CAB80-20 — Page 212

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reports of the above type indicate that they themselves propose using gas in the future and expect retaliation.

On the other hand, reports have been received indicating a shortage of civilich respirators. It is considered, however, that these reports should be treated with the greatest resorvo, It is unlikely that the civilian population would be urged to obtain respirators if these cre unobtainable, as this would only cause alarm.

Our view is that Germany may not be uniformly equipped; there are indications that preference has been given to the more vulnerable Western arca, possibly at the expense of the East and South East.

(b) Neutral sources suggest that the Germans would make use, by the Royal Air Force, of incendiary leaves, which it is alleged "cause dangerous burns and emit toxic gases and smoke" the necessary excuse for starting chemical warfare,

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For some reason or other (probably for the benefit of the German population) the Germans have always considered it necessary to fabricate some excuse for commiting acts contrary to the usages of war. Before resorting to chemical warfare it is probable that some excuse, as plausible as possible, would be sought. The incendiary leaves are merely one such likely excuse.

(c) A number of wamings have been received from secret sources, private individuals, and wounded German soldiers that gas would be used against Great Britain.

Such reports have been received at intervals since the beginning of the war and have not increased either in number or reliability.

(a) According to a secret report distribution of gas has been made to G.A.F. aerodromes. There was no information, however, as to whether this was in the form of spray or bombs.

(e) Reports have referred to the transit of large quantities of gas into France and Belgium and into the bases in the Frisian Islands. The reports gave no indication as to quantities, method of transport, location and amounts accumulated.

(f) A report dated 4th October states that gas bombs were unloaded from a ship at Stavanger at the end of August and were later sent to Sola aerodrome.

(g) Another report of 15th September stated that two types of gas are stowed in sheds in the North East corner of Sjursoyar Island, Oslo.

With regard to the above reports it is natural that stocks of gas would be moved from places of manufacture to the places where they might be used.

4.

A large number of factories in Germany and Czecho-Slovakia are known to be making chemical warfare gas, and large stocks of mustard and phosgene are known to have been accumulated.

5.

The German Army is well prepared in anti-gas equipment and we are inclined to the view that increased anti-gas training has taken place recently in the German Army and Air Force. Large scale field exercises or "gas war games" have been reported on a

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