POISON GAS FEARS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20385, 23 October 1940, Page 3

POISON GAS FEARS

SINISTER NAZI MOVE “WARNING TO BRITAIN” NO MISGIVINGS FELT LONDON. Sept. 16. Londoners, in their keen observation of every phase cf the blitzkrieg, have discerned a law of increasing enemy desperation, so to speak, which causes them to expect that some new kind of German savagery will be launched. Therefore, to-day’s satisfaction that R.A.F. fighters yesterday won the biggest victory of the war was mingled with speculation—although without misgiving—about what is the next move. Some who have consistently held the conviction that the Germans will go on from horror to horror have declared that when bomb attacks havereached their limit, the next step in desperation will be the widespread use of poison gas which Hitler has long had in preparation. Japanese Agency Report Their warnings seemingly have been endorsed by news that the German Minister of Propaganda, Dr. Goebbels, has selected the Japanese Domei News Agency to announce that Britain is using poison gas, and that a warning will soon be issued to Britain. The Berlin correspondent cf the agency, quoting an official source, states that the R.A.F. is dropping chemicals which ignite as they dry and emit poison gas, and that if this practice continues it will be the subject of a warning to London. It is pointed out in London that lies of this kind —attributing to an enemy a practice which Germany intends to adopt—are the normal part of the German technique and go as far back as the last war. It is pointed out that many chemical factories in Germany, which ihave been bombed by the R.A.F. are producing gas bombs, and although much damage has been done it is estimated that the quantities of poison gas that can produced in the Stolzenberg factories at Hamburg and at plants at Leuna and Oppau would alone suffice for all the needs of the German war machine. Alleged Deadly Gases The Germans claim that “W" gas would penetrate every gas-mask, and that “green gas” is equally deadly, but it is held by at least some authorities here that all known gases, including “W” and “green” can be countered by the use of gas masks with a special filter. Special filters —presumably for these gases—were made available throughout Britain months ago, when citizens were urged to take their masks to A.R.P. depots and have the filters fitted. Public gas-proof shelters may be another answer. There are some who urge that the most effective defence of all is readiness to launch powerful reprisals, the knowledge of which would deter Hitler. The convictioh that the Germans are coming to the end of their resources in the present phase, and may be expected to embark on new terrors, is strengthened by the magnitude of the failure of 1 yesterday’s effort.