National Security Directive 24: Chemical Weapons Arms Control Initiatives   [open pdf - 276KB]

Alternate Title: NSD 24: Chemical Weapons Arms Control Initiatives

National Security Directive (NSD) 24 reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to reaching a multilateral agreement for a global ban on and elimination of chemical weapons, as well as a reduction in current stockpiles. Additionally the U.S. agreed to look into a less intrusive inspection policy -- backing down from its previous "anywhere, anytime" stance -- supported by an increase in research and development efforts to improve its capability for verifying compliance with a global ban. Finally the directive described a change in sanctions as well as incentives to discourage states from constructing "dual use" facilities.