“ACTED THE AND HYDE”

Northern Advocate, 6 February 1936, Page 5

“ACTED THE AND HYDE”

,OIR PHILIP GIBBS, THE NOTED 1 AUTHOR, v AND OTHER COMMISSIONERS KEENLY QUESTIONED SIR HARRY McGOWAN, CHAIRMAN OF IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD., ABOUT THE MILITARY PRODUCTS OF HIS FIRM AT THE RESUMED ARMS INQUIRY. Sir Harry said that, while not an arms firm in time of peace, they had great potential resources for the manufacture of military mate. xals. Most of their equipment was convertible to wartime uses. The firm manufactured no mustard or lethal gas, though the company exported chlorine for commercial purposes, but there had been no noticeable increase to warring countries. Sir Philip Gibbs, alluding to evL ence at the American Munitions Inquiry, said it seemed that Imperial

Impressive Letter.

Sir P. Gibbs’ Comment At Arms Inquiry

[United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.} \ (Received 2 p.m.)

LONDON, February 5.

Arms For Each Side.

Chemical Industries acted the part of Jekyll and Hyde in China, selling powder and explosives in some parts, and fertiliser in other. 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 firm did not supply them, they would put up their own plant.” Sir Philip Gibbs ajluded to arrangements between Imperial Chemical Industries and firms abroad, and instanced a plan under which cartridges for Hotchkiss guns could be made in Italy, where the guns were being made. “I imagine you helped this firm to make cartridges for use in a war, of which the League of Nations has shown strong disapproval,” he added. Sir Harry McGowan: “Our agreement expired on November 10th, 1935. If we had not made them, somebody else would.”

Sir Philip Gibbs; “That is not a very good answer.”

Sir Harry McGowan read a letter to the firm’s South American representative, emphasising that Imperial Chemical Industries was anxious to avoid foreign countries having supplies of explosives needlessly, stressing that the position was difficult because, if private firms refused orders, Governments would start their own factories.

Sir Philip Gibbs said that the letter was impressive, but that it had not been always the policy of Imperial Chemical ’ Industries. Sir Eldon Bankes, chairman, asked the purpose of the firip’s numerous investments in foreign countries. Sir Harry McGowan: “We think it a good thing to do.” The chairman: “I will try to answer. You can, at least, see what a Government is doing. It is a good investment, and better, if there happens to be a'war.” Sir Harry McGowan stressed the point that Imperial Chemical Industries had no international arrangements to the detriment of the British Government. The hearing was adjourned.