USE OF POISON GAS IN WAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2334, 27 September 1921, Page 3

USE OF POISON GAS IN WAR.

London, Sept. 24

In a preface to Major Lefebure’s forthcoming book, entitled “Chemical Strategy in Peace and War,” Field-Marshal 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 lias discovered a new and powerful agent, or possesses, as Germany does in her well-organised chemical industry, the ready means for producing such chemicals in bulk, at practically a moment’s notice. Britain’s safety demands the 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 nv> to express any opinion here regarding the desirability of using gas as a weapon, or the possibility of preventing an enemy from using it, but I am convinced that a decision reached without a full knowledge of the facts may involve the grave danger of a heavy preventible loss of life.”