B-47457 February 15, 1945

B-47457 February 15, 1945

Mr. S. e. Schoonover Authorized Certifying Officer Forest Service, Department of Agriculture 623 North 2nd Street Milwaukee 3, Wisconsin

Dear Mr. Schoonover:

Consideration has been given your letter of January 29, 1945.

ref. A, DISBURSEMENT, Vouchers, as follows:

"The attached voucher in favor of Robert Kohler, Milwaukee, Wisconsin for $3.00, covering purchase of two photographs of Forest Service officials, has been presented to me for approval as Authorized Certifying Officer. The Acting Regional Forester has submitted a statement attached to the voucher explaining the official use to which these photographs are to be put.

"There are also attached samples illustrating one use to which these photographs are put in connection with official work.

"Normally photographs of personnel would be considered a personal expenses. However, in view of the fact that these photographs are to be used in making mats in connection with public addresses and other news items regarding the work of the Forest Service, your opinion is respectfully requested as to whether or not it would be proper for me to certify the attached voucher for payment from official funds."

The Acting Regional Forester's Statement of January 27, 1945, explains the matter, as follows:

"One of our very effective methods of informing the public of the work of the United States Forest Service is through public addresses by members of the regional office. In the majority of cases, these addresses are by request of some organization or group.

"Many times when an address has been arranged, the organization being desirous of publicizing the meeting asks us for photographs of the individual who is to speak, together with a history of his past connections and his place in the work of the Forest Services.

"The letter we are able to furnish, but only in a very few cases are we in a position to furnish the photograph or a mat. In all cases, where we have photographs, they are unsatisfactory as they have been copied from a portrait which lacks the clearness and sharpness necessary for newspaper reproduction.

"For this reason, we would like a selected number of members of the regional office photographed by a commercial photographer. These photographs are to be taken for official use in disseminating information relative to the Forest Service."

The appropriation for Salaries and Expenses, Forest Services, 1945, subhead National Forest, Protection and Management, act of June 28, 1944, Public Law 367, is expressly available: "For the administration, protection, use, maintenance, improvement, and development of the national forests." In view of the above explanation regarding the use to be made of the photographs, it would appear that their cost constitutes a proper charge against the above appropriation. B-15278, may 15, 1942: A-57964, January 30, 1935: 20 Comp. Gen. 447, 566, cf. 23 Comp. Gen. 494.

The voucher, which is returned herewith, may be certified for payment in the absence of other objection.

Respectfully,

Comptroller General of the United States

Enclosure