CO537-6817 — Page 20

Tel. No.: VICtoria 6826 Telegraphic Address:

Emarp, Sowest, London

Our Ref. CDI 1/16/5

Your

HOME OFFICE,

14502

02/15

16

CIVIL DEFENCE DEPARTMENT,

HORSEFERRY HOUSE,

DEAN RYLE STREET,

1st March, 1951.

S.W.I.

Dear Edmann,

I attach a copy of a letter addressed by the Chief Officer, Hong Kong Fire Brigade to the Chief Officer, London Fire Brigade to which he was recently I believe attached, asking as you will see for particulars about the Napalm incendiary bomb now being used by the U.S.A.F. in Korea.

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The letter was referred to this Department by the London Fire Brigade and I am passing it to you to complete the circle!

Frankly, since this is an American weapon, it is felt that if any information is to be given to Mr. Gorman about it and its effects it had better come from the R.A.F. Staff in Hong Kong who could clear the matter with the Americans.

This Department has some information about it and is aware that it is an improvised weapon rather than a standard incendiary bomb but have not yet circulated anything official on the subject in this country. The only publication on the subject of aircraft weapons was the restricted"issue of Civil Defence Corps Training Memorandum No. 4, copies of which were circulated to local authorities under Home Office Circular No. 29/1950, but this did not include any reference to the Napalm Bomb.

B.D. Edmonds Esq., M.M.,

Colonial Office,

Church House,

Yours sincerely

Om Fro

Great Smith Street, S.W.1.

(G.A.B. McIvor)

Page 20REGISTRY

DEFENCE & GENERAL

-5 MAR 1951