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Henry Kissinger, asserting that there was a need to review the CBW pro-
gram:
I am increasingly concerned about the structure of our chemical and bio-
logical warfare programs, our national policy relating to such programs,
and our public posture vis a vis chemical and biological warfare activi-
ties . . .
It would seem reasonable to have the subject brought before the Na-
tional Security Council at an early date. I request the necessary studies
and reviews be initiated immediately, to facilitate early consideration by
the NSC. 129
On 28 May 1969, following Nixon's approval, Kissinger directed the
NSC to carry out the CBW review. 130 There were four options:
1. Retain a Full Capability Including Both Lethal and Incapacitating Bio-
logical Weapons.
2. Retain a Capability for Incapacitating Weapons Only.
3. Research and Development Program Only, but for both Offensive and
Defensive Purposes.
4. Research and Development Program for Defensive Purposes Only and
to Protect against Technological surprise. 131
On 10 November the Interdepartmental Political-Military Group
(IPMG) submitted its report. After defining the differences between bio-
logical and chemical warfare, it declared that the American BW capability
was limited:
No large inventory of dry (powdered) anti-personnel lethal or incapaci-
tating biological agents is maintained and only eight aircraft spray dis-
seminators are in the inventory. No missile delivery capabilities are cur-
rently maintained for delivery of biological agents, although a bomblet-
containing warhead for the sergeant missile has been standardized, but
not produced in quantity. Small quantities of both lethal and incapacitat-
ing biological agents are maintained in special warfare devices.
The IPMG report then analyzed the basic CBW issues. 132 The report
pitted military flexibility, the availability of options, and the need for pre-
paredness against unforeseen threats, against the political advantage do-
mestically and internationally in renouncing BW. It also posed the advan-
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