Publishing the Executive Order of the President of the United States, Dated September 5, 1939, Providing for the Enforcement of the Neutrality of the United States Within Its Jurisdiction Including the Philippines

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Proclamation No. 452

Enforcement of Neutrality in the Philippines during World War II

- Provides for the enforcement of neutrality of the United States and the Philippines during the war between Germany, France, Poland, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Assigns duties to various U.S. government departments and agencies for enforcing neutrality:
    1. War Department (Section 1): Enforce neutrality regarding military land forces of neutral and belligerent powers, except as provided in Sections 2 and 4.
    2. Navy Department (Section 2): (a) Enforce neutrality regarding naval vessels of neutral and belligerent powers and other vessels operating for hostile or military purposes, except as provided in Section 4. (b) Enforce neutrality in outlying U.S. possessions under Navy jurisdiction. (c) In the Philippine Islands, enforce neutrality regarding all vessels, with cooperation from the State and Interior Departments.
    3. Treasury and Commerce Departments (Section 3): Enforce neutrality regarding all vessels except those covered by Section 2, with cooperation from the Interior Department in U.S. territories and possessions, except the Philippine Islands, Canal Zone, and Navy-controlled possessions.
    4. Governor of the Panama Canal (Section 4): Enforce neutrality within the Canal Zone and take administrative actions related to it, with assistance from military and naval forces stationed there.
    5. Department of Justice (Section 5): Enforce neutrality not specifically delegated to other agencies and prosecute neutrality violations.
    6. All U.S. departments and agencies (Section 6): Enforce neutrality in their activities, provide information and assistance to other agencies, and issue necessary rules and regulations.
- President Manuel L. Quezon of the Philippines gives publicity to the Executive Order and enjoins strict observance by all Philippine citizens and residents.