[CHAPTER VI]

The Battle Act and Economic Defense

The Mutual Defense Assistance Control Act of 1951, usually known as the Battle Act after Representative Battle of Alabama, established a general framework of policy within which the executive branch takes actions that meet current conditions.

This law reinforced the system of international strategic trade controls that was in existence prior to its enactment. It maintains a close link between United States foreign aid and strategic trade controls. It also recognizes the necessity of international cooperation in the control effort, and it aims toward strengthening the free world as well as impeding the military ability of nations threatening our security.

Battle Act Functions

Administering the Battle Act is one of the responsibilities of the Director of the Foreign Operations Administration, with the help of a Deputy Director for Mutual Defense Assistance Control (MDAC). The Director’s responsibilities under the Act include the following:

  1. Determining which commodities should be embargoed in order to effectuate the purposes of the Act.
  2. Continually adjusting the embargo lists to current conditions.
  3. Advising the President on whether or not United States aid should be continued to a country that has knowingly permitted the shipment of embargo-list items to the Soviet bloc.
  4. Making a continuing study of the administration of export control measures undertaken by foreign governments and reporting to Congress at least every 6 months.
  5. Making available technical advice and assistance on export control procedures to any nation desiring such cooperation.
  6. Coordinating United States Government activities which are concerned with security controls over exports from other countries.