May 28, 1976

May 28: Waldheim says Syria has agreed to extend UN observer force on Golan Hts for another 6 mos and that Pres Assad did not attach any conditions to renewal; says he had ‘constructive and helpful’ talks with Assad; newspaper A) Baath proclaims that ‘Syria alone decides whether to renew the mandate in light of its interests and strategy'; language is seen as indirect rebuff to PLO leader Arafat, who has continued to defy Syrian wishes in Lebanese civil war; Assad is scheduled to visit France on June 17 (M)

Ellis Island. where some 12 million immigrants entered the United States, will he opened to the public tomorrow for the first time in 22 years, with daily tours conducted by the National Park Service. Page C1.

Academy of Applied Science (Boston, Mass) and NY Times to undertake most thorough and technologically sophisticated investigation to date in order to identify elusive and unexplained phenomenon usually referred to as Loch Ness Monster; purpose of expedition, which is expected to cost more than $75,000 and take anywhere from 2 wks to several mos, is to obtain, by means of advanced underwater cameras, sonar and other electronics, clear and detailed photographs of creature so that it can be positively identified by zoologists; past expeditions by acad member Dr Robert H Rines recalled; details on scientists who will participate in investigation, or photography techniques and equipment to be used, and on planned sonar phases; illustrations; Rines, Edgerton and Wyckoff illus; composite area maps; drawing (L)

Deputy Atty Gen Jacob B Grumet says that Cunningham will be asked to testify about any role he may have had in Gov Carey's attempt last Dec to dismiss Nadjari as special state prosecutor; adds he will also request that Judge Mercorella testify; Grumet por (L)

Sen Finance Com votes to make permanent all but one aspect of individual tax cuts in effect since Mar ‘75, which would keep withholding schedules and tax liabilities unchanged at least through middle of ‘77; backs allowing special $35‐per‐person tax credit to expire June 30, ‘77; loosens somewhat its earlier limitations on tax shelters available to those who invest in motion pictures; votes to allow husbands to make tax‐free contributions of up to $500 yrly into retirement fund for their wives who are not employed, a provision which for first time in tax bill gives recognition to econ contribution of housewives; in unusual move aimed at meeting commitment of chmn Russell B Long to finish work on bill by June 1, com orders tax bill reptd favorably to Sen without having completed work on bill; conflict between forces led by Sen Edward M Kennedy and those of Sen Long on tax issues revd; Kennedy seeks to eliminate tax law provisions that reduce taxes collected from many businesses and wealthy individuals; Long forces seek lighter taxes on business and investors; Sen Finance Com action that would end tax credits in mid ‘77 aims to increase Govt revenues by $1.8‐billion in fiscal ‘77, and to indicate compliance with Cong budget resolution that assumes $2‐billion increase in tax revenues; Kennedy charges Sen com action takes $2‐billion ‘out of the hide of average Amer taxpayer so that wealthy tax avoiders can keep their loopholes'; says budget resolution intended full extension of temporary tax cuts plus $2‐billion to be raised through tax reform (M)