FROM: Sir Humphrey Fulbright
TO:
CLASSIFICATION: JOLLY SECRET - EARTHER EYES ONLY (until 3198.341)
DATE: 3198.240 [POTOMAX]
SUBJECT: State of Emergency
As of 12:00 UST tomorrow a state of emergency will exist in all Earther territory in Quadrant 7. This state of emergency will last 100 days before being reviewed and either ended or renewed.
Resignations and retirements of service personnel will be deferred pending the end of the state of emergency. Reservists living in the quadrant will be called upon to re-join the colours.
Military law will apply in those areas of the quadrant where hostile robot action has occurred or Admiral Burwasher considers is likely.
Appeals against the imposition of Military law to an area should be made to Quadrant Governor or one of his authorised representatives through the military chain of command. You are to avoid taking action that will prevent or prolong the ending of the state of emergency.
You are also to avoid actions which may adversely affect the normal livelihood or lives of civilians. If you need to take such an action you should try and ensure that the option chosen is one that best allows the restitution of normal life by civilians once the state of emergency is over. You should not risk destruction to protect civilian livelihood disproportionate to the military value of the forces involved.
You are to communicate these instructions to your junior officers after the state of emergency is declared.
Acknowledge receipt.