Memo of the Month.

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON

November 16, 1998

Ms. Patricia Fowlkes Brookings Institution 1775 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-2188

Dear Ms. Fowlkes:

Thank you for your kindness in sending Mike McCurry the book. Your gift was appreciated and was transmitted to our office to determine whether the staff member could retain it.

The Standards of Ethical Conduct applicable to White House employees prohibit receipt of gifts except under certain circumstances. In consultation with the office of the Counsel to the President, it has been determined that the gift you sent may not be retained. I am, therefore, returning it.

Please be assured that your thoughtfulness is appreciated and that this decision in no way reflects on your kind intentions.

Sincerely,

Lori E. Abrams Deputy Director White House Gift Unit

Enclosure

cc: Mike McCurry

PSW, INC.

Dec. 2

Steve,

If you promise never to tell Ken Starr, I'm keeping your book and plan to enjoy it greatly, The Ethics in Government Act not withstanding.

If you had just sent under cover of a note from The People Liberation Army in Beijing, There would have been no problem!

Thanks. Looks like a zesty collaboration with Mss. Manners. Hope our paths cross soon when I begin my new venture (address below) in Jan.

All the best,

Mike McCurry