SECRET WEAPONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 150, 22 April 1940, Page 5

SECRET WEAPONS

POSSIBLE SURPRISE IN STORE FOR THE GERMANS I Britain has a "secret weapon" 1 as well as Hitler. It is one of the Results of the mobilisation of the best scientific brains in the country. The Director of Scientific Research, repljnng to a question by a representative of the London Daily Telegraph concerning Hitler's reported unknown weapon, made the following statement: — "If a dictator got a gang of scientists together and asked them to produce a more lethal weapon they would get it, and quite possibly they have done that. I certainly do not imagine there is going to be no surprise in this war from thjo enemy.

"But we certainly have got one for him! ' "A skilful and determined enemy must be expected to spring some surprises," the director continued. "It might be in the form of some new weapon, 01 even a new form of warfare.. "If and when some such surprise is sprung, it is vitally necessary that an adequate defence should be speedily found. "To mobilise the best, scientific advice a team of 'key scientists' was ready six months before the war be(Continucd foot next coldmn). '

gan. Various teams of research workers and laboratories at universities and elsewhere were also earmarked."' The director said that in 1914 fewer than 40 scientists were working for the War Department. Today there is a staff of about 800, including specialists in practically every branch of applied physics, chemistry and engineering, now taken over by the Ministry of Supply. Seventeen distinguished scientists, with 14 personal assistants, have given up their normal occupation and are on full time war duty. In addition, 27 teams of scientists, under the direction of a leader in a particular branch, can take on a particular problem or group of problems with every prospect of finding a speedy solution, and 35 distinguished consultants are earmarked for service as and when required.