanaka as a nation with more self-confidence than at any time since World War II and also as a nation with little sense of direction; says that Japanese are more certain of themselves today because they have developed immense organizational, tech and financial skills, have acquired econ strength and affluence and have pol talents to run their country well and to exert considerable influence in Asia and on the world scene; finds they seem unsure about what to do with themselves and their power; sees leaders unable to conjure up a cohesive vision of natl objectives at home or abroad and unsure of how to use their strength to win the recognition of other nations to which the politically articulate Japanese so clearly aspire; Tanaka's policies and how they have affected Japan and relations with other nations noted; illus of Tanaka

EPA on July 30 allows US auto makers to delay from '76 to '77 production of cars that will meet stringent emission standards for nitrogen oxides, 3d pollutant for which 1-yr extension has now been granted; acting EPA admr R W Fri expresses optimism that catalytic devices will meet standards for all 3 exhaust pollutants without causing higher fuel consumption than on '73 cars; deadline for meeting standards on carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons was delayed from '75 to '76 by EPA in Apr; agency sets interim standards on nitrogen oxides; there is growing question whether Cong will retain 0.4 grams per mile level of nitrogen oxide; EPA promises to recommend possible changes in standard by Sept; Cong debate on issue is expected; Fri criticizes GM for its warnings of serious production troubles if indus were compelled to install some new emission-control devices on all vehicles in single model yr; co pleased with decision; renews plea to Cong to freeze interim Calif standards into law for several yrs until whole problem can be more thoroughly studied; Calif levels are less stringent than those originally mandated by Cong for entire nation in '75 and '76, but more stringent than interim nationwide standards in hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide categories; Fri por

US Sen, 82-8, M July 30 adopts Fed Election Campaign Act of 73 in attempt to drastically reduce influence of handful of wealthy contributors who have financed estimated 80-90% of biennial cost of all campaigns for Fed office; Sen version of law faces uncertain future in HR, and election reformers will continue to work for public financing of campaigns; bill provides that: no individual could contribute more than $3,000 to any 1 candidate in any 1 election; it would be illegal to give or receive campaign contribution in cash if donor's total gifts to 1 candidate are more than $50; all gifts of more than $100 would have to be publicly disclosed with name, address and occupation of donor; no person could contribute more than $25,000 to all pol parties, candidates and causes in 1 yr, but large contributors could still make gifts to natl com that could transfer money to single candidate; no group ostensibly acting independently of candidate could spend more than $1,000 to oppose rival candidate; sets following spending ceilings: $34.7-million for Pres campaign, 25c per registered voter in Sen races and 25c per voter or $300,000, whichever is greater, in HR races; reformers complain that natl special interest groups can legally evade contributor limits by making multiple gifts to single candidate through series of state or local coms; bill also provides for creation of new, independent Fed Election Comm to regulate new reform provisions, taking enforcement power away from Justice Dept because of that body's pol malleability and failure to enforce previous, less demanding laws; Common Cause and Natl Com for an Effective Cong laud measure; Sen Baker comments on gen issue of campaign spending; 5 of 6 Sens from NY-NJ-Conn vote in favor of act; 6th, Sen Buckley, is absent