ADDITIONAL REPEAL Section was also repealed by act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, § 53, 70A Stat. 641. § 342. Repealed. May 24, 1949, ch. 139, § 142, 63 Stat. 109. Section, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title III, § 302, as added Apr. 19, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat. 102, related to prohibition against taking of polls, and is now covered by section 596 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure. Original section 342, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title III, § 312, as added Apr. 1, 1944, ch. 150, 58 Stat. 146, was struck out by act Apr. 19, 1946, and is now covered by sections 2193-2195 of Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Offices and Employees. $$ 343-347. Omitted. CODIFICATION Section 343, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title III. § 313. as added Apr. 1, 1944. ch. 150, 58 Stat. 146, was stricken out by act Apr. 16, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat. 96. Subject matter of former section relating to penalties for offenses against the elective franchise is not now covered. Section 344, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title III, § 314, as added Apr. 1, 1944, ch. 150, 58 Stat. 146, was stricken out by act Apr. 19, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat. 96. Subject matter of former section relating to taking of polls is now covered by section 596 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure. Section 345, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title III, § 315, as added Apr. 1, 1944, ch. 150, 58 Stat. 147, was stricken out by act Apr. 19, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat. 96. Subject matter of former section relating to state officials is not now covered. Section 346, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title III, § 316, as added Apr. 1, 1944, ch. 150, 58 Stat. 147, was stricken out by act Apr. 19, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat. 96. Subject matter of former section relating to officials and agencies acting for Secretary of State is not now covered. Section 347, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title III, § 317, as added Apr. 1. 1944, ch. 150, 58 Stat. 147, was stricken out by act Apr. 19, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat. 96. Subject matter of former section relating to construction of chapter is not now covered. SUBCHAPTER IV.-DEFINITIONS $$ 351–355. Repealed. Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 656, title III, § 307, 69 Stat. 589. Section 351, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title IV, § 401, as added Apr. 19, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat. 102, defined terms used in former sections 301-303, 321-331, 341, and 351355. Section 352, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title IV, § 402, as added Apr. 19, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat 102, and amended Sept. 29, 1950, ch. 1112, § 2, 64 Stat. 1088, provided for free postage for post cards, ballots, voting instructions and envelopes. Sections 353-355, act Sept. 16, 1942, ch. 561, title IV. §§ 403-405, as added Apr. 19, 1946, ch. 142, 60 Stat. 103, provided for the administration of chapter, separability provisions and construction of chapter. Sections 351-355 are now covered by chapter 28 of Title 5, Executive Departments and 'Government Officers and Employees. 405. 406. 407. Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization. (a) Employment of personnel. (b) Functions. (c) Utilization of Government resources and facilities. Advisory Committees; appointment; compensation Same; increase in per diem compensation. § 401. Congressional declaration of purpose. In enacting this legislation, it is the intent of Congress to provide a comprehensive program for the future security of the United States; to provide for the establishment of integrated policies and procedures for the departments, agencies, and functions of the Government relating to the national security; to provide a Department of Defense, including the three military Departments of the Army, the Navy (including naval aviation and the United States Marine Corps), and the Air Force under the direction, authority, and control of the Secretary of Defense; to provide that each military department shall be separately organized under its own Secretary and shall function under the direction, authority, and control of the Secretary of Defense; to provide for their unified direction under civilian control of the Secretary of Defense but not to merge these departments or services; to provide for the establishment of unified or specified combatant commands, and a clear and direct line of command to such commands; to eliminate unnecessary duplication in the Department of Defense, and particularly in the field of research and engineering by vesting its overall direction and control in the Secretary of Defense; to provide more effective, efficient, and economical administration in the Department of Defense; to provide for the unified strategic direction of the combatant forces, for their operation under unified command, and for their integration into an efficient team of land, naval, and air forces but not to establish a single Chief of Staff over the armed forces nor an overall armed forces general staff. (July 26, 1947, ch. 343, § 2, 61 Stat. 496; Aug. 10, 1949, ch. 412, § 2, 63 Stat. 579; Aug. 6, 1958, Pub. L. 85-599, § 2, 72 Stat. 514.) REFERENCES IN TEXT This legislation, referred to in the text, means the National Security Act of 1947, which is classified to sections 401-403, 404 and 405 of this title, and to sections 1, 11, 171–1, 171-2, 171b, 171k-171m, 171n, 172j, 602 and 626d of Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees. AMENDMENTS 1958-Pub. L. 85-599 amended section generally, and, among other changes, provided that each military department shall be separately organized, instead of separately administered, under its own Secretary and shall function under the direction, authority, and control of the Secretary of Defense, and inserted provisions relating to establishment of unified or specified combatant commands and for elimination of unnecessary duplication. 1949-Act Aug. 10, 1949, provided that the military departments shall be separately administered but be under the direction of the Secretary of Defense, and that there shall not be a single Chief of Staff over the armed forces nor an armed forces general staff. EFFECTIVE DATE Section 310 (a) of act July 26, 1947, provided in part that this section became effective as of July 26, 1947. SHORT TITLE Congress, in enacting sections 401-403, 404 and 405 of this title, and sections 171-171d, 171k-171n, 172, 172b172h, 172j, and 626d of Title 5, provided in part by section 1 of act July 26, 1947, that they should be popularly known as the "National Security Act of 1947". Section 1 became effective on July 26, 1947, by section 310 (a) of act July 26, 1947. Ex. ORD. No. 10431. NATIONAL SECURITY MEDAL Ex. Ord. No. 10431, Jan. 19, 1953, 18 F. R. 437, provided: 1. There is hereby established a medal to be known as the National Security Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances. The medal and its appurtenances shall be of appropriate design, approved by the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council. 2. The National Security Medal may be awarded to any person, without regard to nationality, including members of the armed forces of the United States, for distinguished achievement or outstanding contribution on or after July 26, 1947, in the field of intelligence relating to the national security. 3. The decoration established by this order shall be awarded by the President of the United States or, under regulations approved by him, by such person or persons as he may designate. 4. No more than one National Security Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for subsequent services justifying an award, a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with the Medal. 5. Members of the armed forces of the United States who are awarded the decoration established by this order are authorized to wear the medal and the ribbon symbolic of the award, as may be authorized by uniform regulations approved by the Secretary of Defense. 6. The decoration established by this order may be awarded posthumously. REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY MEDAL Pursuant to Paragraph 2 of Executive Order 10431, the following regulations are hereby issued to govern the award of the National Security Medal: 1. The National Security Medal may be awarded to any person without regard to nationality, including a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, who, on or after 26 July 1947, has made an outstanding contribution to the National intelligence effort. This contribution may consist of either exceptionally meritorious service performed in a position of high responsibility or of an act of valor requiring personal courage of a high degree and complete disregard of personal safety. 2. The National Security Medal with accompanying ribbon and appurtenances, shall be of appropriate design to be approved by the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council. 3. The National Security Medal shall be awarded only by the President or his designee for that purpose. 4. Recommendations may be submitted to the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council by any individual having personal knowledge of the facts of the exceptionally meritorious conduct or act of valor of the candidate in the performance of outstanding services, either as an eyewitness or from the testimony of others who have personal knowledge or were eyewitnesses. Any recommendations shall be accompanied by complete documentation, including where necessary, certificates, affidavits or sworn transcripts of testimony. Each recommendation for an award shall show the exact status, at the time of the rendition of the service on which the recommendation is based, with respect to citizenship, employment, and all other material factors, of the person who is being recommended for the National Security Medal. 5. Each recommendation shall contain a draft of an appropriate citation to accompany the award of the National Security Medal. EX. ORD. NO. 10501. SAFEGUARDING OFFICIAL INFORMATION Ex. Ord. No. 10501, Nov. 5, 1953, 18 F.R. 7049, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 10816, May 7, 1959, 24 F.R. 3777; Ex. Ord. No. 10901, Jan. 9, 1961, 26 F.R. 217; Ex. Ord. No. 10964, Sept. 20, 1961, 26 F.R. 8932; Ex. Ord. No. 10985, Jan. 12, 1962, 27 F.R. 438; Ex. Ord. 11097, Feb. 28, 1963, 28 F.R. 2225, provided: SECTION 1. Classification categories. Oficial information which requires protection in the interests of national defense shall be limited to three categories of classification, which in descending order of importance shall carry one of the following designations: Top Secret, Secret, or Confidential. No other designation shall be used to classify defense information, including military information, as requiring protection in the interests of national defense, except as expressly provided by statute. These categories are defined as follows: (a) Top secret. Except as may be expressly provided by statute, the use of the classification Top Secret shall be authorized, by appropriate authority, only for defense information or material which requires the highest degree of protection. The Top Secret classification shall be applied only to that information or material the defense aspect of which is paramount, and the unauthorized disclosure of which could result in exceptionally grave damage to the Nation such as leading to a definite break in diplomatic relations affecting the defense of the United States, an armed attack against the United States or its allies, a war, or the compromise of military or defense plans, or intelligence operations, or scientific or technological developments vital to the national defense. (b) Secret. Except as may be expressly provided by statute, the use of the classification Secret shall be authorized, by appropriate authority, only for defense information or material the unauthorized disclosure of which could result in serious damage to the Nation, such as by jeopardizing the international relations of the United States, endangering the effectiveness of a program or policy of vital importance to the national defense, or compromising important military or defense plans, scientific or technological developments important to national defense, or information revealing important intelligence operations. (c) Confidential. Except as may be expressly provided by statute, the use of the classification Confidential shall be authorized, by appropriate authority, only for defense information or material the unauthorized disclosure of which could be prejudicial to the defense interests of the nation. SEC. 2. Limitation of authority to classify. The authority to classify defense information or material under this order shall be limited in the departments, agencies, and other units of the executive branch as hereinafter specified. (a) In the following departments, agencies, and Governmental units, having primary responsibility for matters pertaining to national defense, the authority for original classification of information or material under this order may be exercised by the head of the department, agency, or Governmental unit concerned or by such responsible officers or employees as he, or his representative, may designate for that purpose. The dele gation of such authority to classify shall be limited as severely as is consistent with the orderly and expeditious transaction of Government business. The White House Office. President's Science Advisory Committee. Bureau of the Budget. Council of Economic Advisers. National Security Council. Central Intelligence Agency. Department of the Treasury. Department of Defense. Atomic Energy Commission. Canal Zone Government. Federal Aviation Agency. Federal Communications Commission. Federal Radiation Council. General Services Administration. Interstate Commerce Commission. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. National Aeronautics and Space Council. United States Civil Service Commission. United States Information Agency. Agency for International Development. Office of Emergency Planning. Peace Corps. President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Export-Import Bank of Washington Office of Science and Technology. The Special Representative for Trade Negotiations. (b) In the following departments, agencies, and Governmental units, having partial but not primary responsibility for matters pertaining to national defense, the authority for original classification of information or material under this order shall be exercised only by the head of the department, agency, or Governmental unit without delegation: Post Office Department. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Federal Power Commission. National Science Foundation. Panama Canal Company. Small Business Administration. (c) Any agency or unit of the executive branch not named herein, and any such agency or unit which may be established hereafter, shall be deemed not to have authority for original classification of information or material under this order, except as such authority may be specifically conferred upon any such agency or unit hereafter. SEC. 3. Classification. Persons designated to have authority for original classification of information or material which requires protection in the interests of national defense under this order shall be held responsible for its proper classification in accordance with the definitions of the three categories in section 1, hereof. Unnecessary classification and over-classification shall be scrupulously avoided. The following special rules shall be observed in classification of defense information material: or (a) Documents in general. Documents shall be classified according to their own content and not necessarily according to their relationship to other documents. References to classified material which do not reveal classified defense information shall not be classified. (b) Physically connected documents. The classification of a file or group of physically connected documents shall be at least as high as that of the most highly classified document therein. Documents separated from the file or group shall be handled in accordance with their individual defense classification. (c) Multiple classification. A document, product, or substance shall bear a classification at least as high as that of its highest classified component. The document, product, or substance shall bear only one over-all classification, notwithstanding that pages, paragraphs, sections, or components thereof bear different classifications. (d) Transmittal letters. A letter transmitting defense information shall be classified at least as high as its highest classified enclosure. (e) Information originated by a foreign government or organization. Defense information of a classified nature furnished to the United States by a foreign government or international organization shall be assigned a classification which will assure a degree of protection equivalent to or greater than that required by the government or international organization which furnished the information. SEC. 4. Declassification, downgrading, or upgrading. When classified information or material no longer requires its present level of protection in the defense interest, it shall be downgraded or declassified in order to preserve the effectiveness and integrity of the classification system and to eliminate classifications of information or material which no longer require classification protection. Heads of departments or agencies originating classified information or material shall designate persons to be responsible for continuing review of such classified information or material on a document-bydocument, category, project, program, or other systematic basis, for the purpose of declassifying or downgrading whenever national defense consideration permit, and for receiving requests for such review from all sources. However, restricted data and material formerly designated as restricted data shall be handled only in accordance with subparagraph 4(a)(1) below and section 13 of this order. The following special rules shall be observed with respect to changes of classification of defense information or material, including information or material heretofore classified: (a) Automatic changes. In order to insure uniform procedures for automatic changes, heads of departments and agencies having authority for original classification of information or material, as set forth in section 2, shall categorize such classified information or material into the following groups: (1) Group 1. Information or material originated by foreign governments or international organizations and over which the United States Government has no jurisdiction, information or material provided for by statutes such as the Atomic Energy Act [section 2011 et seq. of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare], and information or material requiring special handling, such as intelligence and cryptography. This information and material is excluded from automatic downgrading or declassification. (2) Group 2. Extremely sensitive information or material which the head of the agency or his designees exempt, on an individual basis, from automatic downgrading and declassification. (3) Group 3. Information or material which warrants some degree of classification for an indefinite period. Such information or material shall become automatically downgraded at 12-year intervals until the lowest classification is reached, but shall not become automatically declassified. (4) Group 4. Information or material which does not qualify for, or is not assigned to, one of the first three groups. Such information or material shall become automatically downgraded at three-year intervals until the lowest classification is reached, and shall be automatically declassified twelve years after date of issuance. To the fullest extent practicable, the classifying authority shall indicate on the information or material at the time of original classification if it can be downgraded or declassified at an earlier date, or if it can be downgraded or declassified after a specified event, or upon the removal of classified attachments or enclosures. The heads, or their designees, of departments and agencies in possession of defense information or material classified pursuant to this order, but not bearing markings for automatic downgrading or declassification, are hereby authorized to mark or designate for automatic downgrading or declassification such information or material, in accordance with the rules or regulations established by the department or agency that originally classified such information or material. (b) Non-automatic changes. The persons designated to receive requests for review of classified material may downgrade or declassify such material when circumstances no longer warrant its retention in its original classification provided the consent of the appropriate classifying authority has been obtained. The downgrading or declassification of extracts from or paraphrases of classified documents shall also require the consent of the appropriate classifying authority unless the agency making such extracts knows positively that they warrant a classification lower than that of the document from which extracted, or that they are not classified. (c) Material officially transferred. In the case of material transferred by or pursuant to statute or Executive order from one department or agency to another for the latter's use and as part of its official files or property, as distinguished from transfers merely for purposes of storage, the receiving department or agency shall be deemed to be the classifying authority for all purposes under this order, including declassification and downgrading. (d) Material not officially transferred. When any department or agency has in its possession any classified material which has become five years old, and it appears (1) that such material originated in an agency which has since become defunct and whose files and other property have not been officially transferred to another department or agency within the meaning of subsection (c), above, or (2) that it is impossible for the possessing department or agency to identify the originating agency, and (3) a review of the material indicates that it should be downgraded or declassified, the said possessing department or agency shall have power to declassify or downgrade such material. If it appears probable that another department or agency may have a substantial interest in whether the classification of any particular information should be maintained, the possessing department or agency shall not exercise the power conferred upon it by this subsection, except with the consent of the other department or agency, until thirty days after it has notified such other department or agency of the nature of the material and of its intention to declassify or downgrade the same. During such thirtyday period the other department or agency may, if it so desires, express its objections to declassifying or downgrading the particular material, but the power to make the ultimate decision shall reside in the possessing department or agency. (e) Information or material transmitted by electrical means. The downgrading or declassification of classified information or material transmitted by electrical means shall be accomplished in accordance with the procedures described above unless specifically prohibited by the originating department or agency. Unclassified information or material which is transmitted in encrypted form shall be safeguarded and handled in accordance with the regulations of the originating department or agency. (f) Downgrading. If the recipient of classified material believes that it has been classified too highly, he may make a request to the reviewing official who may downgrade or declassify the material after obtaining the consent of the appropriate classifying authority. (g) Upgrading. If the recipient of unclassified information or material believes that it should be classified, or if the recipient of classified information or material believes that its classification is not sufficiently protective, it shall be safeguarded in accordance with the classification deemed appropriate and a request made to the reviewing official, who may classify the information or material or upgrade the classification after obtaining the consent of the appropriate classifying authority. The date of this action shall constitute a new date of origin insofar as the downgrading or declassification schedule (paragraph (a) above) is concerned. (h) Departments and Agencies which do not have authority for original classification. The provisions of this section relating to the declassification of defense information or material shall apply to departments or agencies which do not, under the terms of this order, have authority for original classification of information or material, but which have formerly classified information or material pursuant to Executive Order No. 10290 of September 24, 1951. (1) Notification of change in classification. In all cases in which action is taken by the reviewing official to downgrade or declassify earlier than called for by the automatic downgrading-declassification stamp, the reviewing official shall promptly notify all addressees to whom the information or material was originally transmitted. Recipients of original information or material, upon receipt of notification of change in classification, shall notify addressees to whom they have transmitted the classified information or material. SEC. 5. Marking of classified material. After a determination of the proper defense classification to be assigned has been made in accordance with the provisions of this order, the classified material shall be marked as follows: markings. At the (a) Downgrading-declassification time of origination, all classified information or material shall be marked to indicate the downgrading-declassification schedule to be followed in accordance with paragraph (a) of section 4 of this order. (b) Bound documents. The assigned defense classification on bound documents, such as books or pamphlets, the pages of which are permanently and securely fastened together, shall be conspicuously marked or stamped on the outside of the front cover, on the title page, on the first page, on the back page and on the outside of the back cover. In each case the markings shall be applied to the top and bottom of the page or cover. (c) Unbound documents. The assigned defense classification on unbound documents, such as letters. memoranda, reports, telegrams, and other similar documents, the pages of which are not permanently and securely fastened together, shall be conspicuously marked or stamped at the top and bottom of each page, in such manner that the marking will be clearly visible when the pages are clipped or stapled together. (d) Charts, maps, and drawings. Classified charts, maps, and drawings shall carry the defense classification marking under the legend, title block, or scale in such manner that it will be reproduced on all copies made therefrom. Such classification shall also be marked at the top and bottom in each instance. (e) Photographs, films, and recordings. Classified photographs, films, and recordings, and their containers, shall be conspicuously and appropriately marked with the assigned defense classification. (f) Products or substances. The assigned defense classification shall be conspicuously marked on classified products or substances, if possible, and on their containers, if possible, or, if the article or container cannot be marked, written notification of such classification shall be furnished to recipients of such products or substances. (g) Reproductions. All copies of reproductions of classified material shall be appropriately marked or stamped in the same manner as the original thereof. (h) Unclassified material. Normally, unclassified material shall not be marked or stamped "Unclassified" unless it is essential to convey to a recipient of such material that it has been examined specifically with a view to imposing a defense classification and has been determined not to require such classification. (i) Change or removal of classifications. Whenever classified material is declassified, downgraded, or upgraded, the material shall be marked or stamped in a prominent place to reflect the change in classification, the authority for the action, the date of action, and the identity of the person or unit taking the action. In addition, the old classification marking shall be cancelled and the new classification (if any) substituted therefor. Automatic change in classification shall be indicated by the appropriate classifying authority through marking or stamping in a prominent place to reflect information specified in subsection 4 (a) hereof. (1) Material furnished persons not in the executive branch of the Government. When classified material affecting the national defense is furnished authorized persons, in or out of Federal service, other than those in the executive branch, the following notation, in addition to the assigned classification marking, shall whenever practicable be placed on the material, on its container, or on the written notification of its assigned classification: This material contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. 793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. Use of alternative marking concerning "Restricted Data" as defined by the Atomic Energy Act [sections 18011819 of Title 42] is authorized when appropriate. SEC. 6. Custody and safekeeping. The possession or use of classified defense information or material shall be limited to locations where facilities for secure storage or protection thereof are available by means of which unauthorized persons are prevented from gaining access thereto. Whenever such information or material is not under the personal supervision of its custodian, whether during or outside of working hours, the following means shall be taken to protect it: (a) Storage of Top Secret information and Material. As a minimum, Top Secret defense information and material shall be stored in a safe or safe-type steel file container having a three-position dial-type combination lock, and being of such weight, size, construction, or installation as to minimize the possibility of unauthorized access to, or the physical theft of, such information and material. The head of a department or agercy may approve other storage facilities which afford equal protection, such as an alarmed area, a vault, a vault-type room, or an area under continuous surveillance. (b) Storage of Secret and Confidential information and material. As a minimum, Secret and Confidential defense information and material may be stored in a manner authorized for Top Secret information and material, or in steel file cabinets equipped with steel lockbar and a changeable three-combination dial-type padlock or in other storage facilities which afford equal protection and which are authorized by the head of the department or agency. (c) Storage or protection equipment. Whenever new security storage equipment is procured, it should, to the maximum extent practicable, be of the type designated as security filing cabinets on the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration. (d) Other classified material. Heads of departments and agencies shall prescribe such protective facilities as may be necessary in their departments or agencies for material originating under statutory provisions requiring protection of certain information. (e) Changes of lock combinations. Combinations on locks of safekeeping equipment shall be changed, only by persons having appropriate security clearance, whenever such equipment is placed in use after procurement from the manufacturer or other sources, whenever a person knowing the combination is transferred from the office to which the equipment is assigned, or whenever the combination has been subjected to compromise, and at least once every year. Knowledge of combinations shall be limited to the minimum number of persons necessary for operating purposes. Records of combinations shall be classified no lower than the highest category of classified defense material authorized for storage in the safekeeping equipment concerned. (f) Custodian's responsibilities. Custodians of classified defense material shall be responsible for providing the best possible protection and accountability for such material at all times and particularly for securely locking classified material in approved safekeeping equipment whenever it is not in use or under direct supervision of authorized employees. Custodians shall follow procedures which insure that unauthorized persons do not gain access to classified defense information or material by sight or sound, and classified information shall not be discussed with or in the presence of unauthorized persons. 36-500 0-65-vol. 11-5 information (g) Telephone conversations. Defense classified in the three categories under the provisions of this order shall not be revealed in telephone conversations, except as may be authorized under section 8 hereof with respect to the transmission of Secret and Confidential material over certain military communications circuits. (h) Loss or subjection to compromise. Any person in the executive branch who has knowledge of the loss or possible subjection to compromise of classified defense information shall promptly report the circumstances to a designated official of his agency, and the latter shall take appropriate action forthwith, including advice to the originating department or agency. Knowledge SEC. 7. Accountability and dissemination. or possession of classified defense information shall be permitted only to persons whose official duties require such access in the interest of promoting national defense and only if they have been determined to be trustworthy. Proper control of dissemination of classified defense information shall be maintained at all times, including good accountability records of classified defense information documents, and severe limitation on the number of such documents originated as well as the number of copies thereof reproduced. The number of copies of classified defense information documents shall be kept to a minimum to decrease the risk of compromise of the information contained in such documents and the financial burden on the Government in protecting such documents. The following special rules shall be observed in connection with accountability for and dissemination of defense information or material: (a) Accountability procedures. Heads of departments and agencies shall prescribe such accountability procedures as are necessary to control effectively the dissemination of classified defense information, with particularly severe control on material classified Top Secret under this order. Top Secret Control Officers shall be designated, as required, to receive, maintain accountability registers of, and dispatch Top Secret material. (b) Dissemination outside the executive branch. Classified defense information shall not be disseminated outside the executive branch except under conditions and through channels authorized by the head of the disseminating department or agency, even though the person or agency to which dissemination of such information is proposed to be made may have been solely or partly responsible for its production. (c) Information originating in another department or agency. Except as otherwise provided by section 102 of the National Security Act of July 26, 1947, ch. 343, 61 Stat. 498, as amended [section 403 of this title], classified defense information originating in another department or agency shall not be disseminated outside the receiving department or agency without the consent of the originating department or agency. Documents and material containing defense information which are classified Top Secret or Secret shall not be reproduced without the consent of the originating department or agency. SEC. 8. Transmission. For transmission outside of a department or agency, classified defense material of the three categories originated under the provisions of this order shall be prepared and transmitted as follows: (a) Preparation for transmission. Such material shall be enclosed in opaque inner and outer covers. The inner cover shall be a sealed wrapper or envelope plainly marked with the assigned classification and address. The outer cover shall be sealed and addressed with no indication of the classification of its contents. A receipt form shall be attached to or enclosed in the inner cover, except that Confidential material shall require a receipt only if the sender deems it necessary. The receipt form shall identify the addressor, addressee, and the document, but shall contain no classified information. It shall be signed by the proper recipient and returned to the sender. (b) Transmitting top secret material. The transmission of Top Secret material shall be effected preferably by direct contact of officials concerned, or, alternatively, by specifically designated personnel, by State Department diplomatic pouch, by a messenger-courier system especially created for that purpose, or by electric means in encrypted form; or in the case of information transmitted |