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ENCLOSURE.

1941

from the Prime

Copy of a Minute dated 19th January

Minister to General Ismay.

205

GENERAL ISMAY FOR C.0.S. COMMITTEE AND HOME SECRETARY.

10

Many and increasing indications point to the early use of gas against us. The Armed Forces have been kept fully abreast of these possibilities, and are accustomed to use their masks and eye-shields. It would be well however to issue renewed instructions to all Commands, and also to consider whether any new filter is required for possible new toxic gases.

2

Let me have a report on this (one page).

But what is the condition of the masks in the hands of the civil population? Have they been overhauled regularly? Very few people carry masks nowadays. Is there any active system of gas training? It appears that the whole of this has become extremely urgent. Let me have an early report on the present position, and what is being done to bring it up to full efficiency. This report should also cover the decontamination system, and staffs.

3.

Finally, it is important that nothing should appear in the newspapers, or be spoken on the B.B.C., which suggests that we are making a fuss about anti-gas arrangements, because the enemy will only use this as part of his excuse, saying

that we are about to use it on him. I am of opinion, nevertheless. that a nation-wide effort must be made.

(Intd.).

W.S.C.

19.1.41.

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