Criminal Division; Agency Information Collection Activities: Existing Collection; Comment Request

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Criminal Division; Agency Information Collection Activities:

Existing Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Extension of an Existing Collection: Supplemental Registration

Statement of Individuals (Foreign Agents).

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The Department of Justice, Criminal Division has submitted the

following information collection request (ICR) utilizing emergency

review procedures, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for

review and clearance in accordance with section 1320.13 (a)(1)(ii) and

(a)(2)(iii) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The Criminal

Division has determined that it cannot reasonably comply with the

normal clearance procedures under this Part because normal clearance

procedures are reasonably likely to prevent or disrupt the collection

of information. This information collection is needed prior to the

expiration of established time periods as set forth in the Foreign

Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. Sec. 611, et

seq. (FARA or the Act). The information provided is required by the

provisions of FARA and is maintained in the public office of the

Registration Unit, Internal Security Section, Criminal Division where

it is available for review by the public. Without expedited approval

for the collection of necessary data from registered foreign agents,

the required information will not be available for review by the

public. Therefore, OMB approval has been requested by September 26,

1997. If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days.

All comments and/or questions pertaining to this pending request for

emergency approval MUST be directed to OMB, Office of

[[Page 49704]]

Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention Ms. Victoria Wassmer/Mr.

Patrick Boyd, 202-395-5871, Department of Justice Desk Officer,

Washington, DC 20530. Comments regarding the emergency submission of

this information collection may also be telefaxed to Ms. Wassmer/Mr.

Boyd at 202-395-5871.

During the first 60 days of this same period, a regular review of

this information collection is also being undertaken. During the

regular review period, the Criminal Division requests written comments

and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the

proposed collection. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until

November 24, 1997. During the 60-day regular review ALL comments and

suggestions, or questions regarding additional information, to include

obtaining a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with

instructions, should be directed to Marshall R. Williams, 202-514-1229,

Chief, Registration Unit, Internal Security Section, Criminal Division,

U.S. Department of Justice, Room 9300, 1400 New York Avenue, N.W.,

Washington, DC 20530. Your comments should address one or more of the

following four points.

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is

necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency,

including whether the information will have practical utility.

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of

the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the

methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to

be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those

who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,

electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or

other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic

submission of responses.

Overview of this information collection:

(1) Type of Information Collection: Extension of a Currently

Approved Collection.

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: Supplemental Registration

Statement of Individuals (Foreign Agents).

(3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the

Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form CRM-154--

Supplemental Registration Statement.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as

well as a brief abstract: Primary: Business or other for-profit, Not-

for-profit institutions, and individuals or households. Form contains

supplemental registration and information used in registering foreign

agents under 22 U.S.C. 611 et seq.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount

of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 1,200

respondents at 1.375 hours per response (2 responses annually).

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated

with the collection: 3,300 annual burden hours.

If additional information is required during the first 60 days of

this same regular review period contact Mr. Robert B. Briggs, Clearance

Officer, United States Department of Justice, Information Management

and Security Staff, Justice Management Division, Suite 850, Washington

Center, 1001 G Street NW., Washington, DC 20530.

Dated: September 17, 1997.

Robert B. Briggs,

Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice.

[FR Doc. 97-25252 Filed 9-22-97; 8:45 am]

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