 It was established by of August 10, 1917, pursuant to the Food and Fuel Control Act, and was abolished by another executive order, , on August 21, 1920.During the time of the administration, the United States was short of nearly everything as many commodities were being sold to their allies.All citizens were asked to donate any weapons, horses, and ammunition they possessed to help supply the army, with a small hope of the items being returned.