Office of the Historian

241. Telegram 175047 From the Department of State to the Mission in Geneva1 2

Washington, September 23, 1971

SUBJECT:

  • CCD: Negotiation of BW Convention

REF:

  • A. Geneva 3844
  • B. Geneva 3849
  • C. Geneva 3850
  • D. Geneva 3851
  • E. Geneva 3852
  • F. Geneva 4036
1.
We are prepared to accept changes in text of August 5 draft convention as reported reftels, subject to comments in para 3 below.
2.
We appreciate efforts of Del to arrive at draft which would appear generally acceptable at CCD and at UNGA. We believe some additions will be particularly acceptable [Page 2] to our allies (e.g., additions to Articles I and V) while new language proposed by non-aligned for preamble and operative Articles VIII and IX should increase support for Convention.
3.

a. We prefer maintain August 5 version preambular para 1. If, however, in judgment of Del, it would not be possible to achieve agreement on BW treaty at this CCD session without suggested changes—and we highly value Del efforts in inserting reference to “effective measures”—Del is authorized to agree to proposed changes.

b. We favor inclusion of optional article on BW assistance (para 13, reftel D) if, in light of further consultations with Sovs and other dels, US Del believes this would enhance overall support for treaty. If article included US Del should make clear our understanding that it refers to humanitarian assistance.

[Page 3]

c. We consider preambular para 4 of proposed text an improvement, but we continue to be able to accept August 5 version.

d. Del should not raise question of insertion word “comprehensive” in preambular para 8 of proposed text (para 7, reftel C), particularly in light of latest Soviet change in this para (see 3e below.)

e. We can also accept the two additional changes pip proposed by Soviets (reftel F): that is, (1) deletion of word, “appropriate” in optional article on assistance; and (2) deletion of words “and bacteriological (biological)” together with the insertion word “also” in preambular paragraph 8 of proposed text, so that revised para would read: “Recognizing that an agreement on the prohibition of bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons represents a first possible step towards the achievement of agreement on effective measures also [Page 4] for prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of chemical weapons, and determined to continue negotiations to that end.”

4.
FOR USNATO, ALL NATO CAPITALS AND AMEMBASSY TOKYO: Consultations with our NATO allies and Japan on new language should begin soonest following receipt instructions which being sent septel.

END

Rogers
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, DEF 18–3 Switz (GE). Confidential; Immediate. Repeated immediate to All NATO Capitals, USUN, Moscow, Tokyo, and USDel SALT V. Drafted by Rodes (ACDA/IR); cleared in PM/DCA, DOD/ISA, EUR/RPM, IO/UNP, L, the White House, ACDA/IR, and ACDA/GC; and approved by Farley.↩
  2. The telegram transmitted instructions for the final text of the draft convention on biological weapons.↩