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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 1, 1992                   TAG: 9201010199
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: HOLIDAY 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: FREDERICKSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

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THEY'RE TRASHING DISPLOMACY

They may not be helping international diplomacy, but city residents have had some important-looking trash bags to toss around.

Among trash bags distributed last week by sanitation workers were several stamped "U.S.A. Dept. of State Diplomatic Pouch."

To save money, the city buys its 4-foot black trash bags in bulk from a supply company that sometimes recycles odd lots from other customers.

"You wouldn't believe some of the logos that come in," Public Works Superintendent Jack Roberts said.

Bags from feed or grass seed companies are more common, but the city has bought bags that previously were used by the U.S. Postal Service and the Treasury Department, he said.

But couldn't an enterprising drug smuggler benefit from bags stamped with a State Department logo?

"I'm not sure it has great significance," said Dennis Murphy, director of the U.S. Customs Service Virginia District. Items shipped in diplomatic pouches also carry a diplomatic seal, often a heavy lead marker that may not be broken except by the recipient, he said.

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