Chemical Warfare. Report by J.I.C.

5. We believe that, assuming the decision rests with them, the German High Command are unlikely to initiate chemical warfare. They could not expect it to prevent Germany's ultimate defeat, though it might temporarily check a Russian advance. There is also, however, the incalculable factor of Hitler's character. Conclusion 6. We are of the opinion that the chances of chemical warfare being started by the Germans, though less remote than hitherto, are still small; but we cannot exclude the possibility that Hitler, faced with imminent military disaster, might order it to be introduced.