§ 18. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for Wax whether he is aware that several factories are being operated by the Soviet Government in Russia for the manufacture of poison gas; and can he state the number and location of such factories and the present and potential output?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSHis Majesty's Government have information that the study of gas warfare is being actively pursued in Soviet Russia. Numerous factories have been set up and are in course of erection, which are or will be capable of poison gas production on a very considerable scale_ It is not considered that any useful purpose will be served by detailing the number and location of such factories or by indicating their present and potential output, but there is no doubt that the Soviet military authorities are actively studying this type of warfare and making preparations on a large scale for its possible eventual use.
§ Sir A. KNOXCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether in his opinion the preparations being made for this kind of warfare in Russia are greater or less than in other countries?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThere is no doubt that much greater preparations are being made in Russia than anywhere else in the world.
Mr. BECKETTIn view of the very unnatural effects of this warfare, cannot the right hon. Gentleman consider whether an offer might be made to Russia and all other countries that we are prepared to abandon this weapon entirely if they would be prepared to do the same?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the Convention at Washington and the proceedings which are now before the League of Nations. Russia is not a party to either of those.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the source of his information about Russia?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, Sir.