Title 44 — Public Printing and Documents
Chapter 33 — Disposal of Records
§ 3311. Destruction of records outside continental United States in time of war or when hostile action seems imminent; written report to Archivist
Statutory text
During a state of war between the United States and another nation, or when hostile action by a foreign power appears imminent, the head of an agency of the United States Government may authorize the destruction of records in his legal custody situated in a military or naval establishment, ship, or other depository outside the territorial limits of continental United States—
the retention of which would be prejudicial to the interests of the United States or
which occupy space urgently needed for military purposes and are, in his opinion, without sufficient administrative, legal, research, or other value to warrant their continued preservation.
Within six months after their disposal, the official who directed the disposal shall submit a written report to the Archivist in which he shall describe the character of the records and state when and where he disposed of them.
Legislative history
Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.
Pub. L. 90–620 · 82 Stat. 1238
Enacted · 44 U.S.C. § 3311
Pub. L. 90–620, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1301
Source evidence
Code source credit
Pub. L. 90–620, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1301National Archives and Records Administration Act of 1984
Pub. L. 98–497 title I § 107(b)(23) · 98 Stat. 2280
Substituted · 44 U.S.C. § 3311
Pub. L. 98–497 substituted “Archivist” for “Administrator of General Services” in section catchline and text
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 98–497 substituted “Archivist” for “Administrator of General Services” in section catchline and text.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(23) Sections 3302, 3303, 3308, and 3311 of such title are amended by striking out “Administrator of General Services” and inserting in lieu thereof “Archivist”.Effective date note
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–497 effective Apr. 1, 1985, see section 301 of Pub. L. 98–497, set out as a note under section 2102 of this title.
1 of 2 references resolved to an enrolled provision · 1 partial
Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on 44 U.S. Code, 1964 ed., § 376 (July 7, 1943, ch. 192, § 11, 57 Stat. 382; June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title I, § 104(a), 63 Stat. 381).
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1984—Pub. L. 98–497 substituted “Archivist” for “Administrator of General Services” in section catchline and text.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–497 effective , see section 301 of Pub. L. 98–497, set out as a note under section 2102 of this title.
Credits
1968–1984 · 2 acts
- 1968Pub. L. 90–620, , 82 Stat. 1301
- 1984Pub. L. 98–497, title I, § 107(b)(23), (25)(C), , 98 Stat. 2290.
Show as published
(Pub. L. 90–620, , 82 Stat. 1301; Pub. L. 98–497, title I, § 107(b)(23), (25)(C), , 98 Stat. 2290.)