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0624 5 , . Ultimately, the State and the Tribes did agree to hold a negotiating session in Billings, Montana on November 13 and 14, 1984 (the eighth overall meeting). To avoid any possible m~sunderstanding, the Tribes insisted that a written transcript be kept of this and all subsequent meetings. This meeting (and all subsequent negotiations) were attended by representatives of the Governor, Attorney General and State Department of Natural Resources. The Tribes insisted that representatives of these offices be present at all future meetings, because we believed that the State's withdrawal in 1983 from negotiations had been caused in large part by these officials and agencies. (Tr. Nov. 13, 1984, pp. 98-100). The Tribes were represented at the Billings November 13 and 14 meeting by Chairman Hollow, Board members Shields and Berner, Mr. Chambers and Mr. Stetson. The Compact CommiRsion Chairman, Mr. McOmber, began the November 13 meeting by apologizing to the Tribes for the breakdown of the negotiations in 1983. He conceded that the Commission had erred by failing to clear the proposed Compact it had agreed to with all state agencies, and said this had caused the breakdown in negotiations. (Tr. Nov. 13, 1984, pp. 3-4). Chairman Hollow replied that he and the tribal negotiating team had spent a great deal of time on the earlier negotiations. Chairman Hollow stated that the negotiating team had supported the Compact proposed in 1983 because we were convinced that it was in the best interests of the Tribes. The Chairman pointed out that the Commission's abrupt withdrawal from the negotiations had subjected the tribal negotiating teem to unwarranted criticism. Chairman Hollow agreed to continue negotiations, but only on the basis that the essential elements of the earlier agreement favorable to the Tribes would not be reduced in value. Chairman Hollow warned the Commission that the Tribes were also certainly prepared to litigate if the Commission did not make reasonable efforts to resolve the matter. (Tr. Nov. 13, 1984, pp. 7-9). As the Billings meeting proceeded, the State amended and explained many of its positions, so that it appeared that an agreement along the lines of the concepts agreed to in 1983 might be possible. The negotiating team"agreed to meet with the State again early in 1985, after the Christmas holiday. .. ) .d This session, and two others that followed it, were held in Helena, so that state legislative and executive officials could.attend during the 1985 legislative session. 2rn describing some of the Compact provisions in this Report, we will refer to the various transcripts.