[HCDX] Madagascar Mail

["Steve -O" <vinyltocdr@xxxxxxx>]

hello all,

back in feb '08 i sent some reception report to Radio Madagasikara.  They were addressed to the BP 442 address as per PPWBR and Radio Madagasikara's website.  I sent the regular 6 x 9 inch envelope with a reception report, CD and one US $ and some post cards in each.  I also put one of the green "customs forms" and checked "GIFT" so there would be no taxes on their receipt in madagascar.  

TO MY SURPRISE, many of my envelopes with the goods described above were returned to me today in my mailbox.  the envelopes were not opened or tampered with in any way.  they did look as if they were "around" awhile.

they did make it to Antananarivo because there are stickers with the capital letters of R N 121 and then it says Antananarivo.  there is rubber stamp ink that says "NON RECLAME" ; "RETOUR L'ENVOYEUR" ; hand written "Pc=40" or "Pe=40" in red marker, 2e avis, 26-04-08.

also, the address that i have written just as PPWBR and RM's website address has inkpen X's all over it like the addr is no good.  

Here is the address that is crossed out:

Radio Nasionaly Malagasy
Radio Madagasikara
B.P. 442 - Anosy
Antananarivo 101
Madagascar.

i do know from surfing the internet that folks have had letters returned that were sent to the once good 4422 and 1202 boite postals.

there are many other numbers, dates, and illegible ink stamps over the envelope too.  once again, it was unopened and completely not tampered with, and, it definitely made it to antananarivo.

so, does anyone have any idea what the problem is ?  could there be a "tax" even though i have the "gift" customs form checked ?  if there was a tax, then they did not want it and sent it back ?  is the above address (that is on their website) no good ?

i do have the easy QSL from Nederland Relay from back in the early 80's but would like to have RM's in my collection too.

if anyone has any idea, i would very much appreciate any shoughts on what may have happened.

i am going to sent the embassy an email to get their thoughts.

thanks for any ideas, posts, or thoughts.

Steve Price
Johnstown, PA.
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