Exhibit 4(a)





November 12, 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 May
      10, 1996, re:  line of credit in amount of $300,000,000.



Very truly yours,

/s/  John A. Merriman

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