[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 28, 1995)] [Notices] [Page 33440] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-15767] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE Cashing Domestic Postal Money Orders AGENCY: Postal Service. ACTION: Notice of procedure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Postal Service published a final rule in the Federal Register on February 2, 1995, that restricted the negotiation of domestic postal money orders to the United States and its possessions and territories and to the Freely Associated States. 60 FR 7912-7913. This final rule took effect March 1, 1995, and amended section 391.11 of the International Mail Manual, incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations (see 39 CFR 20.1). In response to this rule, the Postal Service will print domestic postal money orders with the endorsement ``NEGOTIABLE ONLY IN THE U.S. AND POSSESSIONS'' on the face (front) and reverse (back). This restrictive endorsement will appear in bold, red lettering on the lower right face and in bold, black lettering on the reverse. These printing changes to the domestic postal money order do not alter current regulations established by the final rule. In addition, current domestic postal money orders printed without this restrictive endorsement will continue to be valid and negotiable for international use. The Postal Service intends to charge back any domestic postal money order bearing the restrictive endorsement accepted by a bank in any foreign country that is not identified as a U.S. possession or territory or as part of the Freely Associated States. This charge will be handled in accordance with the standard commercial banking procedures in the United States. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 28, 1995. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Al Gillum, (703) 905-3818. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Because the Postal Service receives numerous complaints from foreign postal administrations regarding the acceptance of domestic postal money orders by the banking systems in those countries, and because the domestic postal money order is being used in international money laundering schemes, the Postal Service determined to restrict the negotiation of domestic postal money orders to the United States and its possessions and territories and to the Freely Associated States. This change prevents the practice of circumventing the policies and procedures for the acceptance of international postal money orders agreed to within the Universal Postal Union, and minimizes the use of domestic postal money orders in international money laundering activities. The Postal Service is committed to complying with the agreements with its foreign partners, and to taking proactive measures to minimize the use of its products and services in illegal activities. A concerted effort is being made to restrict the negotiation of domestic postal money orders to the United States and its possessions and territories and to the Freely Associated States. U.S. possessions and territories are American Samoa (including Manua Island, Swain's Island, Tutuila Island); Baker Island; Guam; Howland Island; Jarvis Island; Johnston Island; Kingman Reef; Midway Island; Navassa Island; Northern Marianas Islands (including Rota, Saipan, and Tinian); Palmyra Island; Puerto Rico; Sand Island; U.S. Virgin Islands (including St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas); and Wake Island. The Freely Associated States are Marshall Islands (including Ebeye and Majuro Island); Palau (including Koror Island); and Micronesia (including Chuuk (Truk) Island, Kosrae Island, Pohnepi Island, Yap Island). Stanley F. Mires, Chief Counsel, Legislative. [FR Doc. 95-15767 Filed 6-27-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P