[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 184 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49706-49707]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-25256]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE


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

ACTION: Extension of an Existing Collection: Short-Form Registration or 
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)(1)(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 193, 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 Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, Attention Victoria Wassmer/Patrick Boyd, 202-395-
5871, Department of Justice Desk Office, Washington, DC 20530. Comments 
regarding the

[[Page 49707]]

emergency submission of this information collection may also be 
telefaxed to Ms. Wasserman/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 agencies 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: Short-form Registration Statement 
of Individuals (Foreign Agents).
    (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the 
Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: For CRM-156--Short-
form 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 is used to 
register foreign agents as required by 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: 350 respondents 
at .429 hours per response.
    (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated 
with the collection: 150 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. 97-25256 Filed 9-22-97; 8:45 am]
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