    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 11, 2002]
    [Pages 2183-2184]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the National Strategy To Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction
    December 11, 2002

        Today I have issued the National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass
    Destruction. The strategy establishes a comprehensive approach to
    counter the growing threat

    [[Page 2184]]

    from weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear, radiological,
    biological, and chemical weapons. This strategy is integral to the
    National Security Strategy of the United States of America and the
    National Strategy for Homeland Security. We will not permit the world's
    most dangerous regimes and terrorists to threaten our Nation and our
    friends and allies with the world's most destructive weapons.
        Weapons of mass destruction pose a grave danger. They could allow
    America's adversaries to inflict massive harm against our country, our
    military forces abroad, and our friends and allies. Some rogue states,
    including several that support terrorism, already possess WMD and are
    seeking even greater capabilities as tools of coercion. For them, these
    are weapons of choice intended to deter us from responding to their
    aggression against our friends in vital regions of interest. For
    terrorists, WMD would provide the ability to kill large numbers of our
    people without warning. They would give them the power to murder without
    conscience on a scale to match their hatred for our country and our
    values.
        Our national strategy to combat WMD is based on three pillars. We
    will pursue robust counterproliferation policies and capabilities to
    deter and defend against the use of these weapons. We will strengthen
    nonproliferation measures to prevent states and terrorists from
    acquiring WMD. We will increase our preparations to respond effectively
    to any use of WMD against us or our friends and allies. To succeed, we
    must use new technologies, strengthen our intelligence capabilities,
    work even more closely with allies, and establish new partnerships with
    other key states, including former adversaries.
        The need to prevent, deter, defend against, and respond to WMD
    threats presents our Nation with a difficult and complex challenge. The
    strategy I have issued today asks much of our Federal Government, our
    State and local institutions, and indeed, every citizen. The threat is
    real and the stakes are high. Success against this threat is a
    requirement of history--one that the United States will meet with
    confidence and determination.