Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–14, Part 2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1973–1976

26. Action Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs (Weiss) to the Deputy Secretary of State (Rush)¹

Washington, November 26, 1973.

NSSM 157 (Review of United States Position on Chemical Weapons Prohibitions)

In our memo of November 5, 1973, in which we recommended a position for the Department of State on NSSM 157 (Review of United States Position on Chemical Weapons Prohibitions), I underscored PM’s intention to remain open-minded on the central issue now dividing agencies—whether or not to retain the option to procure binary chemical munitions. To be specific, the memo pointed out that we had heard the NSC would direct some form of study of the issue (to commence after agencies had reported positions on NSSM 157, but prior to final consideration of the NSSM options by the President) and it pointed out that “We will participate in that exercise and are prepared to adjust our views in the light of such new information as may then develop.”

Meanwhile, at PM’s invitation, Major General Schoning (OASD/ISA) and some members of his staff visited the Department of State last Wednesday, November 21, to present the military’s case for binary munitions to representatives from Bureaus interested in the outcome of NSSM 157. Personally, I found Major General Schoning’s arguments for the binary system cogent enough to strengthen my conviction that, before the President is asked to decide on a negotiating program for constraining chemical weapons, issues relating to the U.S. need for such weapons in general and for binary munitions in particular ought to be subject to very close scrutiny.

Although I am told that the NSC is indeed planning a study of some sort, they reportedly have not yet decided on terms of reference. It could be useful at this point for the Department of State to go on record for a thorough study covering certain key issues. Accordingly, I have attached for consideration a memorandum (at Tab A) to this effect from you to Mr. Kissinger.

Finally, I am attaching (at Tab B) for your information a copy of a memorandum I am sending Ambassador Porter in his capacity as Member of the 40 Committee, recommending analysis on an urgent basis of certain intelligence information bearing on Soviet interest in the field of chemical weapons.

Recommendation

That you sign the memorandum to Mr. Kissinger at Tab A.

1. Summary: In a follow-up memorandum on proposed NSSM 157 initiatives, Weiss underscored his conviction that prior to asking President Nixon “to decide on a negotiating program for constraining chemical weapons, issues relating to the U.S. need for such weapons in general and for binary munitions in particular ought to be subject to very close scrutiny.”

   Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27–10. Secret. Drafted by Fuerth and cleared by Baker. George Ward (S/S–S) initialed for Fuerth and Baker. A notation in an unknown hand on the first page of the memorandum reads: “Sent to S/S 11/28 Copy to D.” Tab A is Document 27. Tab B, a memorandum from Weiss to Porter dated November 26, is attached but not published. Tab C is Document 25.