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4. Possible Deliberate Misuse 
A fourth major issue raised by recombinant DNA research is that 
of deliberate misuse. In the event that recombinant DNA technology 
proves capable of yielding hazardous agents, such agents might be 
considered for deliberate perpetration of harm to animals (including 
humans), plants, or the environment. The possibilities include biological 
warfare or sabotage. Because it is not known whether recombinant 
DNA technology can yield such agents, discussion of these problems, 
such as theft by saboteurs, is hypothetical and difficult. With regard 
to biological warfare, the use of recombinant DNA for such purposes 
is prohibited by the Biological Weapons Convention. In a statement 
to the Conference of the Committee of Disarmament, on August 17, 
1976, Ambassador Joseph Martin, Jr., made the following remarks 
on the subject: 
When advances in science and technology are made, 
it is natural to ask about their possible use for hostile 
purposes and whether or not such uses are prohibited 
or restricted by existing international agreements. In 
the case of potential use of recombinant DNA molecules 
for weapons purposes, it is our view that such use clearly 
falls within the scope of the Convention's prohibition. 
This interpretation is based upon the negotiating history 
as well as the explicit language of the Convention, and we 
believe that it is shared by the other signatories. I do 
not believe it is possible to read the Biological Weapons 
Convention and come to any other conclusion. According 
to the Preamble, the States Parties are "determined, for 
the sake of all mankind, to exclude completely the possibility 
of bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins being used 
as weapons. ' The intent of Article I, which begins, "Each 
State Party to this Convention undertakes never in any 
circumstances . . . , " is equally forceful and clear. To 
take a more restricted view would rob the Convention of 
much of its value and could even lead to States to call 
into question its scope and continued viability. These 
were the views of the United States when the Convention 
was negotiated and ratified. They are still its views 
today. This is a matter of great importance to my 
Government and one on which doubt cannot be permitted 
to exist. 
