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c. 182
THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT).
TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
SECRTIt is requested that special care may be taken to
C.0.5.(40) 830 (ensure the secrecy of this document.
Also J.I.C.(40) 31?) (Revise).
17TH OCTOBER, 1940.
COPY NO.
WAR CABINET.
OH BES OF STAFF COMMITTLE,
GERMAN INTENTION TO USE GAS AGAINSU
THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Report by the Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee.
The Chiefs of Staff at their meeting on
11th October, 1940, instructed the Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee to assess the value of recent intelligence reports that the Germans intend to use gas and to report on the likelihood of its being used on the United Kingdom and in what manner,
Our report is contained in the following
paragraphs:-
2.
It is well known that Germany is in a high state of preparedness, both offensively and defensively, for chemical warfare, She has immense supplies of gas available, and will certainly make use of this weapon at the moment she considers it to her advantage to do so. The Germans know no "rules" in warfare, however, and undoubtedly the greatest deterrent is the fear of retaliation. In this connection we have reason to believe that the Germans have a very high opinion of our aircraft spray technique; it is known that since the occupation of France the Germans have had access to the full reports of our spray trials in Northern Africa, which were highly successful. Consequently they probably believe that we ourselves are well prepared for offensive action.
3.
On the other hand there are the following reports which might be taken to indicate an increased leaning on the part of the German High Command towards the initiation of gas warfare.
(a) Recent reports from secret sources referred to intense propaganda in Berlin urging the civilian population to secure respirators at once "as the British are about to commence using gas",
The Germans may well believe that we will not use gas until they do so first. Consequently inspired
.+
C.0.S.(40) 345th Meeting, Item 4.
--1-.
830 (J.I.C.)
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