Читать книгу The Times Great War Letters: Correspondence during the First World War - James Owen - Страница 51

POISON GAS

WHY RETALIATION IS NECESSARY

11 May 1915

SIR,—I HAVE JUST returned from the war zone in France, where I have had the opportunity of talking to those in high command, to medical officers, and to others at the front. I have also seen men brought down to the clearing station suffering from excruciating tortures and distress caused by the devilish gas launched against our forces by the barbarous and inhuman German scientists, the precise nature of which is not at present known for certain, the various exhalations apparently differing somewhat in character, though chlorine gas undoubtedly enters largely into its composition. People safely at home in England have so far both failed to realize the deadly nature of this gas and its soul-destroying properties, and our soldiers have no means of defence and are utterly powerless against it; but, notwithstanding the apathy of ignorance apparent in this country, those at the front are talking of little else than this mode of warfare inaugurated by the Germans, probably the most devilish ever invented by human ingenuity. No troops have proved themselves braver than the Canadians, the tale of whose prowess will be handed down among the deeds that saved the Empire for generations to come, though they would be the first to acknowledge that their bravery and patriotism was equally shared by the British regiments who stood by them shoulder to shoulder; but I know that the feeling of these brave men is that, while they are ready to make any sacrifice and take any personal risk for the good of the Empire, they cannot uselessly stand still to be overwhelmed and tortured by this poisonous gas, against which they have no efficient weapon of offence or defence. Up to the date of their using this gas the British Army looked upon the Germans with a good-natured tolerance; but their latest methods of warfare have converted this feeling into one of intense hatred, and I would not give much for the life of a German who comes within reach of a British or Canadian bayonet.

In this intensely critical situation it is up to the people of this country to use their utmost endeavour to immediately put means of protection and weapons of offence into the hands of our brave soldiers. I note with satisfaction that steps are being taken to provide a means of defence which has so far met with some measure of success; but we must hope that, difficult as the problem is, our scientists may be able to very shortly provide a complete means of protection from the poisonous miasma. Next, it is up against us in loyalty to our brave defenders, in spite of Hague Conventions, which the Germans entirely ignore, to place at the earliest possible moment in their hands a “counter-gas” that may teach the Germans a lesson. In the preparation of such a weapon, however, there is no call to imitate the barbarous cruelty of the Germans, for a gas might be prepared that would produce temporary unconsciousness without pain, and at the same time cause no ultimately injurious effect. No humanitarian could object to this, and everybody would be grateful except those pro-Germans of whom there are still for too many at large in this country.

It is most distasteful to me to appear to write in a spirit of exaggeration or of an alarmist, but I have seen sights that arouse one’s deepest indignation, and I cannot help thinking of 400 brave Canadians brought to a terrible death, before their comrades’ eyes, without being able to retaliate, and I cannot forget the purple flush that I saw on the faces of dying heroes, many of them splendid-looking men and unwounded, but to whom the Angel of Death was appearing in most dreadful form. The time has come when we must stifle sentiment, and be prepared in every case to meet force by force, and strategy by strategy, if we hope to eventually come out victors in the colossal struggle on which depends our very existence as a nation.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

ARMSTRONG