Report of the Secretary of Defense's Ad Hoc Committee on Biological Warfare

Report of the Secretary of Defense's Ad Hoc Committee on Biological Warfare

Secretary of Defense James Forrestal convened this committee to explore the "unconventional" technique of biological warfare, including technical and strategic possibilities. Emphasis was to be placed upon strategic, economic, and psychological effects.

1949

Concluded that biological weapons were potent but not yet decisive (based on current U.S. capability), but had foreseeable improvements on the horizon. Thus, future attacks could be severe to disastrous, and current defenses were not adequate. The committee recommended establishing military plans for defense against biological weapons, to include defensive research, public information campaigns, and coordination of government agencies.