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Your concerns about the potential effects of global climate change are well known and, of course, the issue is rightly being debated ahead of Kyoto. Given that there is a clear and accepted requirement for an international approach to this very complex issue, we believe that a narrow debate about the exploration activity in one area of the Atlantic can at best be symbolic, especially as it fundamentally fails to address the global social and economic impact of your proposals. Within the region itself, we are aware of our responsibilities in managing our activities in a manner which respects the marine environment. Amerada Hess has been at the forefront of the work of the UK offshore industry's jolnt Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network (AFEN), to understand and safeguard the marine environment to the west of the Shetlands. This has taken forward the total understanding of the environment in the region. Through this joint initiative, the industry has invested in comprehensive studies, using the best available independent research (including the Southampton Oceanography Centre and Cornell University) to bring a thorough scientific understanding to the issue. This will ensure that developments can be planned and carried out in a manner sensitive to the environment. I hope that this letter conveys a better understanding of our approach to development on the UK sector of the Atlantic. You are welcome to come and discuss these matters at greater length with us. Yours sincerely
F.R.Gugen
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