NR 95-97
September 22, 1995
                         Note to Editors

Comptroller of the Currency Eugene A. Ludwig issued the attached
statement on Wednesday, September 20, authorizing national banks
in Puerto Rico and in the Virgin Islands to close because of the
emergency situation.

                              # # #

Attachment                           PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, certain areas of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were
devastated by Hurricane Marilyn beginning on September 15, 1995,
and have been declared a major disaster by President William J.
Clinton on September 16, 1995; and because the disruptive
conditions, including power outages and lack of telephone and
other means of communication, are continuing until regular
services are resumed, I find that an emergency exists pursuant to
12 C.F.R 95(b)(1) in the designated disaster areas. 
Consequently, national banks are authorized to close, or to close
any of their banking offices in the affected areas from September
15, 1995, to as long as deemed necessary to resume banking
services.

             DATED THIS 20TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1995.


                                                          
                         Eugene A. Ludwig
                   Comptroller of the Currency