PHOSGENE GAS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1928, Page 1

PHOSGENE GAS.

(United Press Association.—By Elec trio Telegraph.—Copyright.)

LONDON,- y July; 12;.

In the Lords, Lord Danosfort,: drawn ing attention to the recent explosion of phosgene gas at Hamburg, inquired if effective schemes had been worked out for repelling, large scale .air raids accompanied by gas bombs. Lords Halsbury said the acident at Hamburg showed it, would need. two thousand tons of phosgene to produce a lethal - atmosphere over the whole, of, London within a three or four lhikli radius, yet phosgene for war purposes was as out-of-date as the hlunderbus. There-was a. new. gas so. deadly .that one- part in ten million ,parts' of,-air, would incapacitate human beings within?a:minute.- A bomb containing thq new gas dropped in Picadilly .Circus, would kill every man, woman and child from Regent Park to the- Thames,; These statements were based on the AYar Office Alanual on chemical warfare. It cost only ninepenee, but it should lie given away. If every .adult in Britain read it,-there-would be such a wave of indignation and righteous horror that the people would do anything to make some agreement to - put these things under international control, and prevent tlieir use in warfare. They could not prevent foreign governments' making the gas, as the process’was simple. Buildings might be made gasproof, giving somo breathing space, and allowing the gas to disperse. Electricity and other means might be found to disperse tlie gas by suction through sewers. Lord Snlisury said there was no need for a panic. Lord Halsbury ought to linve reflected before making sucli a speech, which was bound to have the gravest effect outside. The last word had not been said in defence against gas. There might be many methods mitigating attack with which it would be indiscreet to deal under the circumstances. The phosgene,incident. in, Hamburg.ovasipassing- front: tho old army' to' a .chbinical firm. It was at * present the subject of diplomatic correspondence. Thq. Allies had no Idnger- the powers of. examination, control and.-manufacturo of poison gas i.i Cofmanyv ns the disnrmammt clauses' of; the .Marseilles Treaty, w-ro passed itho’League, of,;Nations in 1927. The Air, Ministry and.AYar Office were constantly, paying. attention to defence against, air. raids. - . •