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any so, this EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT BUREAU OF THE BUDGET WASHINGTON, 25, D. C. FEB 1 9 1946 My dear Mr. Latta: On February 15, 1946, you advised this office that H. R. 2764, "To amend section 409 of the Interstate Commerce Act, with respect to the utilization by freight forwarders of the services of common car- riers by motor vehicle," had been received at the White House and requested reports and recommendations as to the approval of the bill. Under extensions of authority heretofore made by the Congress, the last of which expired on February 16, 1946, freight forwarders and common carriers by motor vehicle have been authorized to engage in joint- rate arrangements under which freight forwarders utilizing the services of such carriers pay a lower rate than the full published tariff rates of such carriers which shippers generally are required to pay. The purpose of the enrolled enactment is to continue, for a further temporary period, existing joint-rate arrangements between freight for- warders and common carriers by motor vehicle, and to vest in the Inter- state Commerce Commission the authority to approve, disapprove, or modify the terms and conditions of any rate agreements entered into by freight forwarders and common carriers by motor vehicle. Facsimiles of the enrolled enactment have been referred to the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Office of Defense Transportation, and the War, Commerce, and Treasury Departments. The Interstate Com- merce Commission, in its attached reply, interposes no objection to the approval of the bill and advises that the bill will be workable, and that its administration is practical. This office has informally con- tacted the ot her agencies referred to and has been advised that they interpose no objection to the approval of the bill. I recommend that the bill be approved. Very truly yours, Mr. M. C. Latta, The White House. Director Enclosures: Letter from Interstate Commerce Commission. One copy each of the Senate and House reports on the bill.