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1/7 Frshur Eventure Bance - runes THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON December 19, 1994 MEMORANDUM FOR ERSKINE BOWLES BILLY WEBSTER HI hull his On eine wav a Suce no form will FROM: Harold Ickes SUBJECT: Bernard Schwartz it On 29 November 1994 I met with Bernard Schwartz, who is the Chairman and CEO of Loral Corporation. He strongly urged that the President focus on the need to rebuild the infrastructure of the company, schools, roads, etc. He estimates it will take $16-17 billion a year for needed investments of that kind and it is something that shows results quite quickly as well as creating jobs. He also emphasized that decisions in government take much too long especially for business people. He has done business with DOD for many years and says it is much easier to get decisions from DOD compared to other Federal agencies. He would like to put together a small group of top level practical business/financial types such as himself, Felix Rohatyn, and others for a meeting (preferably a dinner) with the President to talk over ideas like this and to permit the President to have more exposure to people outside of the government. My understanding is that he is very loyal to the President and has raised substantial money. In addition, he seemed to be very knowledgeable and well informed, and I think that we should consider setting up such a meeting or dinner. Let's discuss.