No Subject Line Found
Filename:22tr1012.143
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This document is a captured Iraqi military record.
It is provided in its original form to include Iraqi
classification markings (i.e. Top Secret, Secret, etc.).
These classification markings are NOT U.S. Government markings.
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Part One
The Chemical Warfare
Part One
The Chemical Warfare
Chapter One
Development of the chemical threat
History
1. Despite using sulfur oxide fumes in the war between the
Greeks and the Spartans in 428 B.C., the beginning of the chemical
warfare dates back to April 22, 1915 when Germans used chlorine
in the western front... and there were no defensive preparations
for such wars.
Despite the small amount of gas used, its consequences were
substantial. Many think that if the Germans had intensified
the chemical attack against the unprotected troops, they would
have won the war with this weapon. However, it was too late
since by the time the Germans had increased this attack, the
allies had become fully ready for it as well.
2. The first protective equipment provided was the primitive mask
since it was countered by an effective gas, phosgene, which could
penetrate it. Soon came the protective mask against all toxic gas
fumes. However, the Mustard agent was the most evasive. Although
it could not penetrate the mask through breathing, it was able to
attack humans through their skin.
3. World War I ended at this point. However, it may not have
uncovered the fact that the use of toxic gas had led to more than
one million victims in the western front only.
4. At the beginning of World War II, the allies were not ready to
use chemical weapons other than two agents (phosgene and mustard)
although a major development had been reached in finding ways to
spread them and improve their effects, and in protective measures
since quick detection methods were available as well as protective
and decontamination equipment.
This may be one of the reasons that prevented Germans from using the chemical weapons
in World War II.
5. Before the end of the World War II, Germans had shells that contained toxic and liquid
chemical agents that were colorless and odorless. The results of the tests showed that
they were new (unknown) agents that were lethal, highly toxic, and very effective (since
one drop was sufficient to kill a rabbit in a very short period). Research continued on
such agents in different parts of the world especially in the Soviet Union and the United
States of America. Many highly effective toxic chemical agents were found compared
with the agents that were used during World War I and are known to us as the nerve
agents.
Future Courses
6. The toxic chemical components are currently available in large quantities and come in
various types. Some are deadly (lethal) toxic chemical components and others are not
deadly (incapacitating) in the field. Some may be prepared to be used with something else
if needed. This is what is actually known as the double agent: the two (or more) primary
agents are not toxic when they are separate and will be mixed after launching before they
reach or hit the target to become a toxic chemical agent. When used, toxic chemical agents
look like a drizzle, tiny drops, fumes, solid aerosols, or gas. They affect humans through
the respiratory system, the skin, as well as the eyes and the digestive system. They are
used in various types of common weapons (artillery/ mortars/ mines /aircrafts/ missiles
etc.).
7. Since there are many toxic chemical agents and many means to spread them around, they
may be used in all types of wars (from repressing a rebellion to a general war). The
developing countries that have the appropriate scientific capability can produce the most
dangerous toxic chemical agents since they are inexpensive and relatively easy to use. This
constitutes an advantage to the countries that are unable to acquire nuclear weapons since
they can acquire an important threat weapon. Its effect is limited to humans and living
creatures without destroying installations and industrial ports.
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