Office of the Historian

35. Letter From the President to the Chairman of the Council on Foreign Economic Policy (Randall)1

March 17, 1957.

Dear Clarence: I agree with your recommendations on each point.2

So far as the letters were concerned I found something interesting in each, but believe I was more in accord with State and Committee [Council] of Economic Advisers than with the others.

Gene Black made some pungent comments.3 However, I think that, in a way, he was unfair to Fairless Committee. That committee undoubtedly assumed—possibly too much so—a rather extensive knowledge of problems involved on the part of readers of the report. This gives validity to Mr. Black’s criticisms, and frankly, I’d like to see more analyses of the several problems in the different countries.

This gives me the idea that, for our Congressional presentation, we should attempt short, succinct descriptions of each country or area in which we have a major interest. These could form part of the raw material out of which we fashion our recommendations. I would [Page 175] avoid, like the plague, long dissertations. I’m thinking of something like 150 words in each important case.

Thanks for a fine job of pointing up the questions.

With warm regard.

Sincerely

D.E.

[Attachment]

Memorandum by the President

With respect to specific actions of some immediate importance.

a.

That relating to inclusion of military aid in our own military budget—and placing ICAinside State.

We’ve been over this every year since my first Inauguration. I have the feeling that whatever decision is reached should not be implemented this year. We should present the case to Congress under present adm organization with statement that this will again be analyzed and report made to Congress at next Session. (If Congress insists on action this year, I’m sure we can, by cooperation reach some satisfactory answer. I’m not too impressed by details of org. as panaceas for serious ills—if any.)

b.
With respect to 2 year authorizations. No use! We’ve tried before—and I think the best we can get is continuation of emergency or contingency funds.
c.
With respect 6, 7, 8, and 11. I think we can probably come somewhat closer than we have to meeting Fairless conclusions, but the progress will be only gradual. I realize that some (head of I.C.A.) believe in “soft” loans, even to Korea. I don’t say they are entirely out the window, but in that type of case have little, if any, application.
DE4
  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, CFEP Chairman Records. This letter and the attached memorandum were handwritten by the President at sea.↩
  2. Reference is to the “staff recommendations” in the enclosure to Randall’s memorandum, Document 33.↩
  3. See Document 31.↩
  4. Printed from a copy that bears these typed initials.↩