US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA), 1945-1982

The Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) was established by Act 22 USC 2521 on 26 Sep 1961 in response to US Congressional pressure to centralise arms control and disarmament responsibilities for the purposes of US national security. The Act also provided for the establishment of a General Advisory Committee, appointed by the President to advise the President, Secretary of State, and the Director of the ACDA on matters affecting arms control and disarmament. ACDA formulates, implements, and verifies arms control, non- proliferation, and disarmament policies, strategies and agreements that promote the national security of the United States. ACDA also prepares and participates in discussions and negotiations with foreign countries on issues including strategic arms limitations, conventional force reductions in Europe, prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons, prohibition on chemical weapons, and the international arms trade. Its main objectives are to prepare for and manage US participation in negotiations on arms control and disarmament; to conduct and co-ordinate arms control research; and to ensure that the US can verify compliance with existing agreements through on-site inspections.