Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
that “provision should be made for the prohibition of recourse to biologi-
cal methods of warfare in any circumstances.”
Article I of the UK draft created an obligation “never in any circum-
stances” to engage in biological warfare or to use biological agents for
hostile purposes. It explicitly outlawed hostile use of BW against humans,
other animals, or crops.
Article II extended the prohibition on use to possession and research
with the following language:
Each of the Parties to the Convention undertakes
(a) not to produce, or otherwise acquire, or assist in or permit the pro-
duction or acquisition of
(i) microbial or other biological agents of types and in quantities that
have no independent peaceful justification for prophylactic or other pur-
poses;
(ii) ancillary equipment or vectors the purpose of which is to facilitate
the use of such agents for hostile purposes;
(b) not to conduct, assist, or permit research aimed at production of
the kind prohibited in sub-paragraph (a) of this Article; and
(c) to destroy, or divert to peaceful purposes, within three months af-
ter the Convention comes into force for that Party, any stocks in its pos-
session of such agents or ancillary equipment or vectors as have been
produced or otherwise acquired for hostile purposes.
Article III described the procedures for complaints of violation of
the Convention. Allegations of use were to be taken to the UN secre-
tary general along with a recommendation for an investigation, the re-
port of which would be submitted to the Security Council. Allegations of
breaches of the Convention that did not involve use were to be taken to
the Security Council with a request that the complaint be investigated.
Each of the parties was obliged to cooperate with the secretary general in
any investigation.
Article IV affirmed parties' intentions to come to the assistance of any
party that was the target of any biological methods of warfare. Article V
bound parties to pursue negotiations to “strengthen the existing con-
straints on the use of chemical methods of warfare.” Article VI reiterated
that nothing in the Convention “shall be construed as in any way limiting
or derogating from obligations” under the Geneva Protocol. The remain-
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