State of Emergency Policies

DATE: August 11,1951 FROM: GENERAL OWEN SOMMERS, US ARMY SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMAND TO: ALL MILITARY FORCES GENERAL ORDER: 417 The following orders apply to all executive level escape routes regardless of whether they utilize specially constructed tunnels, subways, city sewers of other passageways. The location and management of all such routes is classified secret--and shall remain so until further notice.

Any unauthorized personnel be they military or civilian found in around such routes will be shot on sight. Specifically sentries will:

1. Take charge of escae routes and all goverment property in view.

2. Walk their posts in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. To quit their post only when properly relieved.

4. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves them all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, and officers, and non-commissioned officers of the guard only.

5. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.

6. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

7. To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.

8. To kill any all intruders not authorized to enter, pass through, or be in the vicinity of that escape route.