851.00/10–2951: Telegram
The Acting United States Special Representative in Europe ( Riddleberger) to the Acting Administrator for Economic Cooperation ( Bissell)
Repto 5428. Personal for Harriman, Bissell and Porter, from Tasca and Gordon. Tasca met Saturday afternoon with Hall Patch, Chairman of Executive Committee OEEC, and Sperienburg, Chairman of Council at official level. Both officials stated time had come to put real steam behind OEEC manifesto. Under procedures agreed by Council, OEEC will set up high level working parties on coal, steel, electric power, as well as agriculture and manpower. Housing will await Secretariat study. Procedure for manpower is under discussion.
Hall-Patch would like to get really high level people on working party on coal, steel and power. He and Sperienburg are most anxious to have top level Americans participate. Examples would be Clarence Randall on steel, Robert Koenig on coal, Walter [Walker] Cisler on power.
High level working parties are to report to vertical country committees by November 25 for comment and council December 15.
Strongly urge cooperation with OEEC on this matter. If you agree, US experts should come as soon as possible to Paris. [Tasca and Gordon.]