ATTACHMENT
                                 D

 Assistant Secretary for Special Security Programs memorandum to
               Secretary of Defense, April 25, 1952

GRAPHIC         OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
                        WASHINGTON 25, D.C.


                                                    25 April 1952

MEMORANDUM THRU THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

FOR:  THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

SUBJECT:  Chemical and Biological Warfare Readiness

     1.   A staff study dated 15 December 1951 (Tab E), informed
you that the United States was not adequately prepared in the
fields of chemical (CW) and biological warfare (BW), and that the
then-current programs were not adequate to insure preparedness in
the future.  As a result, on 21 December 1951 (Tab "A") the three
military departments were directed to increase their support of,
and participation in, programs to bring to the required state of
readiness.

     2.   Three months later, the military departments were asked
(Tab "C") to report on their programs for implementing these
instructions, and to set forth the actions taken with respect to
selectivity in order to achieve both a CW and BW readiness with at
least one good weapons system in the hands of the operating forces
and adequately stockpiled.

     3.   The reports of the three military departments (Tabs "D",
"E", and "F"), received this date, outline the progress which has
been made, and the programs which are planned.  Detailed study and
joint evaluation of these reports are necessary to determine the
adequacy of the present CW and BW programs to achieve readiness. 
This evaluation is now being made.  Therefore, this memorandum
constitutes an interim brief of a few more important actions which
have been taken by the military departments as a result of your
directive.

     4.   The Department of the Army has approved and provided
funds for the construction of a second production plant for the
manufacture of nerve gas (GE).  When completed, this facility
together with the one presently under construction will provide
sufficient GB productive capacity to meet present requirement by 1
July 1954.  Army operation plans now include CW and BW annexes.  A
program is being considered for the strategic location of stocks of
available toxic chemical munitions within overseas commands (for
use when directed). An Interservice Coordinating Committee of
General and Flag Officers has been organized at the request of the
Army for the purpose of furnishing Service Chiefs with specific
recommendations for corrective action on CW-BW program
deficiencies.  In addition, Secretary Pace has asked his Scientific
Advisory Group (headed by Dr. Killian) to study the adequacy of the
Army's efforts to solve the CW-BW problem in the light of your 21
December 1951 directive.
     5.   The Department of the Navy has prepared a directive
outlining naval concepts for offensive and defensive CW and BW. 
This document directs Commanders afloat to develop and recommend
doctrines for CW-BW employment.  Existing bombs employing toxic
agents are being investigated to determine their suitability for
use with naval aircraft.  The development of prototype naval
projectiles and bombardment type rockets has been initiated to
evaluate such munitions for use in amphibious support missions and
specialized naval operations.  Major developmental efforts are
being concentrated on an airborne aerosol generator (Aero 14A) for
use with either CW or BW agents, and submarine launched BW mine
aerosol generator, Procurement of the Aero 14A is contingent upon
further test results, but may be initiated the latter part of 1952.

     6.   The Department of the Air Force issued a directive dated
15 January 1952, to give guidance to all staff agencies and
commands on personnel, training, operations, research and
development, defense, and logistics.  This directive expresses
time-phasing for establishment of CW-BW capabilities for air wings
and groups beginning 31 December 1952, and for a sustained Air
Force CW-BW capability by the end of 1954.  Bomb clusters suitable
for the dissemination of GB are now being procured, as are
munitions suitable for dissemination of anti-personnel and anti-
crop BW agents.  A total of $205,000,000 has been programmed for FY
1953 for procurement of these munitions.

     7.   Insofar as concerns our present day capabilities, there
is but little additional to report beyond that set forth in our
staff study of 15 December 1951.  If the signal to "retaliate" were
given tomorrow, or even within the next year, the United States
could make little more than a token effort.  While there is a
greater awareness of the need for CW and BW readiness, the
accelerated programs in these fields probably will not place the
United States in a position to have significant CW and BW
readiness, the accelerated programs in these fields probably will
not place the United States in a position to have a significant CW
and BW capability much before mid-1954



                              C.E. HUTCHIN, JR.
                              Lt. Colonel, Infantry
                              Assistant for Special
                                Security Programs

Inclosures 6
Taos "A" thru "F"

Copies furnished less tabs:
     Chairman, Research and Development Board
     Joint Chiefs of Staff (Bronze Team)
     Deputy Assistant for International Security
       Affairs - Psychological Policy