HC Deb 09 March 1920 vol 126 cc1081-2
28. Mr. WATERSON

asked whether the British troops in Ireland, Egypt, and India are equipped with poison gas; and whether this weapon had been used in those countries?

Mr. CHURCHILL

There are stocks of gas shell in Egypt left over from the War, but not in Ireland and India. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative; a very limited amount, however, was fired away in Palestine.

Mr. LAWSON

In view of the protest that the Allied powers made against the use of gas as a method of warfare, are the Allied powers considering the wisdom of abolishing gas as a recognised method of warfare?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That is a very important question which ought to be debated by the League of Nations. At the same time, the difficulty of preventing studies in this form of warfare, and the danger that discoveries and preparations may be made make it very necessary that we should be in a position to protect our troops against any warfare with this kind of attack.

Mr. SHORT

Has consideration of the subject been remitted to the League of Nations?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Not at this moment, because the League of Nations is still in an embryonic condition; but it is one of those subjects which must engage the attention of a great international body.

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