Statement by the President Upon Signing Order Establishing the Commission on Postal Organization.

I HAVE today called upon 10 distinguished Americans to conduct the most searching and exhaustive review ever undertaken of the structure and organization of the Post Office Department.

Our postal service handles more mail than the rest of the world's postal systems combined. It is a primary lifeline of communication, affecting the daily lives of all citizens and the operations of every business.

Americans want and deserve the most efficient and modern postal system. Yet today we are in danger of falling behind in our effort to provide the very best service.

It is now time to determine whether the postal system as presently organized is capable of meeting the demands of our growing economy and our expanding population.

The Commission I have established today is eminently qualified to deal with this problem.

I have specifically asked the Commission to determine whether the high quality postal service which Americans have come to expect can better be performed by a Cabinet department, a Government corporation, or some other form of organization.

I have asked the Commission to consult with Government officials, private interests who are significant users of the postal service, Members of Congress, and postal employee organizations.

I have asked Chairman Kappel to submit the Commission's recommendations to me within a year.

I urge all Americans to cooperate with the Commission in its important work.