The Bush administration is secretly attempting to weaken the international ban on whaling. It is involved in covert negotiations which would allow Japan to kill whales for profit.

Whales are intelligent, sensitive mammals with a right to live, and can teach humans much as we explore the deep sea. Whales also contribute to a balanced ocean ecology, which humans require.

I have read that Japan, at present, kills more than 1,000 whales every year for so-called scientific research. Yet this meat is sold in Japanese food markets.

A new deal could result in the deaths of thousands more whales.

Instead of conducting secret negotiations with the whalers, the Bush administration should fulfill its duty and push for what the American people want. They overwhelmingly have given support to an end to all the cruelty of whaling.

I pray for that to occur.

Frances Perlman, West Paris