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

194. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of Defense Laird¹ ²

Washington, June 15, 1970

SUBJECT:

• Implementation of National Security Decision Memoranda 35 and 44

With reference to National Security Decision Memoranda 35 and 44, the President has asked that recommendations regarding the destruction of biological agents/weapons and toxin agents/weapons be submitted for his consideration by June 30, 1970.

Additionally, the President has requested that any other recommendations regarding implementation of the decision to confine the United States biological program to research for defensive purposes only (e.g., alternative uses of biological facilities) be submitted for his consideration at the same time.

Henry A. Kissinger

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Boxes H–212 and H–213, NSDM 35. Secret.
2. Kissinger asked Laird for Defense’s recommendations on the destruction of biological weapons and the transfer of biological weapons facilities.