Classification of Secret Documents. Note by the Secretary

ANNEX. SECRET C.O.S. (42) 288 2ND JUNE 1942 WAR CABINET CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE CLASSIFICATION OF SECRET DOCUMENTS Memorandum by Vice Chief of Naval Staff C.O.S. (41) 588 dated 26th September 1941 laid down that the equivalence between British and American categories of secrecy should be as follows viz:BRITISH AMERICAN Most Secret = Secret Secret = Confidential Confidential = Restricted 2. Experience however has demonstrated that this practice has been detrimental to Security. 3. The U.S. rule is that American "Registered Secret Publications" are "issued only to commissioned officers, for use in connection with their specific duties and shall not pass out of their possession unless otherwise specifically authorised by the C.N.O." (vide American publication R.