431 
Appendix  III. -Executive  Order  11852  of  March  10,  1972. 
FRIDAY,  MARCH  10,  1972 
WASHINGTON.  B.C. 
Volume  37  ■  Number  *9 
PARTI! 
THE  PRESIDENT 
EXECUTIVE  ORDER  11652 
Classification  and  Declassification  of 
National  Security  information 
and  Material
432 
TX1  msiOCfT  12»  sao 
TiU«  a—The  President 
EXECUTIVE  ORDER  11652 
QassificsnW  and  Dcclajtaficatioa  of  National  Security  Informarioo 
sad  Material 
The  interests  of  the  United  State*  and  Its  citizens  are  bat  served  by 
making  Information  regarding  the  affain  of  Government  readily  avail- 
able to  Utc  public.  This  concept  of  an  loiormed  ehuearv  it  reflected  is 
the  Freedom  of  lAformatioa  Act  and  in  the  current  public  information 
policies  of  the  executive  branch. 
Within  the  Federal  Government  there  is  some  official  information 
and  material  which,  because  it  bean  directly  on  the  effectiveness  of  our 
national  defense  and  the  conduct  of  our  foreign  relations,  must  be  sub- 
ject to  some  constraints  for  the  security  of  our  Nation  and  the  safety  of 
our  people  and  our  allies.  To  protect  against  actions  hostile  to  the  United 
States,  of  both  an  overt  and  covert  nature,  it  is  essential  that  such 
official  information  and  material  be  given- only  limited  dissemination. 
This  official  Information  or  material,  referred  to  as  classified  infor- 
mation or  material  h  this  order,  is  expressly  exempted  from  pobCc 
disclosure  by  Section  552(b)  ( I )  of  Title  5,  United  States  Code.  Wrong- 
ful disclosure  of  such  information  or  material  is  recognized  in  the  Federal 
Criminal  Code  at  providing  a  basis  for  prosecution. 
To  ensure  that  such  information  and  material  is  protected,  but  only 
to  the  extent  ami  for  such  period  as  b  necessary,  this  order  identifies  the 
information  to  be  protected,  prescribes  classification,  downgrading,  de- 
classification and  safeguarding  procedures  to  be  followed,  and  establishes 
a  monitoring  system  to  ensure  its  effectiveness. 
NOW,  THEREFORE,  by  virtue  of  the  authority  vetted  in  me  by  the 
Constitution  and  statutes  of  the  United  States,  it  is  hereby  ordered: 
SacnoM  1.  Security  CttttiJUation  Caiegoria.  Official  inform  itioa  or 
material  which  requires  protection  against  unauthorized  disclosure  in  the 
interest  of  the  national  defense  or  foreign  relations  of  the  United  States 
(hereinafter  collectively  termed  "national  security")  shall  be  classified 
in  one  of  three  categories,  namely  "Top  Secret,"  "Secret,"  or  "Confiden- 
tial," depending  upon  the  degree  of  its  significance  to  national  security. 
No  other  categories  shall  be  used  to  identify  official  information  or 
material  at  requiring  protection  in  the  interest  of  national  security,  except 
as  otherwise  expressly  provided  by  statute.  These  classification  categories 
are  defined  as  follows: 
(A)  Top  Stent."  "Top  Secret''  refers  to  that  national  security 
information  or  material  which  requires  the  highest  degree  of  protection. 
The  test  for  assigning  Top  Secret"  classincation  ahall  be  whether  its 
unP"*V>rrH  dbdoure  could 'reasonably  be  expected  to  cause  excep- 
tionally grave  damage  to  the  national  security.  Examples  of  "excep- 
tionally grave  damage"  include  armed  hostilities  against  the  United 
States  or  its  allies;  disruption  of  foreign  relations  vitally  affecting  the 
MMtAl  Stern*.  VOL  jr.  MO.  4S— MIDAT.  MMCN  IV.'IVM
4:« 
SAO  THE  f«E$IOtNJ 
national  security;  (he  compromise  of  \ital  nation*!  defense  plans  or 
complex  cryptologic  and  communications  intelligence  i;vema;  the 
revelation  of  scnstikC  intelligence  operation!;  and  the  divcl'Kure  of  scien- 
tific or  technological  developments  \i'al  to  nationaj  seeuriry.  This 
classification  shall  be  used  with  the  utmost  resiriipt. 
(B)  "Stcttt."  "Setret"  refers  to  that  national  security  information  or 
materiaj  which  requires  a  <ubstantial  degree  of  protection.  The  ten 
foe  assigning  "Secret"  cUvo/icacion  shaJl  be  whether  its  unauthorised 
disclosure  could  rta.vHi.ibly  fc»»  expected  to  oiive  <erious  damage  to  the 
national  security  F.«imptes  of  "serious  d.unj^e"  tntSude  disruption  of 
foreign  relations  «igiuficantly  affecting  the  narional  security;  significant 
Impairment  of  a  program  or  policy  directly  related  to  the  national  secu- 
rity; rt\elition  of  significant  military  plaai  or  intelligence  operations; 
and  compromise  of  significant  scientific  or  technological  de-veloprr.cn'j 
relating  to  national  security.  The  elaA'.ifieauon  "Secret"  shall  be  sparingly 
used. 
(C)  "Confidtntial."  "Confidential"  refers  to  that  national  security 
information  oe  material  which  requires  protection.  Tbe  teat  for  assign- 
ing "Confidential"  classification  shall  be  whether  its  unauthorised  dis- 
closure could  reay.nably  be  expected  to  cause  dam.ige  to  the  national 
security. 
Sec.  2.  Authority  to  Clastify.  The  authority  to  originally  classify  in- 
formation or  material  under  thu  order  shall  be  restricted  solely  to  those 
offices  within  the  executive  branch  which  are  concerned  with  matters 
of  national  security,  and  shall  be  limited  to  the  minimum  number 
absolutely  required  for  efficient  administration.  Except  as  the  context 
may  otherwise  indicate,  the  term  "Department"  as  used  in  this  order 
shall  include  agency  or  older  governmental  unit. 
(A)  The  authority  to  originally  classify  information  or  m-iterial  un- 
der this  order  as  "Top  Secret"  shall  be  exercbed  only  by  such  officials  aa 
the  President  may  designate  in  writing  and  by: 
(1 )  The  heads  of  the  Departments  listed  below; 
(2)  Such  of  their  senior  principal  deputies  and  assistants  as  the  heads 
of  such  Departments  may  designate  in  writing;  and 
(3)  Such  heads  and  senior  principal  deputies  and  assistants  of  major 
elements  of  such  Departments,  as  the  heads  of  such  Departments  may 
designate  in  writing. 
Such  offices)  in   the   Executive   Office  of   the   President  as   the 
President  may  designate  in  writing 
Central  Intelligence  Agency 
Atomic  Energy  Commission 
Department  of  State 
Department  of  the  Treasury 
Department  of  Defense: 
Department  of  the  Army 
Department  of  the  Navy 
Department  of  the  Air  Force 
United  States  Arms  Control  and  Disarmament  Agency 
nDUAl  •K3ISIII,  VOL  IT.  NO.   41— fl'DAT,  MAICN   10,   1(71
434 
.  thi  nuDtw    ■  ixit 
Deparoaeat  of  Justice 
National  Aeronautics  and  Space  Administration 
Agency  far  Inlcsnaiionsl  Dcvclocsacnt 
(B)  The  sotljcrfty  to  originally  classify  information  or  material  uader 
this order  as  "Secret"  dull  be  exerdscd  only  by: 
(1)  Officials  who  Rave  Top  Secret"  »'•— tc»««^  authority; 
(2)  Such  subordinates  m  officials  with  Top  Seeref*  classification 
authority  under  (A)  (1)  and  (2)  above  may  designate  5n  writing;  and 
(S)  The  hod*  of  the  following  named  Departments  aad  such  senior 
principal  deputies  or  assistants  as  they  may  designate  in  writing. 
Department  of  Transportation 
Federal  Communications  Commission 
Export-Import  Bank  of  the  United  States 
Department  of  Commerce 
United  States  Civil  Service  Commission 
United  Stains  Information  Agency  i 
General  Services  Administratioti  / 
Department  of  Health,  Education,  and  Welfare 
Civil  Aeronautics  Board 
■Federal  Maritime  Commission 
Federal  Power  Commission 
National  Science  Foundation 
Overseas  Private  Investment  Corporation 
(C)  The  authority  to  originally  classify  information  or  material  un- 
der this  order  as  "Confidential"  may  be  exercised  by  ofSciaTj  who  have 
Top  Secret*  or  "Secret"  classification  authority  and  sue.  officials 
as  they  may  designate  in  writing. 
(D)  Any  Department  not  referred  to  herein  and  any  Department  or 
unit  established  hereafter  shall  nut  have  authority  to  originally  classify 
information  or  material  under  this  order,  unless  specifically  authorized 
hereafter  by  an  Executive  order. 
Sec.  S.  Authority  to  DownfraJt  t*4  Dtclasiijy.  The  authority  to 
downgrade  aad  declassify  national  security  information  or  material  shall 
be  exercised  as  follows: 
(A)  Information  or  material  may  be  downgraded  or  declassified  by 
the  official  authorizing  the  original  clasificadon,  by  a  successor  In  capac- 
ity or  by  a  supervisory  official  of  cither. 
(B)  Downgrading  aad  declassification  authority  may  also  be  exer- 
cised by  an  official  specifically  authorised  under  regulations  issued  by  the 
head  of  the  Department  listed  in  Sections  2(A)  or  (B)  hereof. 
(C)  In  the  case  of  classified  information  or  material  officially  trans- 
ferred by  or  pursuant  to  statute  or  Executive  order  in  conjunction  with 
a  transfer  of  function  and  not  merely  for  storage  purposes,  the  receiving 
Department  shall  be  deemed  to  be  the  originating  Department  for  all 
purposes  under  this  order  including  downgrading  and  declassification. 
fsoaui  ssornst,  vol  sr,  mo.  4s— Huoar.  mascm  i»,  itn
435 
KB  thi  rauioiwr 
(D)  In  the  use  of  classified  information  of  materia!  not  official!* 
transferred  within  (C)  above,  but  originated  in  ■  Department  which 
has  sine*  ceased  to  exist,  each  .Department  in  possession  thai]  be  deemed 
to  be  the  originating  Department  for  aO  purposes  under  this  order.  Such 
information  or  material  may  be  downgraded  and  declassified  by  ibe 
Department  in  possession  after  consulting  with  any  other  Departments 
having  an  interest  en  the  subject  matter. 
(E)  Classified  information  or  material  transferred  to  the  General 
Services  Administration  for  accession  into  the  Archives  of  the  United 
States  shall  be  downgraded  and  declassified  by  the  Archivist  of  the 
United  States  in  accordance  with  this  order,  directives  of  the  President 
issued  through  the  National  Security  Council  and  pertinent  regulations 
of  the  Departments. 
(F)  Classified  information  or  material  with  special  markings,  as 
described  in  Section  6,  shall  be  downgraded  and  declassed  as  required 
by  law  and  governing  regulations. 
Src  4.  CUitificatioH.  Each  person  possessing  classifying  authority 
shall  be  held  accountable  for  the  propriety  of  the  classifications  attrib- 
uted to  him.  Both  unnecessary'clasuEcation  and  over -classification  shall 
be  avoided.  Classification  shall  be  solely  on  the  basis  of  national  security 
considerations.  In  no  case  shall  information  be  classified  in  order  la 
conceal  inefficiency  or  administrative  error,  to  prevent  embarrassment 
to  a  person  or  Department,  to  restrain  competition  or  independent  ini- 
tiative, or  to  prevent  for  any  other  reason  the  release  of  information 
which  does  not  require  protection  in  the  interest  of  national  security. 
The  following  rules  shall  apply  to  classification  of  information  under 
this  order: 
(A)  Documtnti  in  Ctittral.  Each  classified  document  shall  show  on 
its  face  its  classification  and  whether  it  is  subject  to  or  exempt  from  the 
General  Declassification  Schedule,  it  shaU  alio  show  the  office  of  origin, 
the  date  of  preparation  and  classification  and,  to  the  extent  practicable, 
be  so  marled  as  to  indicate  which  portions  are  classified,  at  what  level, 
and  which  portions  are  not  classified  in  order  to  facilitate  excerpting  and 
other  use.  Material  containing  references  to  classified  materials,  which 
references  do. not  reveal  classified  information,  shall  not  be  clasified. 
(B)  Idtnli/Uation  of  Cftfjri/ririg  Authority.  Unless  the  Department 
involved  shall  have  provided  some  other  method  of  identifying  the 
individual  at  the  highest  level  that  authorized  classification  in  each  case, 
material  classified  under  this  order  shall  indicate  on  its  face  the  identity 
of  the  highest  authority  authorizing  the  classification.  Where  the  indi- 
vidual who  signs  or  otherwise  authenticates  a  document  or  item  has  also 
authorized  the  classification,  no  further  annotation  as  to  his  identity 
is  required. 
(C)  Information  or  Material  Fwniihid  by  a  For  fig  n  Gourrnmrni  or 
International  Organization.  Classified  information  or  material  furnished 
to  the  United  States  by  a  foreign  government  or  international  orgxnii*- 
tion  shall  either  retain  its  original  classification  or  be  assigned  a  United 
States  classification.  In  either  case,  the  classification  shall  assure  a  degree 
of  protection  equivalent  to  that  required  by  the  government  or  inter- 
national organization  which  furnished  the  information  or  material 
ROilM  IIOniH.  VOL   ir.  NO.  41— T1IOAT,  MAICM   19,   1V7S
436 
TMI  MISOIMT  82U 
lD)  CUtuftmHam  RupowbSitUt.  A  bolder  of  thtsincd  inform*, 
ilea  or  material  dull  observe  and  respect  the  classification  asrignrd 
b7  the  originator.  If  a  holder  believes  that  there  if  unnecessary  chad. 
Seadon,  that  tbe  assigned  rlasn'ncatfon  U  improper,  or  that  the  docu- 
mat  It  aub)ect  to  «<~l«»«— tfe«  under  this  order,  he  shall  »  Inform 
the  originator  who  dull  thereupon  re-examine  the  classification. 
Sac.  5.  D*tUuifc*H*n  **4  ifoaMfr«diaf .  datsinVrf  information  and 
material,  unless  declassified  earlier  by  die  original  classifying  authority, 
shall  be  declassified  and  downgraded  in  accordance  with  the  following 
rules: 
(A)  Cmrraf  DttUtdfemlion  Scktdtdt.  (!)  To?  S*ct*t."  Infor- 
mation or  material  originally  chained  Top  Secret"  thaO  become 
automatically  •downgraded  to  "Secret"  at  the  end  of  the  second  full 
calendar  year  following  the  >ear  in  which  it  was  originated,  down- 
graded to  "Confidential"  at  the  end  of  tbe  fouith  full  calendar  year 
following  tbe  year  in  which  it  was  originated,  and  declassified  at  the 
end  of  the  tenth  fuQ  calendar  year  following  the  year  in  which  it  was 
originated. 
(2)  "Sic ft."  Information  and  material  originally  classified  "Secret" 
shall  become  automatically  downgraded  to  "Confidential"  at  the.  end 
of  the  second  full  calendar  year  following  tbe  year  in  which  it  was 
originated,  and  drrfassifird  it  the  end  of  the  eighth  full  calendar  year 
following  the  year  in  which  it  was  originated. 
(3)  "CenfdmtiaW  ltd t  .-madon  and  material  originally  classified 
"CooJdentiar  shall  become  automatically  de-dawned  at  the  end  of  the 
sixth  full  calendar  year  following  the  year  in  which  it  wu  originated. 
'  (B)  Exemption!  from  Gtwnal  DieUui,ication  ScMult.  Certain 
classified  Information  or  material  may  war.  ant  tome  degree  of  pro- 
tection for  a  period  exceeding  that  provided  in  the  General  Declassi- 
fication Schedule.  An  official  authorized  to  originally  classify 
information  or  material  "Top  Secret"  may  exempt  from  the  Cencral 
Declassification  Schedule  any  level  of  classified  information  or  material 
originated  by  hira  or  under  his  supervision  if  it  falls  within  one  of  the 
categories  described  below.  In  each  case  such  official  shall  specify  in 
writing  on  the  material  the  exemption  category  being  claimed  and, 
unless  impossible,  a  date  or  event  for  automatic  declassification.  The 
use  of  the  exemption  authority  shall  be  kept  to  the  absolute  minimum 
cotHJUcpt  with  national  security  requirements  and  shall  be  restricted 
to  the  following  categories: 
(1)  Classified  information  or  material  fumkhed  by  foreign  govern- 
ment! or  international  organixations  and  held  by  thr.  United  States  on 
the  understanding  that  it  be  kept  In  confidence. 
or  pertaining  to  cryptography,  or  disclosing  intelligence  sources  or 
methods. 
(3)  Classified  information^ or  material  disclosing  *  system,  plan, 
installation,  project  or  specific  foreign  relations  matter  the  continuing 
protection  of  which  is  essential  to  the  national  security. 
rtottu  norms;  vol  tr.  mo.  «s— mwr,  mabcm  te,  im
437 
6214  WI  ntUDlHI 
(4)  Classified  information  or  material  the  ditclature  of  which 
would  place  a  person  in  immediate  jeopardy. 
(C)  Maniatoty  Review  of  Exempted  Material.  AD  classifcd  infor- 
mation and  material  originated  after  the  effective  date  of  this  order 
which  ii  exempted  under  (B)  above  from  the  General  Declassification 
Schedule  shall  be  subject  to  a  classification  review  by  the  originating 
Department  at  any  time  after  the  expiration  of  ten  yean  from  the  date 
of  origin  provided: 
(1 )  A  Department  or  member  of  the  public  requests  a  renew; 
(2)  The  request  describes  the  record  with  sufficient  particularity  to 
enable  the  Department  to  identify  it;  and 
(3)  The  record  can  be  obtained  with-only  a  reasonable  amount  of 
effort. 
Information  or  material  which  no  longer  qualifies  for  exemption  under 
(B)  above  shall  be  declassified.  Information  or  material  cootHuing  to 
qualify  under  (8)  shaD  he  so  marled  and,  unlets  impossible,  a  date  for 
automatic  declassification  shall  be  set. 
(D)  Applicability  of  the  Central  Declasrificalion  Schedule  la  Previ- 
ously Clarified  Material.  Information  or  material  classified  before  the 
effective  date  of  this  order  and  which  b  assigned  to  Croup  *  under 
Executive  Order  No.  10501,  as  amended  by  Executive  Order  No.  10964, 
shall  be  subject  to  the  Central  Declassification  Schedule.  All  otheT  infor- 
mation or  material  classified  before  the  effective  date  of  this  order, 
whether  or  not  assigned  to  Croup*  I,  2,  or  3  of  Executive  Order 
No.  10501,  as  amended,  shall  be  excluded  from  the  General  Declassifica- 
tion Schedule.  However,  at  any  time  after  the  expiration  of  ten  yean 
from  the  date  of  origin  it  shall  be  subject  to  a  mandatory  classification 
review  and  disposition  under  the  same  conditions  and  criteria  that  apply 
to  classified  information  and  material  created  after  the  effective  date  of 
this  order  as  set  forth  in  (B)  and  (C)  above. 
(E)  Declassification  of  Clasiifitd  Information  or  Material  After 
Thirty  Yean.  AC  classified  information  or  material  which  is  thirty  years 
old  or  more,  whether  originating  before  or  after  tne  tflecu\e  date  of 
this  order,  shall  be  declassified  under  the  following  conditions: 
(1)  All  information  and  materia]  classified  after  the  effective  date  of 
this  order  shall,  whether  or  not  declassification  has  been  requested, 
become  automatically  declassified  at  the  end  of  thirty  f ufl  calendar  years 
after  the  date  of  its  original  classification  except  for  'such  specifically 
identified  information  or  material  which  the  head  of  the  origumicg 
Department  personally  determines  in  writing  at  that  time  to  require 
continued  protection  because  such  continued  protection  is  essential  to 
the  national  security  or  disclosure  would  place  a  person  in  immediate 
jeopardy.  In  such  caie,  the  head  of  the  Department  shall  abo  specify 
the  period  of  continued  classification. 
(2)  All  information  and  material  classified  before  the  effective  date 
of  this  order  and  more  than  thirty  yean  old  shall  be  systematically 
reviewed  for  declassification  by  the  Archivist  of  the  United  States  by  the 
end  of  the  thirtieth  full  calendar  year  following  the  year  in  which  it  was 
rioitai  itcxsiu.  vol  sr,  no.  «s— mioat,  makm  i».  ttrj
438 
tmi  wsmtm  aa 
oriptiei  Is  lik  review,  the  Archivist  win  separate  and  keep  protected 
only  nek  fafaRnadoa  or  material  u  *  tpeeincaJy  identified  by  thet 
head  of  the  Department  in  accordance  with  (E)(1)  above,  la  such 
case,  the  bod  of  the  Department  shall  aho  tpedfy  the  period  e< 
(F)  D*f*rtnu»U  Whkh  D*  Set  Hum  Authority  For  Origin* 
Ctaui/batiM,  The  proviwona  of  lib  section  relating  to  the  declassifica- 
tion of  national  security  information  or  material  shall  apply  to  Depart* 
menti  which,  under  lac  term*  of  thai  order,  do  not  have  current  authority 
to  originally  chatify  information  or  material,  but  which  'formerly  had 
tuch  authority  under  previous  Executive  orders. 
See.  6.  Ptiky  DUttfoa  an  Atttu,  J/ariiag.  SaftUafiiug,  Actoumt- 
tb&ty,  Truumiuion,  Diipotitio*  and  Dtiltuttion «/  CUtsifitJ  Inform*' 
tit*  **4  Moltritd.  The  Praidcnt  acting  through  the  National  Security 
Council  shall  Same  directive*  which  ihall  be  binding  on  all  Department* 
to  protect  classified  information  front  loss  or  compromise.  .Such 
directives  thaO  conform  to  the  following  poucics: 
(A)  No  person  shall  be  given  access  to  classified  inlormatjoo  or 
material  unless  tuch  penon  has  been  determined  to  be  trustworthy  and 
unless  acccsi  to  such  information  b  necessary  for  the  performance  of  his 
duties.  i 
(B)  All  classified  information  and  material  shall' be  appropriately 
and  conspicuously  marked  to  put  all  persons  on  dear  notice  of  its 
classified  contents. 
(C)  Classified  information  and  material  shall  be  used,  pooested,  and 
stored  only  under  conditions  which  wul  prevent  access  by  unauthorized 
persons  or  daseminaiion  to  unauthorised  persons. 
(D)  AH  classified  information  and  material  disaetninatcd  outside  the 
executive  branch  under  Executive  Order  No.  10865  or  otherwise  shall 
be  properly  protected. 
(E)  Appropriate  accountability  records  for  classified  information 
shaO  be  established  and  maintained  and  tuch  information  and  material 
shall  be  protected  adequately  during  all  transmissions. 
(F)  CUsBned* information  and  material  no  longer  needed  in  current 
working  files  or  for  reference  br  record  purposes  thafl  be  destroyed  or 
daposed  of  in  accordance  wkh  the  records  disposal  provisions  contained 
in  Chapter  33  of  Title  44  of  the  United  Sates  Code  and  other  applicable 
statutes. 
(O)  Classified  information  or  material  sha0.be  reviewed  on  a  syv 
tematfcbasafwthepwposeofaccompfishingdowr^i^ta^ 
lion,  transfer,  retirement  and  destruction  at  the  earliest  practicable  date. 
Sao.  7.  ImfUnunti&en  tad  Jtnum  RaponnbHitUt.  (A)  The  Na- 
tional Security  Council  shall  monitor  the  implementation  of  this  order. 
To  assist  the  National  Security  Council,  an  interagency  Ossrifica* 
tion  Review  Committee  shall  he  established,  composed  of  represents- 
dves  of  the  Departments  of  State,  Defense  and  Justice,  the  Atomic 
Energy  Cornmbkion,  the  Central  Intelligence  Agency  and  the  National 
rtauM  Mount,  voc  sr.  no.  «s— #«oat.  suscm  »».  itn
439 
ma  THt  PIKIDINT 
Security  Council' Staff  and  a  Chairman  designated  by  the  President, 
Representatives  of  other  Departmenti  In  the  executive  branch  may  b* 
invited  to  meet  with  the  Committee  on  nutters  of  particular  lateral 
to  those  Departments,  This  Committee  shall  meet  regularly  and  on  a 
continuing  basis  thafl  review  and  take  action  to  tours  compliance  with 
this  ocder,  and  in  particular: 
( 1 )  The  Committee  shall  oversee  Department  actions  to  ensure  com- 
pliance with  the  provisions  o(  this  order  and  implementing  directives 
issued  by  the  President  through  the  National  Secority  Council 
(2)  The  Committee  shall,  subject  to  procedures  to  be  established  by 
it,  receive,  consider  and  take  action  on  mggestions  and  complaints  from 
persons  within  or  without  the  government  with  respect  to  the  admin- 
istration of  this  order,  and  in  consultation  with  the  affected  Department 
or  Departmenti  assure  that  appropriate  action  is  taken  on  such,  sug- 
gestions and  complaints. 
(  3 )  Upon  request  of  the  Committee  Chai/nun,  any  Department  shall 
furnish  to  the  Committee  any  particular  information  or  material  needed 
by  the  Committee  in  carrying  out  its  functions. 
(B)  To  promote  the  base  purposes  of  this  order,  the  head  of  each 
Department  originating  or  handling  classified  information  or  material 
shall: 
( 1 )  Prior  to  the  effective  date  of  this  order  submit  to  the  Interagency 
Classification  Review  Committee  for  approval  a  copy  of  the  regulations 
It  proposes  to  adopt  pursuant  to  this  order. 
(2)  Designate  a  senior  member  of  his  staff  who  shall  ensure  effec- 
tive compliance  with  and  implementation  of  thi;  order  and  jhaD  also 
chair  •  Departmental  committee  which  shall  have  authority  to  act 
oo  all  suggestions  and  complaints  with  respect  to  the  Department's 
administration  of  this  order. 
(3)  Undertake  an  initial  program  to  famZiarire  the  employees  of 
his  Department  with  the  provisions  of  this  order.  He  shall  alto  estab- 
lish and  maintain  active  training  and  orientation  programs  for  em- 
ployees concerned  with  classified  information  or  material.  Such  programs 
shall  Include,  as  •  minimum,  the  briefing  of  new  employees  and  periodic 
reorientation  during  employment  to  impress  upon  each  individual  his 
responsibility  for  exercising  vigilance  and  care  in  complying  with  the 
provisions  of  this  order.  Additionally,  upon  termination  of  employ- 
ment or  contemplated  temporary  separation  for  a  sixty-day  period  or 
more,  employees  shall  be  debriefed  and  each  reminded  of  the  provisions 
of  the  Criminal  Code  and  other  applicable  provisions  of  law  relating 
to  penalties  for  unauthorized  disclosure. 
(C)  The  Attorney  Cencnd,  upon  request  of  the  head  of  a  Depart- 
ment, his  duly  designated  representative,  or  the  Chairman  of  the  above 
described  Committee,  shall  personally  or  through  authorized  repre- 
sentatives of  the  Department  of  Justice  render  an  interpretation  of  this 
order  with  respect  to  any  question  arising  in  the  course  of  its  admin- 
istration. 
rcetiM  ucKtn.  vou  »r,  no.  «s— mo»r,  mascm  i».  mi
440 
1MI  MttSOIMT  mt 
Sac.  ft  MoUrUCo9trnlhyl^  Atomic  E^gyAd.Hothioghithk 
crier  shaB  auptiaait  any  requirements  made  by  «r  wader  the  Atonic 
Energy  Art  of  Aognst  30,  1954.  at  ameeded.  "Restricted  Data,"  and 
material  rWjgittfarl  aa  "Formerly  Restricted  Data,'*  shall  be  handled, 
protected,  dasaiSed.  downgraded  and  drctasafirrl  at  cecJormity  with 
the  povidone  of  de  Atomic  Soon  Act  of  19S4,  aa  amended,  and  the 
regulations  of  tht  Ateaak  Energy  Cfcmnuaaon. 
Sac.  9.  Sfodd  DopmrtwutUi  Anomgcmintt.  Tae  originating  De- 
partment or  other  appropriate  authority  Buy  impose.  In  conformity 
with  the  provisions  of  this  order,  special  requirements  with  roped  to 
actxas,  dueribudoa  and  protection  of  cbaaSed  information  andmwcria£ 
EadudSag  those  which  presently  relate  »  cornmunicatioes  intelligence, 
.  iatelCgence  sourees  and  methods  and  cryptography. 
See.  10.  Exttptioeol  Com.  la  an  exceptional  caae  when  a  person 
or  Department  not  authorised  to  cLualfy  information  originates 
information  which  it  believed  to  require  daaencabon,  such  person  or 
Department  shall  protect  that  -information  in  the  manner  prescribed 
by  thia  order.'  Such  persona  or  Department  shall  transmit  the  infonrow 
doa  forthwith,  under  appropriate  safeguards,  to  the  Department  havirTg 
primary  interest  fat  tha  subject  matter  with  a  request  that  a  dctemuna* 
tjosi  be  made  aa  to  rfaaslrjritinn. 
Sao.  1 1.  DotUtaficotiem  «/  friiiJtnliai  f of  fit.  The  Archivist  of  the 
United  States  shall  have  authority  to  review  and  declassify  Information 
and  material  which  has  been  classified  by  a  President,  Ms  White  House 
Staff  or  fpedal  committee  or  commission  appointed  by  him  and  which 
the  Archivist  has  In  hit  custody  at  any  archival  depository,  including:  a 
fwt  initial  Library.  Such  declassification  shall  only  be  undertaken  in 
accord  with:  (i)  the  terms  of  the  donor's  deed  of  gift,  (K)  consuita- 
dona  with  the  Departments  having  a  primary  subject-matter  interest, 
and  (S)  the  provisions  of  Section  5. 
Sta  12.  Historical  RtuartK  oni  Acctit  fry  Formtr  Covtmmtnl 
OfeitU.  The  requirement  in  Section  6(A)  that  access  to  daaaiSed 
informauoo  or  material  be  granted  only  aa  is  accessary  for  the  perform- 
aac*  of  one'a  dudes  shall  not  apply  to  persons  outside  the  executive 
branch  who  are  engaged  ia  historical  research  projects  or  .who  have 
previously  occupied  poiky-ataling  potitions  to  which  they  were 
appointed  by  tha  President;  Ptoviiti,  however,  that  in  each  case  the 
head  of  the  originating  Department  shall: 
(i)  determine  that  access  is  clearly  consotent  with  the  interests  of 
Rational  seosrity;  and 
(8)  take  appropriate  steps  to  assure  that  clarified  information  or 
material  fa  not  puhftated  or  otherwise  compromised. 
Accent  granted  a  person  by  reason  of  his  having  previously  occupied  a 
policy-making  position  ahafl  be  Smiled  to  Chose  papers  which  the 
former  official  originated,  reviewed,  signed  or  received  while  la  puhfie 
Sea  IS.  ^dnuaulreiiM  eat?  Judicial  Action.  (A)  Any  officer  or 
etaployee  of  the  United  States  who  unnecessarily  classifies  or  over- 
nmom  storms,  vol  sr,  no.  4»— twoat,  suae*  ie,  iwa
441 
5211  'Hf  ntuotui 
classifies  Information  or  material  shall  be  notified  that  his  actions  are  ha 
violation  of  the  terms  of  this  order  or  of  *  directive  of  the  President 
issued  through  the  National  Security  Council.  Repeated  abuse  of  the 
classification  process  shall  be  grounds  for  an  administrative  reprimand, 
la  any  case  where  the  Departmental  committee  or  the  Interagency  Gasi- 
fication Review  Committee  finds  that  unnecessary  claraficirion  or  over- 
classification  has  occurred,  it  thai]  mate  a  report  to  the  head  of  the 
Department  concerned  in  order  that  corrective  steps  may  be  taken. 
(8)  The  head  of  each  Department  is  directed  to  tale  prompt  and 
•triogent  administrative  action  against  any  officer  or  employee  of  the 
United  States,  at  any  level  of  employment,  determined  to  have  been  re- 
sponsible for  any  release  or  disclosure  of  national  security  information  or 
material  in  a  manner  not  authorized  by  or  under  this  order  or  a  directive 
of  the  President  issued  through  the  National  Security  Council.  Where  a 
violation  of  criminal  statutes  may  be  involved,  Departments  wul  refer 
any  such  case  promptly  to  the  Department  of  justice. 
Sic.  14.  Rtvocalion  of  Executive  Ordtt  So.  10501.  Executive  Order 
No.  10501  of  November  5,  1953,  as  amended  by  Executive  Orders  No. 
10816  of  May  8,  1959,  No.  10901  of  January  It.  1961.  No.  10964  of 
September  20.  1961,  No.  10985  of  January  15.  1962,  No.  M  097  of 
March  6, 1963  and  by  Section  1(a)  of  No.  11 382  of  November  28.  1967. 
is  superseded  as  of  the  effective  date  of  this  order. 
Sec.  15.  Eftdivt  dale.  This  order  shall  become  effective  on  June  1, 
1972. 
<%^J&^ 
Thc  Wicrrt  House, 
March  8,  1972. 
[TR  Do£.72-17IZ  TtU4  J-»-JJ;  It  :0t  u»] 
notiAt  ileum,  vol  sr.  no.  4i_»uo*r.  mascm  it,  \trt