500.A15A4 Land Armaments/21: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received May 10—8 p.m.]
182. My 180, May 10, 7 p.m.3 In your 52, April 2,4 you authorize us to agree to abolition of the use of toxic gases. Special Committee of Chemical Warfare will undoubtedly seriously consider question of prohibition of peace time preparation by governments for use of all means of chemical warfare. Sentiment among the delegations in [Page 121] favor of some such action is widespread and we are inclined to believe that such a step would give to the public confidence in the reality of the abolition of chemical warfare.
We will be faced with certain decisions and think you may desire to instruct us after consultation with War and Navy Departments on following points:
- 1.
- May we accept an understanding whereby our Government is bound to refrain from all peace time preparation or manufacture of toxic gases—means of launching gases—and from training of personnel therefor.
- 2.
- May we agree on behalf of our Government to dispose of or destroy all of its stocks on hand of weapons mentioned point 1?
- 3.
- What is our Government’s attitude towards question of refraining from peace time preparation of means of defense against use of chemical warfare by others such as peace time production and storage of gas masks, et cetera.
- 4.
- We assume delegation should oppose any attempt to interfere with civilian industry.
- 5.
- We assume that any obligation in regard to chemical warfare must be of a reciprocal nature.
- 6.
- In light of your answers to foregoing what should be delegation’s attitude in regard to retention or abolition of chemical warfare service.
Request early reply as subcommittee will probably meet not later than 17th.