Reading Room Document

Legality of the system outlined in section 3(c)(l)(ii) and (iii) of Presidential Proclamation 3279, as amended by Proclamations 4210 and 4227, providing for payments to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa derived from funds collected

The document is a response to a letter requesting an opinion on the legality of the system outlined in Presidential Proclamation 3279, as amended by Proclamations 4210 and 4227, regarding payments to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa derived from funds collected as oil import license fees. The conclusion reached is that it is not within the President's authority to direct the payment of oil import license fees collected on oil imported from the respective islands to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. The document presents questions about the legality and authority of the President to make such payments, as well as the interpretation of statutes and regulations related to the issue.

November 14, 1974