DOS Memo re: Background on Detainee Policy. This is part of a larger memo that is not attached herein. The background information contained here states: On November 13, 2001, President Bush issued a Military order authorizing the detention of non-U.S. citizens suspected of terrorism; the participants in terrorism are in violation of the Laws of War; and it may be necessary to prosecute detainees in military commissions.
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
For Background OnlY:
(U) On November 13.2001. President Bush issued a Military Order authorizing the Secretary ofDefense to detain certain non-U.S. citizens suspected of acts of
ion
futernational terrorism. and authorizing trial by military conunissofthose individuals under selected circumstances. The President found that the United States is in an anned conflict. and thal the protection ofUnited Stales citizens and properlY permits selected . individuals in U.S. custody to be tried for violations of the laws ofwar. The Military
Order further required the secretary of Defense to issue such orders and regulations as
may be necesW)' to prosecute detainees in military commissions including rules for the
conduct ofproceedings. The SecretarY of Defense is ""pecled to issue the procedures
governing military commissions on March 21. 2002. The regulations issued by the
Secretary ofDefense will not prescribe any particular outcome or any specific judicial
forum for an~particular detainee.
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UNITED STATES -
REVIEW AUTHO~:::tRrMENT OF STATE
DATE/CASE 10. 26 NO· HARRY R MELONE UNCLASSIFIED 005-000722
. V 2004 200303827