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FG 73 (American Battle Monuments Commission) (White House Central Files: Subject Files)

Abstract

These Presidential historical materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note), and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify private or personal as well as non-historical items. Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.

Materials covered by this act have been archivally processed and are described in this finding aid. Items that are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restrictions. Classified documents may be reviewed for declassification under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.

  • Linear measurement of materials:  3.2 in.
  • Number of pages:  212
Organizational Note

The American Battle Monuments Commission was established by an act of Congress, March 4, 1923 (42 Stat. 1509; 36 U.S.C. 121). The principal functions of the American Battle Monuments Commission are: 1) to erect and maintain memorials at suitable sites (except in National Cemeteries); 2) to design, construct, and maintain American military cemeteries and memorials therein to World War I and subsequent wars located outside the US and its possessions and maintain the National Cemetery in Mexico City; 3) to maintain rosters of burials and recorded missing at the overseas cemeteries; 4) to provide regulations for the erection of American war memorials by other sponsors in such countries as may authorize the Commission; 5) to furnish next of kin of those buried or memorialized at the overseas cemeteries with photographs of the headstones or engraved names; and 6) to erect a memorial in Washington, D.C. to General of the Armies John J. Pershing. The Commission was comprised of twelve members, and the members who served on the Commission did not receive any pay.

Scope and Content Note

The records consist of letters, official correspondence and memorandums dating from January 1969 to May 1974. Primary correspondents include the President, Jacob L. Devers and Mark Clark (Chairmen of the Commission during this time period), Harry S. Flemming, James D. Hughes, Raymond K. Price, and correspondence of the various Commission members. Topics include the Commission's 1970 annual report; discussions of developing several areas as war memorials; relocation of the Committee's offices; the resignations of Commission members; and the subsequent nominations of other individuals into the Commission, including responses from the President. These materials are arranged by subject, thereunder chronologically by date.

The terms Executive and General are used before the code FG 73 generally to determine the source of the materials. Items designated Executive are communications among national, foreign, state and local governments and their agencies, Members of Congress, and other prominent people. Items designated General are communications between Government officials and private citizens, institutions, and other private interests.

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