February 18, 1949

comm submits 4th rept to Cong, on PO Dept; urges its operation on business basis; that Postmaster Gen be Cabinet member but not party official; that dir of posts job be created; that postal service be decentralized into 15 regions under regional dirs of posts; that there be an unpaid advisers bd; that postmasters and top officials be named by Pres without need for Sen confirmation; that dept get 'business form' of budget; that laws and regulations governing dept and rate-setting system be revised; that hidden subsidies end; R Heller Assoc role in compiling rept noted

D Ginsberg suggests tax on inheritance as income

USSR backs Col H Flueckiger for Gov, UN Security Council; rebuffed by US, GB and France, who urge return of area to Italy

USSR ignores US Embassy, Moscow, request to see her; USSR action seen violating US--USSR '33 accord

dinner, Gov Dewey s

Mayor O'Dwyer in unprecedented action rebukes Higher Educ Bd for anticipated choice of Dr B J Hovde as pros; holds choice offensive to Queens residents; asks bd conf with citizens group; some bd members charge pol interference; acting Pres Kiely role noted

Min Kolarov offers bill to regulate chs and curb ties with foreign ch groups

Lucas announces Sen will open debate on Feb 28; Sen Rules Com brings to Sen floor proposal to impose closure at any point by 2/3 vote; Southerners views revd

Truman denies US stand is confused; Reston comment

US Army gives $44 million for school lunch program, US and Brit zones

O Grotewohl repts all-Ger Peoples's Council vote on zonal Const set for Mar; speed seen enabling projected Govt to claim authority over all Ger; reply to W Ger program seen