Quoted by G.W. Merck, 'Historical Report of War Research Service', Nov. 1944. National Academy of Sciences Archives. Committees on Biological Warfare. Box 5 Series 4: War Research Service.
Description:

'Early Steps Taken by the U.S. Government in Relation to B.W.

Before there was any unification of activity in b.w. several United States Government groups considered this subject independently and their efforts form the logical beginning of any narrative.

...

In March 24, 1942, the Secretary of War submitted the first report of the WBC Committee to the General Staff with the suggestion that a branch be set up under a suitable officer to make plans to meet the potential dangers of b.w. (See Section II, pp. 11-12.)

The results of the General Staff's deliberations and the subsequent action by the War Department are best explained by quoting a letter of the Secretary of War to the President of the United States under date of April 29, 1942, as follows:

"Some time ago it was called to my attention through my representative in the Office of Scientific Research and Development, of which Dr. Bush is the Director, that there might be serious dangers to this country from what might be described as "Biological Warfare." It seemed well to make a preliminary investigation with great secrecy. Accordingly, I asked Dr. Jewett of the National Academy of Sciences to form a Secret Committee of eminent biologists to consider the question. Such a committee was appointed, including a number of the most important biologists in the country among whom were Dr. Edwin B. Fred of Wisconsin, Dr. Stanhope Bayne-Jones of Yale, as well as others from Johns-Hopkins and the Rockefeller Institute.

"This committee had made an extensive study and a very thorough report in which it points out that real danger from biological warfare exists both for human beings and for plant and animal life. The committee recommends prompt action along a number of lines, some involving the development of vaccines, some dealing with scientific techniques of defense. Others involve protective measures such as water supply protection, and still others require further research. The matter which the committee considered as requiring most immediate attention is the great danger of attacks on our cattle with the disease of "Rinderpest", which has been at times most destructive in the Philippines.

"Biological warfare is, of course, "dirty business" but in the light of the committee's report, I think we must be prepared. And the matter must be handled with great discretion and for the most part with great secrecy as well as great vigor. The immediate question is through what agency of the Government and under what individual leadership this should be started. I am confident that a single able man as director is one of the first essentials.

"Some of the scientists consulted believe that this is a matter for the War Department but the General Staff is of the option that a civilian agency is preferable, provided that proper Army and Navy representatives are associated in the work. It is evident that the matter deals primarily with the Public Health and to some extent with matters ordinarily in charge of the Department of Agriculture. Entrusting the matter to a civilian agency would help in -4- [ff. 15-16] preventing the public from being unduly exercised over any ideas that the War Department might be contemplating the use of this weapon offensively. To be sure a knowledge of offensive possibilities will necessarily be developed because no proper defense can be prepared without a thorough study of means of offense. Offensive possibilities should be known to the War Department. And reprisals by us are perhaps not beyond the bounds of possibility any more than they are in the field of gas attack for which the Chemical Warfare Service of the War Department is prepared.

"It seems to me that an appropriate place in which to establish this work would be a separate branch of the Social Security Agency under Mr. McNutt but I have not taken this matter up with him until you have had an opportunity to consider the matter.

"This choice of the right man to be put at the head of this activity seems to me perhaps more important than where it is established in the Government.

"Having asked for the report and having now received the disturbing warnings to which I have made reference and especially in view of the recommendation for immediate action, I should appreciate it if you would advise me of your wishes in order that such action as you wish may be promptly taken."

On May 15, 1942 the President gave his verbal approval of this letter and as a result of his verbal directive, and the recommendations contained in the second report of the WBC Committee, the civilian agency recommended by the Secretary of War was eventually organised under the title of War Research Service. Mr. George W. Merck was appointed Director.' (ff. 13-16)