Use of Chemical Warfare by the Japanese Report by J.I.C.

(b) Orders have been issued to local commanders not to initiate the use of gas at their own discretion. (c) Even certain types of smoke bombs are not to be used by local commanders, unless specially ordered by higher authority, in order to prevent any possible misunderstanding by the Anglo-American forces. 5. This and other evidence bearing on Japanese intentions indicates that the Japanese intend not to initiate chemical warfare. This intention is probably influenced by the following main considerations:(a) The Allies not only have overwhelming tactical air superiority in the battle areas but, with their strategic air forces, could retaliate with gas against the illequipped Japanese civilian population, whereas the Japanese could not so attack British or United States civilian population; (b) The Japanese appreciate that the Allies' chemical warfare equipment, organisation, and supplies are superior to their own.