Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and ToxinWeapons and on Their Destruction - Deadly Cultures: Biological Weapons Since 1945 - page 376

Desiring to contribute to the strengthening of confidence between peoples and
the general improvement of the international atmosphere,
Desiring also to contribute to the realization of the purposes and principles of
the United Nations,
Convinced of the importance and urgency of eliminating from the arsenals of
States, through effective measures, such dangerous weapons of mass destruc-
tion as those using chemical or bacteriological (biological) agents,
Recognizing that an agreement on the prohibition of bacteriological (biologi-
cal) and toxin weapons represents a first possible step towards the achieve-
ment of agreement on effective measures also for the prohibition of the de-
velopment, production and stockpiling of chemical weapons, and determined
to continue negotiations to that end,
Determined for the sake of all mankind, to exclude completely the possibility of
bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins being used as weapons,
Convinced that such use would be repugnant to the conscience of mankind
and that no effort should be spared to minimize this risk,
Have agreed as follows:
Article I
Each State Party to this Convention undertakes never in any circumstances to
develop, produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain:
(1) Microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or
method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification for
prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes;
(2) Weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents
or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.
Article II
Each State Party to this Convention undertakes to destroy, or to divert to
peaceful purposes, as soon as possible but not later than nine months after
entry into force of the Convention, all agents, toxins, weapons, equipment
and means of delivery specified in article I of the Convention, which are in its
possession or under its jurisdiction or control. In implementing the provisions
of this article all necessary safety precautions shall be observed to protect pop-
ulations and the environment.