Dwight D. Eisenhower photo

Statement by the President Upon Signing the Department of Defense Reorganization Act.

August 06, 1958

I HAVE APPROVED H. R. 12541, the Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1958. Its enactment represents a major advance in our organization for defense. While some time will be required for its complete implementation, the Secretary of Defense is beginning this action at once.

In order to maintain the proper relationship of the positions of the President, the Congress, and the Secretary of Defense, I am instructing the Secretary of Defense that any report to the Armed Services Committees of the Congress as to changes of functions established by law, as prescribed in this act, shall be forwarded first to the President.

Now that this measure has become the law of the land, I know that the personnel throughout the military establishment, civilian and military, will cooperate fully with the Secretary of Defense to assure its faithful execution.

Note: As enacted, H. R. 12541 is Public Law 85-599 (75 Stat. 514).

Dwight D. Eisenhower, Statement by the President Upon Signing the Department of Defense Reorganization Act. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/233814

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