Reading Room Document

Need for further legislation with respect to international traffic in firearms.

The document discusses the need for further legislation to regulate the international traffic in firearms, specifically in response to the contention that the President already has complete authority to control such traffic. The conclusion reached is that while the President does have authority under section 414 of the Mutual Security Act, further legislation based on the commerce power may be necessary in the future to adequately regulate foreign commerce in firearms. The document presents questions regarding the necessity of legislation, the scope and purpose of the existing Mutual Security Act, and the potential justification for further restrictions on the importation of firearms in relation to national security and internal security.

September 8, 1965