Exhibit 4(a) May 9, 1997 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 5th Street NW Washington, DC 20549 Ladies/Gentlemen: The company agrees to furnish the Commission upon request copies of the following long-term debt instruments: 1. Credit Agreement...

                                                                Exhibit 4(a)





May 9, 1997

Securities and Exchange Commission
000 0xx Xxxxxx XX
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX  00000

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The company agrees to furnish the Commission upon request copies of the
following long-term debt instruments:

1.    Credit Agreement between Equitable of Iowa Companies and Xxxxxx
      Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent, and the Bank of New
      York, as Administrative Agent, and participating banks, dated May 10,
      1996, re:  line of credit in amount of $300,000,000.



Very truly yours,

/s/  Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx

Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
General Counsel/Secretary
Equitable of Iowa Companies