As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act but in no event later than July 31, 1955, the Adjutant General shall transfer all books, records and documents in his custody relating to the payment of compensation to veterans of World War I and their beneficiaries to the Archives Division of the State Library for permanent filing. Such books, records and documents shall be confidential and shall be shown only upon the authorization of the Adjutant General or the Governor of the State of Illinois. Prior to such transfer, the Adjutant General shall make a final inventory of the books, records and documents. The Adjutant General may cause any book, record, or document to be microphotographed, photographed, microfilmed, or otherwise reproduced on film and may destroy the original of any such records that have been so reproduced.
330 ILCS 80/1