IN CONFIDENCE
MEMORANDUM ON POSTAGE STAMP POLICY FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE WEST INDIAN ASSOCIATED STATES
I
OUTLINE OF POLICY
1.
Postage stamps are primarily intended for the prepayment of postage and Article 9 of the Universal Postal Union Convention states that "postage stamps for denoting payment of postage shall be issued by postal administrations only". The sale of stamps to collectors, however, supplies a direct source of revenue important to many countries. Most countries also expect their stamp issues to enhance their international standing and their tourist trade.
2.
The following notes, based on a memorandum produced for the guidance of postal authorities in British Dependent Territories, are being made available to the Governments of Associated States in the hope that they might be found useful. The advice is not, of course, in any way binding, except in respect of the use of Royal Insignia. Associated States are entitled (but not obliged) to incorporate either the Royal Cypher or The Queen's portrait in their postage stamp des- igns: if they do so however, they are required to abide by the procedures set out below for submitting their designs for prior approval.
3.
In formulating a postage stamp policy, it is suggested that the primary considerations should be:
4.
(a) If the Royal Insignia are used, to protect The Queen's
interests overseas;
(b) To protect the reputation of governments and postal
administrations;
(c) To avoid political embarrassment which could arise from
the use of postage stamps for political purposes; (d) Subject to (a) (b) and (c) above, to ensure that the
maximum economic benefit accrues to the territory concerned.
According to the best advice we have received, (d) above is best achieved by attracting the long-term interest of serious philatelists, rather than by going for quick sales to people with only a passing interest. To do this, it is essential to ensure:
IN CONFIDENCE
/i.