CONFIDENTIAL
3
6. Stans' final reply on page 25 leaves open the question of when Carl Gilbert may assume responsibility for trade nego- tiations, including textiles. The President repeated last week that he had delegated to Stans responsibility for negoti- ating a textile agreement; and it may be that Stans will hold on to this field while Gilbert takes over in other areas. But Gilbert has not yet been confirmed by the Senate so the future pattern of responsibility is very obscure. Some Administration officials believe that Stans is still aiming to run trade policy and to control the Office of the Special Trade Representative, despite his disclaimers. Senator Long as usual is playing a dubious role in the struggle for influence: at an earlier stage he spoke openly on the Senate floor in favour of making Stans responsible for trade policy; he then contrived to have the Gilbert nomination referred to his Finance Committee as well as to the Foreign Relations Committee (which processed it two weeks ago); and he is now doing nothing. He may be able to block confirmation of the appointment by failing to call the promised hearing for a considerable time. In the meantime Gilbert and the S.T.R. Office remain powerless and Stans makes the running. While I would not suggest collusion between Stans and Senator Long a certain coincidence of interest can hardly be overlooked.
*
M. J. E. Fretwell
3
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.