I express my own great esteem and affection for Leo Cherne. He and I share a long and productive association with the International Rescue Committee. which he has led for many years. Our friendship and work together goes back to even before he and I worked on the Hungarian refugee problem in It would grieve me very much if anyone concluded that my signature on the letter to the President implied criticism of or opposition to Leo Chernes nomination to an important office. My only purpose in signing the letter to the President was to express my support for the Board as presently constituted. The terms of three of the Boards five members appointed in 1977 by President Carter were expiring. and I wanted the President to know. and I quote from the letter. that "it is of the highest importance to the future of RFE/RL that continuity be maintained in the membership of the Board." The entire Board was doing an excellent job. and I saw no reason to change a winning combination.