Masonry Magazine October 1967 Page. 28
Washington Wire
(Continued from page 25) Negotiated during the "Kennedy Round," this sentiment makes it unlikely that an early extension of White House tariff-cutting authority will be voted next year, let alone this. A period of digestion will be demanded. The protectionists can do little to force the President to raise tariffs or impose quotas. And he could not act on his own out of fear of setting off widespread retaliations. This suggests that, for example, the steel industry's call for quotas on lower-priced imports faces sure rejection.
A BASIC OVERHAUL OF THE U.S. PATENT SYSTEM
may be voted by Congress next year, under Administration sponsorship. The White House is backing a patent reform bill that would (1) tighten standards for granting patents, (2) cut the time and expense involved in obtaining and protecting a patent, and (3) speed public disclosure of scientific and technical information.
Though it is too late for action in 1967, the bill's chances for passage next year look promising. As conceived by the Administration, it avoids the most controversial of all the patent issues who gets rights to inventions developed by government contractors. If those who support vesting such rights in the government hold out for this position, the measure can be blocked for perhaps an indefinite period.
The government is also exploring the possibility of working out a Patent Cooperation Treaty with other nations, to end the expensive duplication of filing separately in other countries. Some 23 countries will meet in Geneva this fall to try to work out the provisions of such an agreement.
WHY IS THE U.S. UNWILLING TO HALT THE BOMBING
of North Viet Nam in the absence of a reciprocal move by the Reds? The explanation, given privately by Administration officials, is this: The Communists would agree to meet at a conference fairly quickly, as they have been hinting. But then the talks would drag on and on. Communist strength would build up, while frustration in the U.S. would the Reds think-ultimately force America to withdraw.
In effect, U.S. officials feel talks will be fruitless until Hanoi really wants them and shows it by paying some price.
THE RISE IN ROCKEFELLER'S STANDING IN THE POLLS
is the big surprise, politically, in Washington these days. It largely reflects Romney's slump; liberal Republicans see no one else to turn to. But