Exhibit 15.1



     July 22, 1997



McMoRan Oil & Gas Co.
1615 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA  70112

Gentlemen:

We are aware that McMoRan Oil & Gas Co. has incorporated by reference
in its Registration Statements (File Nos. 33-82866, 33-99828, 33-
80369, 33-80371, and 333-31279) its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 1997, which includes our report dated July 22, 1997 covering
the unaudited interim financial information contained therein.
Pursuant to Regulation C of the Securities Act of 1993 (the Act), this
report is not considered a part of the registration statements
prepared or certified by our firm or a report prepared or certified by
our firm within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

Very truly yours,

Arthur Andersen LLP