2002-02-28 How is the BIPM connected with the BIE? And if the US does leave, what are the implications ?
John ----- Original Message ----- From: "Louis JOURDAN" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, 2002-02-28 01:48 Subject: [USMA:18446] USA and BIPM > Has anybody heard rumors about a possible withdrawal of USA from BIPM ? > > The reason why I put this question is that I recently got this > information (from another discussion group) : > > >During the past summer, the U.S., with the signature of Colin Powell > >as Secretary of State, sent their official letter of withdrawal to > >the BIE. > > > >Once received, it takes one year for the withdrawal to go into effect. > > > >This news came directly from those at the state department who were > >in charge of U.S. > >participation. This news was as of June. Certainly with the changing > >international landscape > >via September 11, this letter could have been rescinded. > > BIE stands for "Bureau International des Expositions", ie the > international organization that regulates the Universal Expositions. > Established in 1928 and located in Paris, it has currently 88 member > states. > > A member of the discussion group gave the following explanation : > > > The U.S. has not paid its dues to the BIE in years (this despite a > >relatively small $35,000 per year fee). However, our decision on > >this is not truly monetary. For over a decade now, our > >participation in world's fairs can not legally include any money > >from the public treasury and must be fundraised from corporate > >sponsors. > > Certainly this is not the case with BIPM, but who knows... > > Louis >
