BRITISH TRADE IN ARMS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21701, 7 February 1936, Page 13

BRITISH TRADE IN ARMS

"Jekyll and Hyde Activities"

KEEN QUESTIONS

DEALINGS OF IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES

(rarnsD pmss *ssocutio»—coptbiwt.) (Received February 6, 7.20 p.m.) LONDON, February 5. Keen questions about the military products of Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., were asked of the chairman of the firm, Sir Harry McGdwan, by Sir Philip Gibbs and others commissioners at the resumed jession of the Arms Commission. Sir Harry McGowan said that while Imperial Chemical Industries was not an arms firm in time of peace, it had great potential resources for the manufacture of military material, and much of its equipment could be converted to war-time uses. The firm manufactured no mustard or lethal gas. It exported chlorine for commercial purposes and there had been a noticeable increase of exports to the countries at war. Sir Philip Gibbs, referring to evidence at the American arms enquiry, said that it seemed that Imperial Chemical Industries acted the part of Jekyll and Hyde in China—selling powder and explosives in some parts and fertilisers in others.

Sir Harry McGowan said that if the Chinese Government wanted anything his firm sold it. Sir Philip Gibbs: You were no doubt supplying the Japanese for the invasion of Manchuria and simultaneously . supplying the Chinese with materials to defend Manchuria?

Sir Harry McGowan: If a private manufacturer did not supply them they would put up their own plant. Sir Philip Gibbs referred to arrangements which Imperial Chemical Industries had had with firms abroad, giving as an example a plan under which cartridges for Hotchkiss guns could be made in Italy where the guns were being made. "I imagine that you helped this firm to make cartridges for use in a war of which the league has shown disapproval," he said. Sir Harry McGowan: The agreement expired on November 1, 1935. If we had not shown them some- / body else would have done so. Sir Philip Gibbs: That is not a very good answer. Sir Harry McGowan read a letter to his firm's South American representative, emphasising that Imperial Chemical Industries was anxious to avoid foreign countries having supplies of explosives. The firm was emphasising unnecessarily the difficulty of the position, he said, because if private firms refused orders the Governments would start their oWn factories.

Sir Philip Gibbs remarked: The letter is impressive, but it has not been always the policy of Imperial Chemical Industries

Sir Eldon %ankes, chairman of the commission, asked what was the purpose of the firm's numerous investments in foreign companies. Sir Harry McGowan: We think .it a good thing to do. Sir Eldon Bankes: I will try to answer. You can at least see what the Government of the country is doing. It is a good investment, and a better one if there happens to be a war.

Sir Harry McGowan was emphatic that Imperial Chemical Industries had no international arrangement detrimental to the British Government.