Page 2

Executive Order
Establishing the Position of United States
High Commissioner for Germany
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the
Statutes, including the Foreign Service Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 999), and
as President of the United States and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed
Forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
I. There is hereby established the position of United States High
Commissioner for Germany, which position shall be that of Chief of
Mission, Class 1, in accordance with the provisions of the said Foreign
Service Act of 1946.
2. rhe United States High Commissioner for Germany, hereinafter
referred to as the High Commissioner, shall be the supreme United
States authority in Germany. The High Commissioner shall have the
authority, under the immediate supervision of the Secretary of State
(subject, however, to consultation with and ultimate direction by the
President), to exercise all of the governmental functions of the United
States in Germany (other than the command of troops), including rep-
resentation of the United States on the Allied High Commission for
Germany when established, and the exercise of appropriate functions
of a Chief of Mission within the meaning of the Foreign Service Act
of 1946.
3. With respect to military matters, the Commander of the United
States Armed Forces in Germany shall continue to receive instructions
directly from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On request of the High Com-
missioner, such Commander shall take necessary measures for the
maintenance of law and order and such other action as is required to
support the policy of the United States in Germany. If major differences
arise over policy affecting military matters, necessary reports and
recommendations shall be referred to the Department of State and to
the National Military establishment for resolution. In the event of an
emergency involving the security of the United States Forces in Europe,
such Commander may take whatever action he considers essential to
safeguard the security of his troops.
4. In the event that the High Commissioner shall assume his duties
in accordance with this Executive Order prior to the date that the
Military Government of the United States Zone of Germany is terminated,
-          he shall during such interval report to the Secretary of Defense,
through
-          the Secretary of the Army, and shall be the United States Military
-          Governor with all the powers thereof, including those vested in
the
United States Military Governor under all international agreements.
-           The  W hite  House,                      (s)  H arry   S.  Trum
an
'The White House,
-- ~~June 6, 1949.
!NFORN4ATION BULLETIN
JUNE 14,
2