THE JOINT STAFF
WASHINGTON, D.C.

 

19 October 1988

Reply to Zip Code
20318-5000

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
President

The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10021-6399

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

First of all, let me apologize for taking sco long to reply
to your insightful letter of 9 September. I take a matter of pride
in my promptness, but in this case, I have been neglectful of my
responsibilities. It was very good hearing from you, and we very
much appreciate your sharing your thoughts with us.

I wholeheartedly agree that in a low intensity scenario we
must not let an enemy's use of CW go unpunished. Ina strategic
context we have many options, and the use of overwhelming force may
be the best alternative. I think you are in tune with the current
national leadership, both military and political, in looking to
conventional alternatives prior to a retaliation in kind response
during low intensity resolution.

My personal fear is for a terrorist action involving a toxin
or a biological agent. We would be partially paralyzed in our
effort to verify the deed and, even with thought out alternatives,
we would agonize over world opinion regardless of our selected
alternative. Counter-terrorism is a difficult problem from the
“appropriate response" perspective. With Libyan and other Middle
East countries beginning to develop biotechnology capabilities,
this is becoming a potential threat.

We have worked an initial action within the Directorate to
establish a "relationship" with your sub-committee. I must report
that my Director, Vice Admiral Jack Baldwin, has warned us to
proceed gently. He is concerned that any hint of a relationship
with the Joint Staff/DOD could seriously compromise your
independence. He suggests an informal arrangement with
face-to-face sessions as needed to exchange ideas, current policy,
and other information that may be of use by both your committee and
ourselves.
Lynn Rusten, but plan to do so and

I have not written to Ms.
it is germaine to my

report the same. Thanks again for the input,
effort in developing appropriate strategies for our national

decision-makers. Please continue to share your thoughts on this

key issue.
Very Respectfully,

 

Lieutenant Colonel, USA
Nuclear and Chemical Division,

J-5

CF: Ms. Lynn Rusten