ECA message files, FRC 53 A 278, ECA circular telegram
The Administrator for Economic Cooperation (Bissell) to all ECA Missions in Europe 1
priority
Ecato circular E–111. For Chiefs of Missions. From Bissell and Porter. Limit Distribution. Subject: Re-casting of Technical Assistance Programs.
1. It is essential that ECA technical assistance activities be fundamentally re-examined and recast in the light of the requirements of the new Mutual Security Act and the changing emphasis of ECA/MSA over-all programs. Such recasting should lead to technical assistance program which is in fact a program rather than a shopping list of isolated projects. Projects should be limited to key military or civilian activities and each individual project should arise from a specific need for technical assistance and be geared to produce a specific desired result. General tour-type A projects should be eliminated.
2. Request you undertake quick review of current technical assistance situation in your country and be prepared to present preliminary views during Mission Chiefs meeting starting November 7th,2 on best methods and timing for conversion present program to standards outlined above. If there are strong reasons why certain types of projects or all projects in some countries should be retained on present basis for further period, please be prepared to explain these. Also would appreciate your having preliminary views on implications proposed change in technical assistance patterns and methods for Mission staffing in this field. Our general impression is that status and quality of technical assistance staff in some Missions may have to be strengthened if quality of program is to be significantly improved.
3. Based on discussions at conference and follow-up visits which senior ECA/W and OSR staff members will make to certain Missions [Page 346] following conference, we will develop new technical assistance policy directives and criteria. Meanwhile wish to avoid, insofar as possible,, further commitments to technical assistance activities, especially Type A teams, not meeting probable new criteria. All Missions should therefore declare immediate moratorium on formal or informal project approvals or further commitments to groups and individuals in participating countries on Type A projects except where, in judgment of Missions:
- a.
- Commitments have already been made to such an extent that to hold up further action would cause serious embarrassment and raise questions of bad faith on part of ECA or;
- b.
- Project is of such importance that it should go forward regardless of any revision of criteria or;
- c.
- Project is of such a nature that it will clearly be acceptable even under new criteria indicated above.
4. Emphasize that, in our view, relative importance of technical assistance program as whole is increased rather than diminished in present circumstances. In many cases we can contribute more to both immediate and long-term objectives of Mutual Security Program by right kind of transfer of know-how than through much more costly transfer of funds, commodities and weapons.
While redirection TA program along lines indicated above essential all fields, this subject discussed thoroughly June FA meeting Rome and again recent FA meeting Paris. Consequently, reorientation agricultural TA program toward achievement production assistance drive goal may be farther along than in other fields. In any event urge closest coordination TA and FA sections country Missions to insure consistency in policies and development of integrated overall TA program. [Porter.]