FDR: “I think all of you understand why the Federal Government has helped in work of this kind.”

It seems obvious that we will be more or less responsible for security in all the Pacific waters.

We must go on to do all in our power to conquer the doubts and the fears, the ignorance and the greed, which made this horror possible.

Possession of any mine or mines taken under this order shall be terminated by the Secretary of the Interior as soon as he determines that such possession is no longer required for the successful prosecution of the war.

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to take possession of any and all such mines.