Summary of estimate by positions and funds

[This section shows, on an area basis, the distribution of American and local personnel, and distribution of

funds]

A. NUMBER OF AMERICAN POSITIONS

(b)Europe...

(d) Austria.

(e) Far East.

(0) Training of USIS American staff..

B. NUMBER OF LOCAL POSITIONS

(a) American Republics.

(b) Europe.

+42

(c) Germany.

3,339

2,765

(d) Austria.

1,676

1, 676

(e) Far East..

401

1, 586

+7.

+167

E. EXPLANATION OF MAJOR ITEMS

1. American salaries ($6,011,562).-This estimate provides for the salaries of 970 American positions in 77 countries and 216 posts. This represents an increase of 70 positions and $494,868 over fiscal year 1954. Sixteen positions are requested for the American Republics area, 1 for Europe, 30 for the Far East, and 7 for the Near East. No additional positions are requested for Austria, and a decrease of 9 positions will be effected in Germany.

Twenty-five positions are requested for training purposes, and additional funds for pipeline costs in the budget year. Country program increases requiring additional American personnel are explained under each of the area sections which follow.

The positions requested for training purposes in fiscal year 1955 will permit expansion of a training program begun in fiscal year 1954 to bridge the gap between the knowledge, skills, and experience which employees already possess and the requirements of the specialized duties which they will have to perform. In fiscal year, 1954, no training positions existed as such; the fiscal year 1955 estimate establishes 25 positions for this purpose and sets up necessary funds ($183,250) to finance them. Training ranges all the way from very brief occasional training for some employees to extended, intensive training for others, depending upon individual needs and job requirements.

An increase of $54,000 is also included to provide 8.6 man-years of employment to be utilized to provide coverage at posts during transfers, special assignments, home leaves, etc. This overlap will insure continuity of country programs without serious gaps in program activities which occur when a key position remains vacant for extended periods of time.

2. Local salaries ($8,053,804).-The estimate provides for the salaries of 5,812 local employees (an average salary of about $1,400 per local position), which is an increase of 291 positions and $303,136 over fiscal year 1954. Forty-two positions are requested for the American Republics area, 167 for the Far East, 75 for the Near East, and 7 for Austria. No additional positions are requested for the European area for Germany.

3. Hardship post differential ($388,888).-The estimate provides for salary differentials paid to American staff employees at posts in which difficult living conditions or excessive hardship prevail. The estimate of requirements was calculated on an individual job basis, post by post, using the differential percentages furnished by government-wide regulations in effect at the time of this budget preparation. The increase of $44,449 is due to increased American staff employment at hardship posts.

4. Living and quarters allowances ($1,358,476). The estimate provides for temporary lodging, quarters, post, transfer and separation allowances for the American USIS staff. This estimate is based on rates prescribed by the Standardized Government Civilian Allowance regulations, with due consideration for quarters available in government-owned or government-leased buildings. The increase of $103,517 is due to the increase in American positions.

5. All other Personal Service costs ($120,510).-The estimate provides for salary payment of 1 day in excess of the regular 52-week year, overtime and intermittent employment. The decrease of $2,774 is due to 2 factors; decrease of $4,815 in overtime payment requirements in the German program, offset by an increase of $2,041, pay over the 52-week basis.

7. Travel and transportation of Americans between United States and field ($1,768,421).-The estimate provides for travel and transportation of American ÜSIS staff and their dependents on first assignments, replacement, home leave, post to post transfers, and separations. The increase of $159,002 provides for transporting the 70 new Americans to their posts of assignment.

8. Administrative travel ($160,480).-The estimate will provide for approximately the same level of travel for this purpose in the budget year. This expense provides for travel of key officers to regional conferences, consultation trips to Washington and temporary details of personnel to foreign posts.

9. Orientation program ($83,452).-The estimate provides for travel and per diem for 35 key local employees to come to the United States for a brief period of training and consultation with a view toward giving them a clearer understanding of the United States and the Agency's operation. Experience has shown that the local employees with first hand knowledge are more effective in carrying out their part of the USIS program in the countries to which they return. Since no provision has been made for this expense in fiscal year 1954, due to limited funds, the estimate represents the amount of increase being requested.

45431-54-pt. 2- -20

10. Purchase of supplies and equipment in the United States and shipment to USIS missions ($112,637).-The estimate provides for the necessary replacements of jeeps and trucks, purchase of miscellaneous program items of supply in the United States, and shipping costs. The increase of $2,895 will provide for additional requirements in several of the countries where it is proposed to step up programs in 1955.

12. Representation expenses ($60,000).-The estimate provides funds to carry out the necessary personal contact work in the conduct of the program. The increase of $1,250 in fiscal year 1955 will be utilized in countries of the Far and Near East where increased American staff and program activity is requested, and where personal contact work is vital to the program's success.

13. Local operating expenses ($19,176,971).-The estimate provides expenses incurred by individual missions in their local operations. These local operating expenses include such items as: gas, oil, and maintenance of mobile units; local travel and transportation costs; local printing and distribution of pamphlets and leaflets; necessary local expenses in connection with production of radio and motion picture programs; preparation of exhibits for local consumption; and a large number of individual items which are essential to and vary with local conditions in the conduct of the program in the many posts throughout the world. The increase of $2,027,482 will be utilized in the geographic areas as follows: American Republics, $497,986; Europe, $444,615; Austria, $274,224; Far East, $270,000; and Near East, $569,430; a decrease of $28,773 for miscellaneous program expenses will be effected in the German program. Additional details explaining the requirements are contained in area sections which follow.

AMERICAN REPUBLICS AREA