Real Estate Expenses Incident to Overseas Transfer

A Government employee received assurances from his employing activity that he would be reimbursed for the expenses of selling a residence incident to his transfer to an overseas post. Upon arrival at his new duty station, the employee was advised that real estate expense claims were not authorized for transfers from the United States to overseas activities. The Commanding Officer stated that the employee's actions were taken in good faith and that his financial loss was caused solely by erroneous verbal and written assurances given by the employing activity. It was held that the employee was not entitled to reimbursement for real estate expenses since both the old and new duty stations were not located within the United States, its territories and possessions, Puerto Rico, or the Canal Zone. He also may not be reimbursed for the expenses since, in the absence of specific statutory authority to the contrary, the United States is not responsible for erroneous acts of its officers, agents, or employees. The claim was denied.