GAS WARFARE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18255, 25 November 1933, Page 8

GAS WARFARE

LONDON PRECAUTIONS HOME OFFICE SURVEY LONDON, Nov. 6. Although no public rehearsals of counter-measures to bo adopted in the event of gas warfare have been organised in Britain, as in Japan, Germany, and France, it is known that the Home Office for several months lias been conducting a quiet survey of the possible shelter in London for the civil population. This has not been done because of tho likelihood of war, but merely as one of the necessary precautions to be taken in the light, of possibilities; Some hint- of the activities of the Home Office has already been given by tho Chief ol tho Imperial General Staff, who did not disclose the details, but merely remarked that tho matter had been taken up and that a “very senior and able officer” had been appointed to make investiga tions.

According to the Daily Herald, a scheme is being prepared undel' which (lie police, acting on instructions, would organise the immediate use of avaiiaDte methods of shelter and protection. A rough census is being taken of such places as tube stations and underground passageways with easy access, and the polico divisions are to be supplied with full information applicable to their rerespective areas. Particular attention is to he bestowed on' those districts Avliicii aro normally congested and others which are usually crowded during rush hours. Another part of these precautionary inquiries centres upon research into remedial and preventive measures against the effects of poison gas. It cannot he too forcibly emphasised, however, that these steps have no special significance. Other nations have taken similar action long ago, and it is felt that it is only common sense to provide for emergencies, even though they should never arise.