INDICATIONS OF SHARPLY DECREASED USE OF CHEMICAL-TOXIN WEAPONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 05472679
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2022
• Document Release Date: September 26, 2017
• Case Number: F-2012-01432
• Publication Date: June 22, 1983

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The Director of Central Intelligence
Wollington,D.C.2M05
National Intelligence Council
NOTE FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
FROM Hans Heymann, Jr.
National Intelligence Officer at Large
22 June 1983
12 1 2.
The attached informal intelligence assessment points to a
sharp reduction in the incidence of CW/Toxin Use noted in the
first five months of 1983. It was prepared at State's request as
background for Secretary Shultz's ASEAN trip next week. State/PM
is recommending to Shultz that he reveal this finding to the ASEAN
governments in a low-key way ("we are cautiously hopeful...").
The assessment reflects the collective views of the DCI
Working Group on CW/Toxin Use
Hans Heymann, Jr.
Attachment:
As Stated
CC:
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VC/NIC (H.Meyer)
VC/NIC (C. Waterman)
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21 June 1983
Indications of Sharply Decreased Use of
Chemical-Toxin Weapons in Southeast
Asia and Afghanistan
Summary and Conclusions
A review of all available recent intelligence on the use of
chemical weapons in Southeast Asia and Afghanistan,
reveals a striking reduction in
the incidence of such attacks since the beginning of 1983.
Reports of chemical attacks--including lethal events--continue to
be received, but, for the most part these relate to events of an
earlier period, principally mid-to-late 1982. Moreover, the few
instances of chemical attacks reportedly occurring in 1983--less
than a half dozen--refer to the use of riot control agents and
incapacitants rather than lethal agents. In spite of a high level
of combat activity in all three theaters--Laos, Kampuchea, and
Afghanistan- not
a single lethal chemical attack has been confirmed as having
occurred so far this year. Also, in this same period, the classic
symptomology of mycotoxicosis is entirely absent,,
While an hiatus of five months is insufficient to permit
strong conclusions (seasonal lulls of two or three months have
been noted in earlier years and there are often substantial time
lags between occurrence of a chemical event and its detection),
the fact that the current break is unprecedentedly long and is
taking place during a period of relatively intense combat activity
suggests the possibility that a Soviet policy decision to suspend
the use of lethal chemical/toxin agents may have been taken.
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-SECAZI
The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, D.C. 20505
National Intelligence Council
NIC 4528-83
21 June 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR: Rear Admiral Jonathan Howe
Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs
Department of State
FROM
SUBJECT
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Hans Heymann, Jr.
National Intelligence Officer at Large
Decreased Use of Chemical/Toxin Weapons
1. The attached informal report presents the results of a review
of recent intelligence evidence that points to a sharp reduction in the
first five months of 1983 in the use of CW/Toxin weapons in Southeast
Asia and Afghanistan.
2. The report reflects the collective views of the DCI Working
Group on CW/Toxin Use
Attachment:
As Stated
Hans Heymann, Heymann, Jr.
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