13 
V. PROPOSED RAC WORKING GROUP 
Dr. Martin introduced the proposal (tabs 1206, 1207, 1210) by Mr. Lee 
Rogers, Attorney for the Foundation on Economic Trends, and Mr. Jeremy Rifkin 
to create a RAC working group "whose stated purpose would be to examine 
potential uses of recombinant DNA technology for offensive and defensive 
biological weapons systems. In addition, this working group would explore 
current Department of Defense (DOD) programs specifically designed to 
develop 'defensive' preparedness against the threat of genetic engineering 
warfare by aggressor nations or terrorists ... .The working group may also 
wish to make recommendations regarding future oversight of recombinant DNA 
work in this field." 
Dr. Martin said Mr. Rogers and Mr. .Rifkin offer several justifications for 
creating this working group. One is that: 
"It is no longer possible to ignore the potential military uses of recom- 
binant DNA experimentation in light of the DOD 's plain to construct an 
aerosol test laboratory at Djgway Proving Ground in Utah." 
A second is that: 
"The only area of recombinant ENA experimentation that has not yet been 
rigorously examined is the potential military uses.... this committee 
would find it helpful to explore the potential military uses of recom- 
binant DNA technology in order to facilitate a better understanding 
of the various issues involved. Moreover, it is altogether appropriate 
for the RAC to engage in such a study as the DOD has stated on rrany 
occasions that it is adhering to the guidelines established by this 
committee and the NIH. An independent study by the RAC of the military 
potential of recombinant DNA technology can only serve to better inform 
the Executive Branch, Congress and the public of the issues involved 
in this particular field." 
Dr. Martin said recombinant DNA technology can be used to obtain valuable 
information about biological processes; this knowledge could lead to the 
ability to alter these processes. The potential usefulness of recombinant 
DNA technology for biological warfare is, thus, comparable to its usefulness 
in human and animal health and in producing commodity chemicals and does 
not differ from other technologies in potential for warfare applications. 
Dr. Martin said Secretary of Defense Weinberger's letter (tab 1206) to 
Congressman Sasser states the U.S. remains committed to the 1972 Convention 
on the Prohibition of Development, Production, and Stockpiling of Bacterio- 
logical (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction. He said 
a RAC working group would not be successful in obtaining non-public information 
from DOD. The executive and legislative branches have greater access to U.S. 
military recombinant DNA activities than does RAC. If these branches have 
questions concerning potential military use, RAC would be most willing to 
provide appropriate scientific expertise to evaluate these activities. 
[133] 
