Exhibit 4(a)





May 2, 1996

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 between Equitable of Iowa Companies and Morgan
      Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent, and the Bank of New
      York, as Administrative Agent, and participating banks, dated March
      30, 1995, re:  line of credit in amount of $225,000,000.

2.    Note Purchase Agreement dated August 19, 1986, between Walnut Mall
      Limited Partnership ("Issuer") and Teacher Retirement System of
      Texas ("Purchaser") in the remaining principal amount of $25,285,005
      due through August 19, 1996.

3.    Trust Indenture dated as of January 17, 1995, bewteen Equitable of
      Iowa Companies and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee, 
      relating to $100,000,000 of 8.5% Notes due 2005.
      
4.    Note payable dated February 22, 1995, bearing interest at 8.5%, maturing
      February 15, 2005 with outstanding principal amount of $100,000,000.



Very truly yours,

/s/  John A. Merriman

John A. Merriman
General Counsel/Secretary
Equitable of Iowa Companies