National Affairs: Buy European

The Eisenhower Administration last week found its way through the Buy American barrier, i.e., the 1933 federal law which compels the Government to buy U.S. goods in preference to competitive foreign goods. There is a loophole in the law: foreign purchases may be made if they are consistent with "the public interest." The Administration, out to prove its good faith in its policy of freer trade, slipped twice through the loophole. Items:

¶ An $857,600 contract awarded by the Army to Britain's Ferranti Ltd., low bidder on six transformers to be installed at the McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Closest U.S. offer was $983,228.

¶ $1,977,822 contract awarded by the Interior Department to the agent for a Swiss firm, Pacific Oerlikon Co. of Tacoma, Wash., for four hydroelectric generators to be installed at the Palisades power project on the Snake River. Closest U.S. bid was $2,292,027.