Maine Indian Land Claims Dispute Appointment of Three-Member Working Group.

The White House announced today the appointment of a three-member working group to discuss with the parties certain aspects of Judge William Gunter's proposal for resolving the Maine Indian land dispute. The group will consist of A. Stephens Clay, Judge Gunter's law partner; Eliot Cutler, Associate Director for Natural Resources, Energy and Science at the Office of Management and Budget; and Leo M. Krulitz, Solicitor of Interior.

The purpose of the working group is to attempt to reach a consensual agreement for resolution of this dispute within the framework recommended by Judge Gunter.

The President wishes to express his personal gratitude to all parties for the good faith they have demonstrated in approaching this difficult problem.