Executive Order 1567

by President of the United States

In order that information may be obtained concerning the extent, condition, accessibility, and historical nature and value of the archives of the Government, the heads of executive departments are instructed to obtain from each office under their jurisdiction, outside of the city of Washington, information on the following points.

First. The earliest date of the archives, and the subjects to which they relate up to the year 1873.

Second. For what years, if any, the archives are missing.

Third. The condition of the archives, where they are kept, what care they receive, and, if they have been destroyed, the cause of such destruction.

Fourth. Whether they are accessible for administrative and historical purposes; and the extent to which they are used and can be used for such purposes.

All reports, as they are received by the heads of Departments, are to be sent to the Librarian of Congress to be edited. He is to furnish the heads of departments such details of instructions for the preparation of the reports as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this order.

Wm. H. Taft.

The White House, July 19, 1912.