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Truman's Order to Limit Press Releases

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6 Dec 1950

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COPY


DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
STAFF MESSAGE CENTER
OUTGOING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE

CONFIDENTIAL
PRIORITY
PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED
Joint Chiefs of Staff M M
Stephens, Capt US Navy
Executive Secretary JCS
55234

TO: CENCEUR HEIDELBERG GERMANY, CINCFE TOKYO JAPAN, CINCAL FT RICHARDSON ALASKA, CINCLANT NORFOLK VIRGINIA, CINCARB QUARRY HEIGHTS CZ, CINCPAC PEARL HARBOR TH, CINCNELM LONDON ENGLAND, CINCNE PEPPERELL AFB NEWFOUNDLAND, CGUSFA SALZBURG AUSTRIA, CINCAFE WIESBADEN GERMANY, CGTRUST TRIESTE, CGSAC OFFUTT AFB OMAHA NEBRASKA
NR: JCS 91346 DEC 50

From JCS.

1. The President, as of 5 Dec, forwarded memo to all cabinet mbrs and to the chrmn NSRB, Administrator ECA, Dir CIA, Administrator ESA and Dir Selective Service, which reads as follows:

"In the light of the present critical international situation, and until further written notice from me, I wish that each one of you would take immediate steps to reduce the number of public speeches pertaining to foreign or military policy made by officials of the departments and agencies of the executive branch. This applies to officials in the field as well as those in Washington.

"No speech, press release, or other public statement concerning foreign policy should be released until it has received clearance from the Department of State.

"No speech, press release, or other public statement concerning foreign military policy should be released until it has received clearance from the Department of Defense.

"In addition to the copies submitted to the Departments of State or Defense for clearance, advance copies of speeches and press releases concerning foreign policy or military policy should be submitted to the White House for information.

"The purpose of this memorandum is not to curtail the flow of information to the American people, but rather to insure that the information made public is accurate and fully in accord with the policies of the United States Government."

2. He also forwarded the foll to Sec State and Sec Def:

"In addition to the policy expressed in my memorandum of this date to the heads of departments, concerning the clearance of speeches and statements, I wish the following steps to be taken:

"Officials overseas, including military commanders and diplomatic representatives, would be ordered to exercise extreme caution in public statements, to clear all but routine statements with their departments, and to refrain from direct communication on military or foreign policy with newspapers, magazines, or other publicity media in the United States."

3. The above is transmitted to you for guidance and appropriate action.



ORIGIN: JCS
DISTR: CSAF, CSA, CNO

CM OUT 98134(DEC 50)DTG: 061611Z dv


CONFIDENTIAL
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Added By:
C. Peter Chen

Photographs

US Joint Chiefs of Staff communication regarding Harry TrumanUS Joint Chiefs of Staff communication regarding Harry Truman





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