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7505528
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Memorandum from General Dwight D. Eisenhower Regarding the Preservation of Historical Monuments in Europe
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7505528
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document
title
Memorandum from General Dwight D. Eisenhower Regarding the Preservation of Historical Monuments in Europe
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Eisenhower, Dwight D: Papers, Pre-Presidential
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7505528
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26
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1944-05-26
month
5
year
1944
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899ffe1eceb129c2
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SECRET
DIR. DECLASSIFIED 5200.9, Sept. 27, 1958
COPY
DOD NE. by and Date 8/18/66
26 May, 1944
G(SHAEF/G-5/751)
SUBJECT: Preservation of Historical Monuments.
TO:
G.O.C. in Chief, 21 Army Group,
Commanding General, 1st U.S. Army Group,
Allied Naval Commander, Expeditionary Force,
Air C-in-C, Allied Expeditionary Force.
THE Eisenhawer LIBIRITY
1. Shortly we will be fighting our way across the Continent of
Europe in Battles designed to preserve our civilization. Inevitably,
in the path of our advance will be found historical monuments and cul-
tural centers which symbolize to the world all that we are fighting to
preserve.
2. It is the responsibility of every commander to protect and
respect these symbols whenever possible.
3. In some circumstances the success of the military operation
may be prejudiced in our reluctance to destroy these revered objects.
Then, as at Cassino, where the enemy relied on our emotional attach-
ments to shield his defense, the lives of our men are paramount. So,
where military necessity dictates, commanders may order the required
action even though it involves destruction of some honored site.
4. But there are many circumstances in which damage and destruc-
tion are not necessary and cannot be justified. In such cases, through
the exercise of restraint and discipline, commanders will preserve
centers and objects of historical and cultural significance. Civil
Affairs Staffs at higherechelons will advise commanders of the
locations of historical monuments of this type, both in advance of the
front lines and in occupied areas. This information, together with the
necessary instructions, will be passed down through command channels to
all echelons.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER,
General, U. S. Army.
Copies to:
The Under Secretary of State, The War Office,
Commanding General European Theater of
Operations, U.S. Army (Copies for FECZ),
The Under Secretary of State, The Air Ministry,
The Secretary, The Admiralty.
T9
SECRET
the
OF
DIRE
171.