§ 501. General duties of the Postmaster General. In addition to his other duties the Postmaster General shall (1) prescribe rules and regulations that he deems necessary to accomplish the objectives of this title; (2) instruct all persons in the Department with reference to their duties; (3) decide on the forms of all official papers of the Department, except as otherwise provided by law; (4) investigate postal offenses and civil matters relating to the Department; (5) superintend generally the business of the Department and execute all laws relating to the Department. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 580.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 5, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 22, 311a, 369 (R.S. 161, 396, Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1143, 31, 68 Stat. 998). This section, paragraph (1), brings into title 39 the general authority given to all departments to prescribe regulations for the government of their departments (sec. 22 of title 5). Paragraph (1) is also based on the many sections of title 39, which authorize the Postmaster General to issue rules and regulations to implement acts of Congress. In each instance the authority to do so is omitted and the revision notes indicate that this section, paragraph (1), is intended to convey authority to prescribe the regulations. Typical of the sections of the U.S. Code containing this authority are: 5 U.S.C. 383, 39 U.S.C. 153, 39 U.S.C. 169, 39 U.S.C. 171, 39 U.S.C. 196, 39 U.S.C. 212, 39 U.S.C. 244, 39 U.S.C. 245c, 39 U.S.C. 246c, 39 U.S.C. 2461, 39 U.S.C. 249, 39 U.S.C. 260a, 39 U.S.C. 273, 39 U.S.C. 273a, 39 U.S.C. 276d, 39 U.S.C. 278a, 39 U.S.C. 278b, 39 U.S.C. 280, 89 U.S.C. 284, 39 U.S.C. 285, 39 U.S.C. 290-a-1, 39 U.S.C. 291b, 39 U.S.C. 292a, 39 U.S.C. 3211, 39 U.S.C. 321p, 39 U.S.C. 321q, 39 U.S.C. 321г, 39 U.S.C. 329, 39 U.S.C. 331, 39 U.S.C. 336, 39 U.S.C. 384a, 39 U.S.C. 385, 39 U.S.C. 387, 39 U.S.C. 411, 39 U.S.C. 434, 39 U.S.C. 475, 39 U.S.C. 578, 39 U.S.C. 711, 39 U.S.C. 712, 39 U.S.C. 720, 39 U.S.C. 1051. Paragraphs (2), (3) and (5) are based on items "Second", "Third” and “Ninth" of section 369 of title 5. Item "First" of section 369 is covered by section 701 of this title; items "Fourth" through "Eighth" of said section are superseded by sections 794-794f title 39 which sections are covered by sections 509, 2101, 2102, 2202, 2206—— 2208, 2211, 2302, 2401 and 2402 of this title. The authority to investigate offenses, paragraph (4) of this section is derived from section 311a of title 5, and sections 497, 498, 499 and 700 of title 39. (See secs. 903— 906 of this title.) § 502. Bonds. (a) The Postmaster General shall cause postmasters, acting postmasters, and other officers and employees designated by him, to be bonded in accordance with section 14 of title 6 in such sum as he prescribes. (b) When a new bond is made covering a postmaster, acting postmaster, officer, or employee, payments thereafter made by him may be applied first to discharge balances due from him under the prior bond, if the Postmaster General deems it just. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 580.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 6, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 14 (July 30, 1947, ch. 390, § 1, 61 Stat. 646; Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 683, § 1, 69 Stat. 618), and title 39, U.S.C. 1952 ed., §§ 34, 36, 132, 157, 696 (R.S. 3834, 3835, 3870, 4017, 4018; June 11, 1880, ch. 206, § 1, 21 Stat. 177; July 31, 1894, ch. 174, § 3, 28 Stat. 205; June 13, 1898, ch. 446, § 3, 30 Stat. 444; Mar. 1, 1909, ch. 232, 35 Stat. 670; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 304, 42 Stat. 24). Subsection (a) covers the first sentence of section 34 of title 39, and sections 132, 157 and 696 of title 39, 1952 ed. The second sentence of section 34 is eliminated as superseded by the records disposal act (title 44, §§ 366-371). The last sentence of section 34 relating to bonds of married women is also eliminated as obsolete and unnecessary. In view of the language in section 132, title 39, which authorizes the Postmaster General to designate which employees may be required to furnish bond, all references to assistant postmasters, general superintendents, assistant general superintendents of finance, general superintendents and assistant superintendents of money orders, post office inspectors, cashiers and carriers are deleted. The sections covered by subsection (a) required in their original forms that employees furnish their own bonds. However, upon enactment of section 14 of title 6 it became the obligation of the Department to procure bonds for employees. The modification of the bonding provisions brought about by section 14 of title 6 is reflected in subsection (a). Section 36 of title 39 is covered by subsection (b). § 503. Mail equipment shops. (Pub. The Postmaster General may maintain a mail equipment shop in the District of Columbia. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 580.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 5, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 374 (R.S. 400). The words "blank agency" are omitted and the words "mail equipment shops" are inserted in lieu thereof. The "blank agency" has been known for many years as the "mail equipment shops" and has been given recognition in appropriation acts. § 504. Research and development program. (a) The Postmaster General shall maintain in the Department a research and development program, including investigations and studies, for the purpose of introducing or improving equipment, supplies, methods, procedures, means, and devices used in the Department in order that its business may be more efficiently and economically operated. (b) The Postmaster General, pursuant to section 686 of title 31, or other applicable law, may utilize the research and testing facilities of the National Bureau of Standards and procure advice and assistance from any department or independent establishment in the executive branch of the Government. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 580.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 847, 847a (Aug. 16, 1949, ch. 439, §§ 1, 2, 63 Stat. 608). Section 847 of title 39 is covered by subsection (a) of this section. Reference to use of such "officers and employees as he may designate" is omitted as surplusage. Section 847a of title 39 is covered by subsection (b). Changes are made in phraseology. 8505. International postal arrangements. (a) For the purpose of making better postal arrangements with other countries, or to counteract their adverse measures affecting our postal intercourse with them, the Postmaster General, by and with the advice and consent of the President, may negotiate and conclude postal treaties or conventions, and may reduce or increase the rates of postage or other charges on mail matter conveyed between the United States and other countries. The decisions of the Postmaster General construing or interpreting the provisions of any treaty or convention which has been or may be negotiated and concluded shall, if approved by the President, be final and conclusive upon all officers of the United States. (b) The Postmaster General shall transmit a copy of each postal convention concluded with other governments to the Secretary of State, who shall furnish a copy of the same to the Public Printer for publication. The Department shall revise the printed proof sheets of all such conventions. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 581.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 5, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 372, 373 (RS. 398, 399; June 20, 1874, ch. 328, 18 Stat. 38; June 12, 1934, ch. 473, 48 Stat. 943). Section 372 of title 5 is covered by subsection (a), and section 373 of title 5 is covered by subsection (b). Changes are made in phraseology. § 506. International money-order exchanges. The Postmaster General may make arrangements with other governments, with which postal conventions are or may be concluded for the exchange of sums of money by means of postal orders. He shall fix the rates of exchange. A postal order may not exceed $100 in amount. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 581.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 712 (R.S. 4028; Jan. 30, 1889, ch. 100, § 1, 25 Stat. 654). The last sentence providing that expenses be paid out of the proceeds of money order business is omitted. Annual appropriations provide for expenses necessary in the operation of the postal service. Expenses are therefore paid out of available funds. Reference to compensation of postmasters is omitted in view of sections 3542 and 3544 of this title. Authority to issue rules and regulations is omitted. That authority is covered by section 501 of this title. Changes are made in phraseology. § 507. Fees for special services. The Postmaster General may prescribe from time to time the fees which shall be charged by the postal service, and the manner in which they shall be collected, for (1) the registry of mail; (2) the insurance of mail, or other indemnification of senders thereof for articles damaged or lost; (3) securing a signed receipt upon the delivery of mail and returning such receipt to sender; (4) certified mail service; (5) collect-on-delivery service; (6) special-delivery service; (7) special-handling service; (8) receipt or certificate showing mailing of registered, insured, certified, collect-on-delivery, and ordinary mail; (9) the issue of money orders; (10) notice to publishers of undeliverable second class mail, for notice of change of address, and notice to addressee or sender of undeliverable third or fourth class mail, or of undeliverable second class mail mailed at the transient rate; (11) for returning undeliverable letters and parcels from the dead letter office to senders. (12) the issuance of a permit for prepayment of postage without stamps. (13) the entry, re-entry, or additional entry of a periodical publication as second-class mail. (14) the registry of a news agent. Fees prescribed by the Postmaster General under paragraphs (12) to (14), inclusive, shall be collected in lieu of the corresponding fees established under section 4052(b) or 4357. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 581, amended Pub. L. 87-793, § 112, Oct. 11, 1962, 76 Stat. 835.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 246b, 2481, 260s (May 9, 1930, ch. 231, § 2, 46 Stat. 264; Jan. 13, 1931, ch. 27, 46 Stat. 1035; Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 631, title I, § 12, 65 Stat. 676; Apr. 9, 1958, Pub. L. 85-371, § 2, 72 Stat. 83). This section covers the authority granted to the Postmaster General to prescribe fees as found in the cited sections. Reference to issuance of rules and regulations has been omitted. Such authority is now contained in section 501 of this title. Fees for certified mail are now fixed by the Postmaster General under the general authority of 5 U.S.C. 140, and in the same manner as he sets fees for registered, insured and c.o.d. service under 39 U.S.C. 2461. Since certified mail is closely akin to registered and insured mail, it is appropriate to bring the fee authority for certified mail into this section dealing with fees for allied services. Congress has given legislative recognition to certified mail in Public Law 85-259 by authorizing its use in serving jury notices. AMENDMENTS 1962-Pub. L. 87-793, eff. Jan. 7, 1963, added pars. (12), (13) and (14), and the last sentence requiring collection of fees prescribed by pars. (12)—(14), inclusive, in lieu of the corresponding fees established under section 4052 (b) or 4357 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1962 AMENDMENT Section 306 of Pub. L. 87-793 provided that: "Except as otherwise provided, the foregoing provisions of this part [enacting section 4008 of this title and section 659 of Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, amending this section and sections 711. 2302, 2303, 4052, 4253, 4303, 4355, 4357, 4358, 4359, 4362, 4422, 4451, 4452 (a-d), 4552, 4554, 4651, 4653, and 4654 of this title, and repealing sections 4360, 4361 and 4652 of this title] shall become effective on January 7, 1963." § 508. Sale of maps, opinions of General Counsel, and transcripts of hearings. The Postmaster General may sell, at such rates as he determines to be fair and reasonable, but not exceeding the cost thereof (1) post route and rural delivery maps; (2) opinions of the General Counsel; and (3) transcripts of hearings before the Department. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 582.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 5, U.S.C., § 364-1, and title 39, U.S.C.. 1952 ed., § 805 (May 8, 1951, ch. 46, 65 Stat. 40; July 31, 1956, ch. 804, § 301, 70 Stat. 742, 743). Changes are made in phraseology. § 509. Rewards. The Postmaster General may offer and pay rewards for information and services in connection with violations of the postal laws. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 582.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 9, 7941 (Aug. 17, 1950, ch. 735, § 8, 64 Stat. 462; June 1, 1955, ch. 113, title 11, § 201, 69 Stat. 77). Section 794f was divided. Clause (3) is covered by this section. Clause (1) is placed in section 2102 of this title, and clause (2) is placed in section 2101 of this title. The words "information and services" are derived from section 9, title 39, which is temporary legislation. This section has appeared in the Post Office Department appropriations acts dating back to 1917. Changes are made in phraseology. § 510. Disposal of wastepaper. The Postmaster General, subject to the provisions of sections 366-380 of title 44, may sell as wastepaper or otherwise dispose of the files of papers that are not needed in the transaction of current business and have no permanent value or historical interest. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 582.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 8 (May 11, 1906, ch. 2448, 34 Stat. 186; Oct. 25, 1951, ch. 562, § 4(8), 65 Stat. 640). The clause reading “and pay proceeds of such sales into the Treasury as postal revenues" is covered by definition of postal revenue in section 1 of this title. The remainder of section 8 is covered by this section. Changes are made in phraseology. (1) establish post offices as he deems expedient; (2) discontinue post offices when the efficiency of the service requires or revenues are endangered from any cause; and (3) consolidate post offices, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section. (b) The Postmaster General may not discontinue post offices at county seats as a result of a consolidation. This subsection does not apply to (1) Cambridge, Massachusetts; or (2) Towson, Maryland; or (3) Clayton, St. Louis County, Missouri. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 582.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 5, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 369, and 39 U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 1, 2, 3 (R.S. 396, 3829, 3864; June 9, 1896, ch. 386, 29 Stat. 313; Aug. 24, 1912, ch. 389, § 1, 37 Stat. 545). Subsection (a) covers the purpose and intent of sections 1, 2 and 3 of title 39 and section 369 of title 5. Reference to establishing post office on post roads “established by law" in section 1 of title 39 is omitted. All roads are post roads. (See sec. 6105 of this title.) Reference to notifying General Accounting Office is omitted as obsolete. Subsection (b) covers the remaining provisions of section 3 of title 39 prohibiting discontinuance of post offices at county seats. Changes are made in phraseology. § 702. Classes of post offices. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Postmaster General shall divide post offices into four classes on the basis of gross annual postal receipts for the preceding calendar year. He shall place in the first class those post offices at which those receipts are $40,000 or more. He shall place in the second class those post offices at which those receipts are $8,000 or more, but less than $40,000. He shall place in the third class those post offices at which those receipts are $1,500 or more, but less than $8,000. He shall place in the fourth class those offices at which those receipts for each of two consecutive calendar years are less than $1,500, or where in any calendar year those receipts are less than $1,400. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 582.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 973 (g), 1031 (June 10, 1955, ch. 137, §§ 303 (g), 801, 69 Stat. 121, 129). Sections 973(g) and 1031 of title 39 are combined. § 703. Distributing offices; clerk hire. When the Postmaster General designates an office of the fourth class as distributing or separating offices he may make allowances to the postmaster for the necessary cost of clerical services arising from the duties involved. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 583.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 82 (July 12, 1876, ch. 179, § 11, 19 Stat. 82). Reference to allowances to postmasters at offices of the third class is omitted. Expenses at such offices are paid out of the annual appropriations made to the Department. For similar provisions regarding payment of allowances, see section 3544 (e) of this revision. § 704. Reimbursement for equipment on discontinuance of office. The Postmaster General shall reimburse, on a fair and equitable basis, the postmaster of any discontinued post office of the first, second or third class for equipment and fixtures that were (1) furnished by the postmaster; (2) necessary to the efficient operation of the post office; and (3) in use in the post office at the time of discontinuance. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 583.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 69, 70 (Aug. 23, 1954, ch. 827, §§ 1, 2, 68 Stat. 766). The cited sections are combined. That part of section 70 authorizing appropriations is omitted as unnecessary. Changes are made in phraseology. § 705. Branch post offices and stations. (a) The Postmaster General may establish branch post offices within the delivery limits of a post office for the receipt and delivery of mail, and the performance of other postal functions. (b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Postmaster General may not establish stations, substations, or branches of a post office beyond the corporate limits or boundaries of a village, town, or city in which the principal office is located. (c) The Postmaster General may establish stations, substations, or branches of a post office within twenty miles of the outer boundary or limits of a villige, town, or city having 1,500 or more inhabitants and in which the principal office is located. This authority may not be used by the Postmaster General as a basis for discontinuing an established post office. (d) The Postmaster General may establish stations, substations, or branches of a post office at camps, posts, or stations of the Armed Forces, at defense or other strategic installations, and at airports. (e) The Postmaster General may establish branch offices, nonaccounting offices, or stations of the Honolulu, San Juan, and Charlotte Amalie post offices, respectively, in (1) Hawaii, (2) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and (3) the Virgin Islands. Offices and stations so established shall be conducted under the name of the existing post office so as to maintain the identity of the office concerned. (f) The Postmaster General may enter into contracts for the conduct of contract stations in accordance with section 2011 of this title. (g) This section does not apply to rural stations established under authority of section 6005 of this title. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 583, amended Pub. L. 88-219, Dec. 21, 1963, 77 Stat. 462.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 158, 159, 160, 160a, 161 (R.S. 3871; June 9, 1896, ch. 386, 29 Stat. 313; May 18, 1916, ch. 126, § 15, 39 Stat. 163; Oct. 28, 1919, ch. 86, 41 Stat. 323; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; Mar. 10, 1952, ch. 98, 1, 66 Stat. 28; Apr. 7, 1958, Pub. L. 85-368, 72 Stat. 81; Apr. 9, 1958, Pub. L. 85-372, 72 Stat. 84; Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85-893, § 1, 72 Stat. 1713). The first sentence of section 158, title 39, is covered in subsection (a). The last sentence is covered by section 6004 of this title. Section 160 of title 39 is covered by subsections (b) and (c). The provisions of the note to section 160, title 39, as amended by the act of April 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 81, are covered by subsection (d). 39. Subsection (e) covers the provisions of section 159, title Section 161, title 39, is cross referenced in subsection (f) to section 2011 of this title. Rural stations referred to in subsection (f) have traditionally been established under authority to establish the rural free delivery service. For many years prior to 1950 the Appropriations Acts for the Department carried funds to be used for the establishment of such stations under the heading Rural Delivery Service. Commencing with the 1951 Appropriations Act, the appropriations for the Department are consolidated so that the rural delivery service and its costs are no longer separately stated. The authority to establish these rural postal stations throughout the country still remains. Changes are made in phraseology. AMENDMENTS 1963-Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 88-219 substituted "twenty miles" for "10 miles" and inserted sentence prohibiting the Postmaster General from using this authority as a basis for discontinuing an established post office. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 88-219 substituted "establish stations, substations, or branches of a post office" for "estab lish branch post offices", and extended the authority of the Postmaster General to include airports. § 706. Postal agencies in other countries. When in his judgment the efficiency of the international postal service will be thereby promoted, the Postmaster General may establish postal agencies at seaports or airports in other countries at which United States mail steamers or aircraft arrive and receive mails. He may pay the postal agents employed thereat a reasonable compensation for their services, in addition to the necessary expenses for office rent, office furniture, clerk hire, and incidental expenses. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 583.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 672 (R.S. 4021; Oct. 5, 1940, ch. 745, § 1, 54 Stat. 965). Changes are made in phraseology. § 707. Hours of service. (a) The Postmaster General shall require at least one person to be on duty at each post office during such hours of each day as he directs, to perform the functions of the office. (b) Post offices of the first and second classes shall not be open on Sundays for the purpose of delivering mail, other than special delivery mail. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 583.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 4, 5 (R.S. 3839; Aug. 24, 1912, ch. 389, § 137 Stat. 543). Section 4 of title 39 is covered by subsection (a). § 708. Box rents to be prepaid. (a) Patrons shall pay rent on post office boxes in advance on a quarterly basis. (b) The Postmaster General may permit patrons to provide lock boxes or drawers for their own use and at their own expense, which shall become the property of the United States subject to the direction and control of the Department. The patrons shall pay the same rent as that charged for similar boxes provided by the Department. (Pub. L. 86–682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 584.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 279, 785 (R.S. 3901. 4052). Subsection (a) is based on section 279 of title 39. Payment "on a quarterly basis" is substituted for "one quarter in advance" to simplify accounting and billing procedures. Subsection (b) covers, with changes in phraseology. the provisions of section 785, title 39. The words "which rental shall be accounted for as other box rents" is omitted in view of the provisions of section 794(b), title 39 (see sec. 2208 of this revision) which requires establishment and maintenance of systems of accounting covering all funds, property, and other assets of the Department. Changes are made in phraseology. § 709. Arrival and departure of mail. The Postmaster General shall furnish to the postmasters at the terminals of each route (1) a schedule of arrivals and departures of mail at their offices; and (2) notice of any change in the arrival and departure that may be ordered. Postmasters shall post the schedules and notices in a conspicuous place in their offices. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 584.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 7 (R.S. 3841, Apr. 4, 1953, ch. 18, § 1, 67 Stat. 21). The final clause requiring the making of such reports as the Postmaster General may require is omitted as unnecessary. Changes are made in phraseology. § 710. Making up mail. Letters brought for mailing to a post office half an hour before the time for the next forwarding mail shall be included therein unless, in the opinion of the Postmaster General, more time for making up the mail is required, they may be included in mail to be forwarded not more than one hour thereafter. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 584.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 6 (R.S. 3840). Changes are made in phraseology. §711. Method of determining gross receipts. (a) In determining gross receipts at post offices of the fourth class, the Postmaster General shall allow credit only for the postage collected in addition to the regular rate on business reply cards and letters in business reply envelopes delivered at those offices. (b) The gross receipts do not include money received for (1) setting meters for patrons beyond the area served by his office unless authorized by the Department; (2) stamps, stamped envelopes and postal cards sold in large or unusual quantities to be used in mailing matter at other offices; and (3) stamps, stamped envelopes and postal cards sold for mailing matter diverted from other offices, and mailings of matter so diverted without stamps affixed. (c) The part of the gross postal receipts of a post office, that are determined in accordance with estimates of the Postmaster General to be attributable to the increases in postage rates provided by any Act of Congress enacted on or after May 27, 1958, may not be counted for the purpose of determining the classes of the respective post offices and the compensation and allowances of postmasters and other employees whose compensation or allowances are based on the annual gross receipts of such post offices. This section does not operate to relegate a post office to a class or receipts category below the class or receipts category to which it may be assigned on the basis of gross postal receipts accruing during the last complete calendar year prior to May 27, 1958, or, in the case of a post office which was in existence on that date but which was not in existence during the whole of that calendar year, on the basis of gross postal receipts accruing during the last quarter prior to May 27, 1958. (Pub. L. 86682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 584, amended Pub. L. 87-793, § 114, Oct. 11, 1962, 76 Stat. 835.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 56, 57d (Mar. 9, 1914, ch. 33, 38 Stat. 296; Mar. 29, 1944, ch. 143, § 3, 58 Stat. 131; July 6, 1945, ch. 274, § 8(a), 59 Stat. 437; May 27, 1958, Public Law 85-426, § 211, 72 Stat. 142.) The second proviso of section 57d of title 39 is covered by subsection (a) of this section. The remainder of section 57d is superseded. Subsection (b) covers that part of section 56 of title 39 preceding the proviso. The language of this subsection is revised to make express mention of postage meter settings. The proviso is superseded by section 1031, title 39, which section is covered by section 702 of this title. Subsection (c) covers section 211 of Public Law 85-426. Changes are made in phraseology. AMENDMENTS 1962 Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87-793, eff. Jan. 7, 1963, substituted "any Act of Congress enacted on or after May 27, 1958" for "Public Law 85-426." § 712. Armed Forces postal clerks. (a) Upon selection by the Secretaries of the Departments concerned, the Postmaster General may designate Armed Forces postal clerks, and assistant Armed Forces postal clerks from enlisted personnel of the (1) Army of the United States; (3) Air Force of the United States; (b) Armed Forces postal clerks and assistant Armed Forces postal clerks designated under authority of subsection (a) of this section shall (1) receive and open all pouches and sacks of mail addressed to the post offices, stations, vessels and installations of the organizations listed in subsection (a) of this section; (2) make delivery of the mail; (3) receive matter for transmission in the mail; (6) make up and dispatch mail; and (7) perform any other postal duties that may be authorized by the Postmaster General in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the appropriate authority of the organizations listed in subsection (a) of this section. (c) Each clerk or assistant clerk appointed under authority of this section shall— (1) take the oath of office prescribed for members of the field postal service; (2) be covered by a bond in such penal sum as the Postmaster General deems sufficient for the faithful performance of his duties as postal clerk or assistant postal clerk, unless bonding is waived by the Secretary of the Department concerned; and (3) be amenable in all respects to the discipline of their respective services, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section. (d) The commanding officer having jurisdiction over a post office, station, vessel, or installation where Armed Forces postal clerks or assistant Armed Forces postal clerks are stationed shall require them to be governed by the postal laws and the postal regulations. Whenever he deems it necessary a commanding officer may require any assistant Armed Forces postal clerk to perform the duties of an Armed Forces postal clerk. |