Memo to File
a emercecenareenenten eee ay

Wilbur Cohen called from Washington 4:00 p.m, December “, 1960,
LN NOT

He has been asked by Kennedy to chair one of a number of confidential
and anonymous task forces, his being in the area of health and soctal security.
The primary concern is for recommendations on urgent new legislation of high
priority that should be drafted and submitted during the first few months of

the new administration to set the tone of the ''New Frontier.’ The responsibiiity
is "only for the most urgent and significant steps, not the long range program,’
Likewise, they will not be immediately responsible for recemmendations on

expanding the scale of existing programs although this might be brought up with
Secretary Ribicoff in preparing the final report. This is due by January 1,

On questioning, he indicated that the following topics were aiso within the
scope of the conmittee. First of all, probably, the medical care for the aged
which was part of Kennedy's campaign but in addition to this, questions on
medical research and education, construction, facilities, medical students,
supply, fellowships, etc.

The membership of the committee is Wilbur Cohen, Chairman, at
University of Michigan (NO 3 1511, Ext. 205% - while in Washington, he can be
contacted through Ted Sorenson in Senator Kennedy's Office and will probably
stay at the Burlington Hotel). uther James Dixon, President of fntioch College,
Herman Simms, President of Haverford College, Dean Clark, Messachusetts
General Hospital; Robert Cook, Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins; and myself. There
is an obvious gap between the other four members and Cook and myself and we
were evidently named on Senator Kennedy's own Initiative, probably on Schreiver's
recommendation. There is another task force on education but the present one
would be involved with medical education questions.

In this call he indicated a plan to meet on Wednesday, Thursday and

Friday or two days thereof, next week, In a following call, | mentioned the
difficulty in transportation that might arise on Friday evening since classes
will then be out at so many schoo!s and colleges and indicated the hope that

he could schedule the meeting for Tuesday and Wednesday and stated that |
would make my own reservations accordingly.

in subsequent telegram, received evening 12/9/60, the meeting is
scheduled for Wednesday afternoon and Thursday which may or may not preclude
my own attendance.

On question of confidence, this is within my own discretion and expected
that | would be able to consult retiable colleagues.
consulting
Action in this respect: [ am(1) Kornberg (2) Kretehmer (3) hlway ~
Cook ~ Stowe. Am scheduling meeting for Monday 12/12/60 4:00 p.m. for
further discussion of some detailed proposals.

Later changed to 3:15 same day.