DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH fli HUMAN SERVICES 
Public Haatth Servlca 
NationsI Inttltutat of Health 
Memorandum 
Data July 15, 1982 
From Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Subject Motion of the Recombinant DNA Advisory Conmittee on 
the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention 
To Executive Secretary 
Recombinant DNA Advisory Conmittee 
ThanX you for transmitting to me the June 28 motion of the Recombinant DNA 
Advisory Committee (RAC) advising that the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons 
Convention includes the prohibition on the use of recombinant DNA methodology 
for development of microbial or other biological agents, or toxins, of types 
or in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective, 
or other peaceful purposes. I appreciate the advice of the RAC on this 
impoftemt matter. 
Please convey to the RAC members my sincere thanks for their diligent emd 
important service to NIH, the scientific community, and the American public, 
in their continued oversight of the safety of recombinemt DNA reseeirch. 
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