Executive Orders

The Naval Executive Orders of Guam are a series of mandates produced by the Naval government of Guam during the island’s US Naval Era (1898-1941) and Post World War II Era (1945-1950) before the signing of the Organic Act in 1950, which would grant the people of Guam limited self government.

It is important to note that the lapse between 1941 and 1945 was due to World War II when Guam was occupied by Japanese enemy forces. Naval rule resumed after the island was recaptured by US forces in 1944, toward the end of WWII.

US Navy Captain Richard Philips Leary was appointed as Guam’s first naval governor in January 1899. In August, Leary would issue what were the first executive general orders of Guam. Throughout Naval rule, there were numerous general orders issued that made unreasonable demands upon the people and there were mandates with an intended voice of benevolence.

Naval governors were appointed for two-year terms, which made exacting the orders difficult. During their terms, the appointed Naval officers, often ruled the island similar to the way they ran their ships; expecting the people to be orderly and well-trained. Fortunately, for the colonized peoples of Guam- known as CHamorus- there were sympathetic governors, such as Willis Bradley who believed in the CHamoru people and their right to self government. Bradley issued orders that gave the people hope for justice and equality.

This entry lists links to Executive Orders by Governor and by year.

General Order Nos. 101-200, from 1905 to 1916 are available at the Nieves M. Flores Public Library located in Guam’s capital Hagåtña. General Order Nos. 301-394 from 1918 to 1924 are also located at the library.

The University of Guam’s Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) provided General Order Nos. 67, 70, 79 and 80, in addition to Executive General Order Nos. 180 – 194.

Executive Orders by governor

Executive Orders by year