supply inventories to effective levels. It would also provide $46,233 for the operation and maintenance of an emergency relocation center for the Department. The $100,000 allowed by the House for staff strengthening and operating expenses will provide only 20 additional positions in the departmental service. This allowance will permit no strengthening of the Foreign Service. Economic and commercial activities An amount of $1,600,000 was requested to strengthen the Foreign Service staff assigned to duties which are undertaken on behalf of American business. This amount consists of $1 million for improving economic reporting and $600,000 for apointment of trade commissioners. The $1 million would provide for 81 American officer and clerical positions and 78 local employee positions at overseas posts for improving economic and commercial reporting services. The general economic improvement in foreign countries has placed our foreign markets in a highly competitive status where up to date economic and commercial intelligence is essential to United States business enterprise if it wishes to compete. The increased interest of American business in overseas trade and investment opportunities has generated a greatly increased number of requests for reliable commercial intelligence. A substantial number of these requests come from small businesses seeking, in some instances for the first time, to expand their activities to include overseas markets. Such businesses cannot afford to send representatives abroad, and consequently depend primarily on the United States Government to obtain current and reliable commercial data on which to base their decisions. Despite the $2,200,000 currently available for personal services for commercial attachés, the Department, which is the only channel available to serve these interests, is not able to provide on a worldwide basis the information desired and required by American business. The request for $1 million, while still not making it possible to handle all inquiries submitted by American business firms, would make it possible to provide a more adequate service to protect the interests of American business in potential foreign markets. As a further means of assisting American business through implementation of the Commerce Department's trade and investments program, $600,000 is requested for the appointment of 21 trade commissioners and supporting staffs of 15 Americans and 27 local employees. These employees would be assigned to important commercial centers of the world aggressively to develop opportunities for trade and investment of American businesses. They would be primarily responsible for rendering specialized service in connection with the export and import interests, foreign traders and investors of the United States. For the most part, they would be men who have had broad experience in business. They would supplement the regular commercial reporting activities of the State Department. It is requested that the full amount of $1,600,000, which was disallowed by the House, be restored by the Senate. Opening of new posts The House Report states that $260,000 is provided for the opening of 8 new posts; 3 in Latin America.and 5 in the Near East, South Asian, and African areas. The $284,800 requested for the opening of these new posts is a minimum estimate. If the $24,800 reduction made by the House in this item is not restored, the Department will not be able to staff each post with the required number of officers. A reduced officer-staffing pattern at these posts will not permit desired political and economic coverage and full performance of required consular services. Salaries and expenses, 1956—Summary of increases requested and House Appropriation, 1955 regular act.. 1954 balance available pursuant to Public Law 471 from "Government in occupied areas”. Transfer of agricultural attachés: $62,500,000 200,000 Direct transfer pursuant to Public Law 663.. Adjusted appropriation, 1955 and base for 1956 Net difference between 1955 and 1956: -$1,400,000 -1,500,000 61,200,000 Requirements By project or function Difference, increase (+) or decrease (-) |