The Wanganui Chronicle SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1928. THE POISON GAS MYSTERY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20110, 31 March 1928, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1928. THE POISON GAS MYSTERY

JN ORDER to spare the world the horrors of gas warfare, the plenipotentiaries of 30 States signed on June 1/, 1925, a convention accepting the prohibition of “the use in war of asphyxiating, poison, or other gases and all analogous liquids, materials, or devices.’’

Since then no one had heard of it till France felt compelled to define her position. Of all the signatories she and Venezuela alone have ratified it. By the convention, therefore, she is only bound as regards Venezuela, and in a Note to other States concerned France explains that, until they also ratify she, is under no obligation towards them.

The Note performs an international service, for it is a sharp reminder to the other States of their clear duty. Among those States is Britain. Lord Onslow signed the convention for Britain nearly three years ago. presumably with the full approval of his Government. What, then, delays ratification? Questioned about gas warfare in February, 1927, Mr Baldwin ignored the convention, but indignantly claimed full liberty of action until such time as all Powers were “willing to adopt Prohibition.” But every Power worth calling a Power expressed such willingness in the most solemn manner possible either in 1925 or subsequently.

It is absurd to say that an obligation which France is ready to assume is too dangerous for Britain to assume, and unless France’s reminder causes the Government to reverse its policy of non-ratifieation people will be tempted to believe that it never meapt to ratify and that it views the signature of the convention not as a moral obligation but as an empty gesture.