POISON GAS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 1, 26 September 1921, Page 5

POISON GAS

IMPOSSIBLE TO PREVENT USE IN WAR X ESSENTIALS TO BRITAIN’S SAFETY INVESTIGATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY Sir Henry Wilson contends that as It has been made clear that nothing will prevent an unscrupulous cnsmy from employing poison gas, British safety demands a Amtinuance of investigation, also the development of the chemical industry, so that when, emergency arises the necessary facilities for supply will be at hahd. By Telegraph—Press AsEociation-CopyrlsliL (Rec. September 25, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 24. Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson has contributed a preface to Major Lefebure's forthcoming book entitled “Chemical Strategy in Peace and War." Sir Henry Wilson states: "Major Lefebure makes it clear that no convention, guarantee, "or disarmament safeguard will prevent an unscrupulous enemy from employing poison gas, especially if the enemy has discovered a new powerful agent, or possesses, as Germany does in 16c{r well-orgainided chemical industry, the ready means for producing such chemicals in bulk at practically a moment’s notice. Britain’s safety demands a continuation of study and investigation)., also the development of our chemical industry, so that when an emergency arises We shall have the necessary facilities for supply at hand. Recent publications have shown a tendency to deal with poison gas on. purely sentimental grounds, and attempts have been made to declare its use illegitimate in war. With a full and careful consideration of all the facts, it is not for me to express any opinion here ’’regarding the desirability of using gas as a weapon or K the possibility of preventing an enemy using it, but lam convinced that’ a decision reached with a full knowledge of the facts may involve grave danger and heavy preventible loss of -Jife. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.