Appendix A

    It is the policy of the Department of Defense to make available timely and 

accurate information so that the public, congress and the news media may assess

and understand the facts about national security and defense strategy. Requests 

information from orgainzations and private citizens will be answered in a timely

timely manner. In carrying out this policy, the following priciples of information 

will apply:

 

Information will be made fully and readily available, consistant with 
statutory requirements, unless its release is precluded by current and 
valid security classification. The provisions of the Freedom of 
Information Act will be supported in both letter and spirit.
This is the way to create space
A free flow of general and military information will be made 
available, without censorship or propaganda, to the men and women
of the Armed Forces and their dependents.
This is the way to create space
Information will not be classified or otherwise withheld to protect 
the government from criticism or embarrassment.
this is the way to create space
Information will be withheld only when disclosure would adversely 
affect national security or threaten the safety or privacy of the men 
and woman of the Armed Forces.
this is the way to create space
The Department's obligation to provide the public with information 
on its major programs may require detailed public affairs planning
and coordination within the Department and with other government
agencies. The sole purpose of such activity is to expedite the flow of
information to the public: propaganda has no place in Department
of Defense public affairs programs.