Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969–1972

223. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Eliot) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹ ²

Washington, March 31, 1971

Subject:

• Geneva Protocol

On March 30 the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considered the Geneva Protocol in executive session. Following the session Senator Fulbright met the press and told them he personally favored advice and consent to ratification of the Protocol with the understanding that riot control agents and herbicides are covered by the Protocol’s prohibitions. We understand the Committee generally shared this view. This is of course contrary to the position taken by the Administration.

We were confidentially informed that Senator Fulbright plans to write the President about the Protocol. We do not know what Senator Fulbright will say, but presume that he will at least convey on behalf of the Committee that the Administration’s position on the Protocol should be reconsidered.

Theodore L. Eliot, Jr.
Executive Secretary

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 312, Subject Files, Chemical, Biological Warfare (Toxins, etc.), Vol. IV. Secret; Exdis.
2. Eliot reported that Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Fulbright personally favored the ratification of the Geneva Protocol with the understanding that riot control agents and herbicides were covered by the Protocol’s prohibitions and noted the Foreign Relations Committee generally concurred.