Executive Order 11599

Drug abuse has assumed alarming proportions in recent times and its spread must be reversed forthwith. I have sent a special message to the Congress urging the prompt enactment of legislation creating a new Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention within the Executive Office of the President. This office will mobilize and concentrate the comprehensive resources of the Federal Government in an all out campaign to meet this threat. However, immediate action must be taken to place the leadership of our drug abuse effort under a single official who will coordinate existing Federal drug abuse programs and activities, and develop plans for increasing our future efforts.

, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

, June 17, 1971.