Created 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.
Nov 1944
Description:

'CHRONOLOGY ON B.W.

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August 26, 1942 - War Research Service established in Federal Security Agency. George W. Merck appointed Director.

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January 11, 1944 - Sub-Committee of Biological Warfare set up by Joint Chiefs of Staff to evaluate intelligence reports of enemy preparation to use B.W. George W. Merck appointed Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

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June 8, 1944 - President approves transfer of B.W. activities to War Department.

June 15, 1944 - George W. Merck appointed a Consultant to the Secretary of War on all matters pertaining to biological warfare.

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October 11, 1944 - United States Biological Warfare Committee established. A policy forming Committee to advise the Secretary of War on B.W. George W. Merck appointed Chairman.' (ff. 8-11)

 

'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.

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... the Secretary of War, evidently feeling that further study was necessary before issuing directives to implement these conclusions, requested only the formation of the two civilian committees made up of the highest level of scientists from the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council. These two civilian committess were merged into one and named for purposes of security, the WBC Committee, with Dr. E.B. Fred as Chairman. This Committee made a complete study and its reports have formed the basis for all future planning, both military and civilian, in the realm of b.w.

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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...

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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.

The reason for the informality of these other directives given Mr. Merck's organization is explained by the fact that it was considered imperative that all work in b.w. should be done under the highest security control. Therefore, the formation of War Research Service was itself a secret. This further explains the absence of supporting documents for some portions of this report.' (ff. 13-16)