The following report was issued to Lord Emperor James Arichten II and approved by him near immediately. The Imperial Senate is predicted to pass the associated legislation within hours.
Report of the Imperial Austral Legionary Forces Advanced Technology Commision
Hail the glorious Emperor,
In accordance with Imperial Senate resolution 2145, the IALF has been conducting an investigation into the viability of a chemical and biological weapons industry, as well as possible delivery methods, as you are no doubt aware my Lord. Attached are the full findings of the investigation, however for brevity the findings will be summarised here.
Section A - Economic Viability
The report has concluded that the Empire's economy is beyond doubt ready to incorporate a full chemicals and bioligical development industry. The report finds that GDP could increase somewhat significantly from this measure, and approximately 5000 jobs will be opened in the initial stages of development, increasing to 10,000+.
Section B - Moral Questions Pertaining to the Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons in the IALF
The report finds that, in accordance with official Imperial policy, the IALF is justified in the use of chemical and biological weapons against any military target which poses a threat to any UAE territory, military formation or indeed any member of the Austral race. Use against non-Austral civilian targets in an invasion of hostile territory is declared to correspond with the Imperial Morality in War Act as passed by the Senate in Year 16 of the Empire. Use against UAE citizens, in particular members of the Austral racial gorup is found to be immoral and unnaceptable.
Section C - Military Viability
The IALF-ATC has found that the Legions are fit for fighting in the chemically and biologically active environments the use of such weapons inevitably create. Full integration of small scale tactical sarin-gas based weapons into the Assault Battalions, as well as the Artillery Legion is predicted to be achieved within a matter of months (or even weeks if we secure assistance from similarly armed nations) after the passing of a resolution and allocation of funds if full Imperial effort is put into establishing the new industries required (sped up by any allied assistance, of course). Strategic use is further away, perhaps as much as two years away in the more pessimistic range of views espoused by the Legions' generals, however modelling shows it to be possible in a single year if maximum funding and assistance is provided by the Senate, the Imperial Council and of course yourself my Lord. It is also found that both strategic and tactical use of chemical and biological weapons will significantly affect enemy morale when engaged against the Legions. It is further recommended the Legions adopt a more "ferocious" uniform in order to capitalise on this.
Section D - International Effects
The report finds that, although the implementation of chemical and biological weapons may raise the ire of some of the more pacifist-orientated nations, in light of recent Communist agression and the hypocrisy of nuclear-armed capitalise nations, the UAE is fully justified in the production of what are generally called "Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)" by the international community. It is predicted our allies will wholeheartedly support our actions, and depending on the success of our initiative, may perhaps even request our assistance in developing their own, similar weapons.
Hail the Lord Emperor, the strong survive!
Lord Marshal Wilhelm Heydrich.
