U.S. Trade Negotiations

Let me see if I understand the argument of David Friedman, identified as a “visiting fellow at the MIT Japan program” (“Why Protectionists Sense an Opportunity for Victory,” Opinion, Feb. 14). What the Clinton Administration needs to do is 1) “insist” that the Japanese recycle investments in the United States; 2) make sure that the Japanese are “continually pressured” into integrating their operations into the American economy, and 3) establish a mechanism for “policing” the flow of technology with Japan. But, Friedman declares, the insisting, pressuring and policing cannot be undertaken because the Administration has yet to appoint a “major Japan expert.”

Although the points concerning foreign economic policy he raises may well have merit, can I be forgiven for asking if Friedman’s article might better have been placed on the “situations wanted” page?

DANIEL J.B. MITCHELL, Professor

Anderson Graduate School of Management

UCLA