DOD Use of Official Representation Funds To Entertain Foreign Dignitaries

Gao ID: ID-83-7 December 29, 1982

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed expense accounting by the Department of Defense (DOD) under a program which pays certain expenses of foreign officials who visit the United States.

GAO noted that the purpose of the distinguished visitors' program is to strengthen ties with military allies and that participants often discuss the purchase of military weapons. GAO found that the Official Representation Account understates the total cost of the program because other costs are not separately identified. Although the Secretary of Defense has wide discretion under law regarding these funds, GAO found that some expenses charged to the account were inconsistent with DOD guidance. Specifically, GAO found that: (1) expenses were incorrectly documented; (2) proper ratios of DOD to non-DOD guests were not maintained; and (3) expense limitations were exceeded. GAO learned that it was not clear how expenses not specifically addressed in the guidance should be charged or how much time can be spent on social activities peripherally related to official business.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Harry R. Finley Team: General Accounting Office: International Division Phone: (202) 512-5187


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