I do not believe it is possible to read the Biological 
Weapons Convention and come to any other conclusion. The 
Preamble states that 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 
v/eapons.' The intent of Article I which begins, 'Each State 
Party tc this Convention undertakes never in any circumstances 
. . .''is equally forceful and clear. To take a more restricted 
view of the Convention's scope would rob the Convention of much 
of its value and could even lead States to call into question 
the continued viability of the Biological Weapons Convention. 
These were the views of the United States when the 
Convention was negotiated and ratified. They are still its 
views today. This is a natter of great importance to my Govern- 
ment and one on which doubt cannot be permitted to exist. 
Mr. Chairman, the United States took note of many 
signifies .v points raised by various delegations in the 
informal meetings. We will give all of them careful study. 
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I must repeat that the 
proposal of the USSR presents us with a very complex subject. 
The subject is no*- only complex. It also remains conceptually 
elusive because it not yet been placed on a stable 
'ourdation of clear *-.u t°nerallv accepted understandings. 
VI 1-3 
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