The tempo of the debate on foreign trade was stepped up sharply last week. With the time drawing closer for the Randall Commission to submit its trade-policy recommendations, two trade organizations turned in fat reports. And the Committee for a National Trade Policy, headed by Detroit Industrialist John S. Coleman, submitted nine proposals for breaking down tariff barriers.
Cause for Complaint? Though it took no position on foreign-trade policy, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, in a 240-page report, told of stiffening competition from abroad: imports of electrical machinery and equipment increased elevenfold between 1939 and 1952, while exports only quintupled. In...