Executive Order 171

Whereas the publication of alleged charges and criticisms against officers of the diplomatic and consular service, without an opportunity being given for due consideration of both sides of the questions at issue, has led to injustice to the persons attacked and to embarrassment to the Department of State in its disposition of the public business:

It is hereby ordered that hereafter no officer of the diplomatic or consular service of the United States shall attack, or prefer charges against, or publicly criticise, any other officer in either service, except in a communication to the Department of State.

Whenever any such officer deems that his duty compels him to prefer charges against any other officer in either service, he shall communicate such charges confidentially to the Department of State, which will, upon due consideration of all the circumstances, make such disposition of the case as in its discretion seems wise in the interest of the public business.

Theodore Roosevelt.

White House,

April 25, 1902.