Page 39 - Prepaid Reply Cards

4 The use of reply cards created a lot of challenges, since their usage required the collaboration and
REGULATIONS AND PRACTICES

common understanding of two post offices in two countries. The base for this were the regulations of
the Universal Postal Union. This chapter forms the key chapter and introduces the general regulations of the
UPU for international mail and namely postcards, the specific regulations dedicated to reply cards, the issue of
UPU membership as prerequisite, and ultimately the local practises that were commonly established.

4.1 GENERAL UPU REGULATIONS
Since the founding of the GPU/UPU in 1874 international postal conventions were held on a regular basis.
At these conventions, all issues of international mail traffic were discussed and the participating countries
agreed on rules for handling mail to allow a swift international collaboration. The chapter addresses the most
important general rules which were also relevant for double cards with prepaid reply.

4.2 SPECIFIC UPU REGULATIONS FOR REPLY CARDS
In 1878 double cards with prepaid reply were introduced among UPO members. This chapter explains all rule
which are applicable to double cards and prepaid reply cards specifically.

4.3 COMMON NON-UPU RULES & PRACTICES
As the UPU regulations were very limited, many countries issued their own own rules to handle prepaid reply
cards. At the same time many practises very established which very directed towards reply cards or occurred due
to their international nature and the insecurity the “foreign” incipium or stamp placed to postal clerks.

4.4 PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
Prepaid reply cards were an common aggreement between UPU membership countries. Therefore, their use was
not accepted by most non membering countries. Also, some non member countries issued and accepted reply
cards, beeing indirectly represented by other countries.

Swiss reply card with the special cancellation of the 1924 UPU Congress in Stockholm.
UPU congresses were the major venues to discuss and decide on reply card regulations.

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