THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

April 17, 1995

EXECUTIVE ORDER #12958

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CLASSIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION This order prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information. Our democratic principles require that the American people be informed of the activities of their Government. Also, our Nation's progress depends on the free flow of information. Nevertheless, throughout our history, the national interest has required that certain information be maintained in confidence in order to protect our citizens, our democratic institutions, and our participation within the community of nations. Protecting information critical to our Nation's security remains a priority. In recent years, however, dramatic changes have altered, although not eliminated, the national security threats that we confront. These changes provide a greater opportunity to emphasize our commitment to open Government.

NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

PART 1 ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION

PART 2 DERIVATIVE CLASSIFICATION

PART 3 DECLASSIFICATION AND DOWNGRADING

PART 4 SAFE GUARDING

PART 5 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW

PART 6 GENERAL PROVISIONS

WILLIAM J. CLINTON
THE WHITE HOUSE
April 17, 1995

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