B-136516, JUL. 14, 1958

TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY: REFERENCE IS MADE TO LETTER OF JUNE 2. REQUESTING A DECISION AS TO WHETHER THE SECRETARIES CONCERNED HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO PRESCRIBE STATION PER DIEM ALLOWANCES FOR MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES ON THE BASIS DESCRIBED IN THE LETTER AS FOLLOWS: "PARAGRAPH 4301 OF THE JOINT TRAVEL REGULATIONS PRESCRIBES THE ENTITLEMENT OF STATION PER DIEM ALLOWANCES TO MEMBERS STATIONED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES. IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE DIFFERENCES IN COMPENSATION RESULT IN DIFFERENCES IN LEVELS OF LIVING BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. IT IS CONSIDERED. THAT ALLOWANCES WHICH VARY BY PAY GRADE ARE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THESE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF LIVING IN OVERSEAS AREAS WHERE THE COST OF LIVING IS HIGHER THAN IN THE UNITED STATES.