While exact figures are as yet
not available concerning the men permanently crippled or
blinded by high explosives one has only to witness the
debarkation of a shipload of troops to be convinced that the
number is very large. On the other hand there is, so far as
known at present, not a single case of permanent disability or
blindness among our troops due to gas and this in face of the
fact that the Germans used relatively large quantities of this
material.
In the light of these facts the prejudice against the use of
gas must gradually give way; for the statement made to the
effect that its use is contrary to the principles of humanity
will apply with far greater force to the use of high
explosives. As a matter of fact, for certain purposes toxic gas
is an ideal agent. For example, it is difficult to imagine any
agent more effective or more humane that may be used to render
an opposing battery ineffective or to protect retreating
troops.
Pages:
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353