factory places where they would like to put us. One was out in Suitland, Md., where we thought we would be better off in New York than in Suitland, Md.

Since we did not get the space until along in November, we could not lay out plans for construction of studios.

Now, we have to build these studios. It is a long process. They are soundproof; they are floated from the floors; there is air conditioning to install, and in addition to the construction of the studio itself there is electronic equipment to be secured from manufacturers to be installed and to be wired up with the master control.

Normally a year is about what would be required to start building studios and wiring them up. So that if we had an immediate start on August 1 we probably would not have concluded until August 1 next year.

Now, I did try to make the move quickly by requesting that we be permitted to go right in the studios at the Trans Lux Building, which are in existence and have been vacated by NBC.

The General Services Administration would not permit that because they required that we be in Government-owned space and not in rented space.

QUESTIONING BY STAFF MEMBER W. J. KENNEDY

Chairman BRIDGES. Now, I have asked Mr. Kennedy to raise questions. He is a representative of the committee, who has, in my name, reported on this and other related subjects.

Mr. KENNEDY. In your behalf, Mr. Chairman, meetings were held with representatives of GSA with a view to determining the facilities presently occupied and the additional space required to house the International Broadcasting facilities being moved to Washington from New York City. As you know, GSA took a cut in their 1954 budget last year. Also, there was some language put in our committee report requesting them to get all agencies into Government-owned buildings wherever possible.

We had a proposal from General Services on November 19, 1953, where if the USIA took the Health, Education, and Welfare building space plus tempo R and tempo D, we would save $260 thousand annually by moving USIA out of 1778 Pennsylvania Avenue.

As I understand it, the USIA has now agreed to move into the Health, Education, and Welfare, and the tempo R facility but not tempo D, and to still retain the rented facility at 1778 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Mr. STREIBERT. Eventually we ought to have a building somewhere near the State Department and have everything in one place.

Mr. KENNEDY. GSA also proposed use of the Pension Building plus part of the GAO Building, use the Pension Building for studios and GAO for office space. That proposal was rejected.

Of course, that too would be Government-owned space. Chairman BRIDGES. We are trying to reduce expenses, Mr. Streibert, and we are doing the best we can. We want you to be adequately housed, but we want you to operate economically and efficiently.

Mr. STREIBERT. This will save a good deal of rent that we have been paying in New York. We can accommodate ourselves to the temporary building Temporary R-for the Voice of America.

Let me address myself to this $13 million, if I may.
Chairman BRIDGES. All right.

BUDGET ESTIMATE

Mr. STREIBERT. I am now talking about the last column on this sheet totaling the 1955 estimate, a comparison of the House bill, totaling $13,186,000.

I would like to talk to this item by item, both as to the justification. for the restoration as well as the justification of the entire amount to the extent you wish.

USIS MISSIONS ABROAD

Chairman BRIDGES. The record will show at this point the justifications submitted for the USIS Mission Operations: (The justifications referred to follow:)

USIS MISSION OPERATIONS

GENERAL STATEMENT

The program agency abroad is known as the United States Information Service. It is an integral part of the United States Diplomatic Mission in a foreign country. Organizationally, it is headed by a public affairs officer, who reports within USIA to the assistant director for his area, and at the same time serves as a member of the United States team coordinated in each country by the mission chief (ambassador). The public affairs officer (PAO) is assisted by a staff of American and local personnel, varying in size with the scope of the country program. In many countries USIS operates at consulates and at outposts in consular districts as well as at the mission itself (embassy).

In the planning of information activities in the country the public affairs officer consults with appropriate embassy and other United States Government officers in the country. The activities may involve the use of one or more media. The range of projects and activities varies according to the nature of program objectives and local conditions in the country.

Information centers and libraries are open to the public during hours most suitable to the users. This includes evenings and weekends. Reference service and professional assistance are rendered. Mobile units are on tour throughout the country showing motion pictures to key provincial officials and civic leaders as well as the interested public. Regional or branch officers are performing important personal contact work and supplying news and feature materials and other services to the press and local groups to assist them and their audiences in a better understanding of our motives, our purposes, and our mutual interests.

Distribution of specially prepared magazines to select groups or to a particular audience is accomplished through mailing lists or commercial channels. Pamphlets on given subjects are distributed to individuals and organizations in accordance with the content and purpose for which they are prepared. In countries where the use of the English language has limitations many products are provided in local languages and dialects.

The public affairs officers render support to the exchange-of-persons program. At the request of the Department of State, USIS continues to execute the Department's exchange-of-persons program, subject to reimbursement by the Department.

Local production of radio programs involves planning the project and the selection and direction of local talent. Technical facilities may be available through local stations; in other cases it must be provided by USIS to assure technical quality and timeliness. Special events of mutual interest to the United States and the peoples of the foreign country are covered by press, photo, radio, and motion picture personnel for use within the country and made available to USIS programs in other countries.

While most of the operational activity is carried out by locals in USIS, the PAO and his staff of Americans must plan, direct, and supervise the projects. Any matters involving security and classified information must be handled by American personnel at the post. Most of the personal contact work must be

done by Americans. Reporting and appraisal of progress and problems in terms of objectives is the responsibility of American personnel. These American officers, some of whom are generalists and some of whom are specialists, together with the supporting local employee staff, are molded into a team by the PÃO. Explanation of estimate

The program for fiscal year 1955 embraces activities in 77 countries carried on at 216 posts within these countries. The 1955 budget request for USIS missions is $36,628,330. This compares with estimated obligations of $36,991,447 (including liquidation costs) in 1954. The 1955 estimate includes full provision for the Austrian and German Public Affairs Program and the former MSA information themes transferred to the United States Information Agency under Reorganization Plan No. 8.

The USIS Mission estimates include the salaries of American and local employees and the allowances of American personnel. They also Include all travel of field personnel principally appointment, separation, and home-leave travel of American personnel. They include funds for the local employee orientation program; stateside purchases of program supplies and equipment for the missions; representation allowances for American officers; and all local operating expenses of the missions other than specialized items furnished from the media budgets which follow this section of the budget document.

Summary of operations by countries and posts.

[This summary shows on an area basis, the number of countries and posts in which overseas mission activities of the U. S. Information Agency are conducted]

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 USIS 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

12. Representation expenses.