GAS IN WARFARE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20481, 5 February 1930, Page 11

GAS IN WARFARE.

IMPORTANCE EMPHASISED. LESSONS FROM GREAT CONFLICT. LONDON, Feb. 3. Dr. Herbert Levinstein, president of tho Society of tho Chemical Industry, today criticised what he termed the " illusory character " of treaties in regard to gas in warfare. Dreadful as it is, said Dr. Levinstein, gas is far more humane than high oxplosives and it caused less temporary and permanent, suffering in proportion to the military results of the war. The Geneva protocol allowed tho use of smoke-screens and perhaps tear gas with its poisonous fumes.

The doctor contended that a limitation of naval armaments would increase the importance of the chemical arm. He pointed out methods of using gas which could bo quickly adopted, including large stocks of gas cylinders. These would be immediately available to all countries vvhero the alkali industry existed.

The cylinders could be thrown out from aircraft, tanks, armoured cars and other vehicles.

'Dr. Levinstein urged that the War Oftico should keep in close contact with chemical research. The improvisation of chemical war material might be vital to the existence of Britain. Therefore it was satisfactory to know that the British chemical industry had emerged from the war stronger and with a greater capacity for production and research.