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

263. National Security Study Memorandum 157¹ ²

Washington, July 28, 1972

TO:

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• The Director of Central Intelligence
• Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
• The President’s Science Adviser

SUBJECT:

• Review of United States Position on Chemical Weapons Prohibitions

The President has directed a prompt review of the United States position on negotiations regarding chemical weapons at the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament at Geneva. This review should focus on the advantages and disadvantages of the present U.S. position and of possible alternatives, with specific analysis of proposals aimed at achieving broad international restraints on the production and transfer of lethal chemicals for weapons purposes.

In addition to defining the basic and collateral provisions of such proposals, the study should specifically assess methods of verification, related procedures and necessary constraints in terms of their effectiveness, their acceptability to the United States, and their negotiability.

This review should also include analysis of related courses of action, such as calling for a moratorium in lieu of or in conjunction with treaty negotiations.

This review should be conducted by an Ad Hoc Group chaired by a representative of the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and comprised of representatives of the addressees of this memorandum and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The study should be ready for consideration by the Senior Review Group by August 8, 1972.

Both the fact and nature of this review should be closely held, and distribution of this memorandum should be restricted to those persons essential to the completion of the study.

Henry A. Kissinger

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 365, Subject Files, NSSMs (104–206). Top Secret.
2. The President directed a prompt review of the U.S. position on negotiations regarding chemical weapons at the CCD. The review was to focus on methods of verification, related procedures and their effectiveness, and their level of acceptability to the U.S.