[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 50 (Monday, December 16, 2002)]
[Pages 2150-2151]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.

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    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.