CAB80-32 — Page 71

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ANNEX I.

59

PRIME MINISTER

I enclose a Minute in reply to your note of the 28th October about chemical warfare.

You will see that I have authorised expenditure of about £31 millions on additional capacity for mustard gas and phosgene. This is necessary if we are to meet the programme now put forward by the Air Ministry. I take the Air Ministry's word for it that the programme is reasonable and necessary. If you are not satisfied, will you let me know at once in order that I may change my instructions.

I am informing the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the position.

I return the papers you sent me.

20th November, 1941.

(Intlld.)

+

Annex II.

PRIME MINISTER.

ANNEX II.

Bo

A

CHEMICAL WARFARE.

Your Chiefs of Staff note of October 25th, 1941, sent to me with a direction to comment thereon.

ARMY.

1.

Weapons.

5" U.P. Rocket. The design is all right. The production is all right. The General Staff now say the rocket is all wrong. Efforts are being made to improve it. Dr. Crow says he cannot tell what the War Office wants. The Director of Artillery says it is still a long way off and he declares that the weapon will never be accurate.

The 4.2 Chemical Mortar is cleared. Production has been launched and the tests are satisfactory.

The 25 par. Chemical Shell is now suitable for tropical conditions. Shells aro available.

5.5" Chemical Shell has been designed, and charging has begun.

-2-.

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