Universal Postal Union
Mail exchanges between countries was a regular occurrence during the 17th and 18th centuries. The exchanges were managed via bilateral agreements, with each country having potentially many different agreements with other countries. During the 19th century these agreements were becoming complex and were hindering the required growth of international postal services. International reform was clearly required.
Reform started in 1840 when Sir Rowland Hill introduced to England a new system whereby postage charges on letters had to be prepaid. His reform also included uniform rates for all domestic letters based on their weight – not the distance traveled. It is Sir Rowland Hill who is credited with introducing the worlds first postage stamp.
In 1863 a conference was held by the US Postmaster General (Montgomery Blair) with European and American representatives in attendance. They were able to agree to some reform and general principles but were not able to settle on an agreement to international postage terms.
It was not until Heinrich Von Stephen (a senior postal official from the North German Confederation) drew up plans for an international postal union. Based on his suggestions the Swiss Government organised an international conference in September 1874 which was attended by representatives from 22 different nations and – his recommendations were obviously well received.
On 9th October 1874, the General Postal Union was established under the Treaty of Berne. General Postal Union membership quickly grew as more countries signed up to standardise their agreements and methods for handling international mail. In 1878 the The General Postal Union was renamed to the Universal Postal Union. In recognition, the 9th October is celebrated as “World Post Day” in many countries around the world.
The pictured coupon from the Philippines was able to be redeemed for stamps for international postage to foreign countries.
“This coupon is exchangeable in any country of the Universal Postal Union for a postage stamp or postage stamps representing the amount of postage for an ordinary single-rate letter destined for a foreign country”.
The Philippines joined the UPU (Universal Postal Union) on 1st Janary 1922 and is still a member today.