I do not understand this squeamishness about the use of…
“I do not understand this squeamishness about the use of gas. We have definitely adopted the position at the Peace Conference of arguing in favour of the retention of gas as a permanent method of warfare. It is sheer affectation to lacerate a man with the poisonous fragment of a bursting shell and to boggle at making his eyes water by means of lachrymatory gas.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues that chemical weapons are a legitimate, efficient war tool, dismissing moral concerns.
In simple terms: Chemical warfare is seen as practical, not immoral.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical limits of warfare.
Themes
war
ethics
technology
humanity
Mood
critical
historical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- international law
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
military strategy
moral philosophy
weaponry
Questions to Reflect On
- Is efficiency a sufficient justification for cruelty?
- What alternatives exist to lethal force?
A Different Perspective
Moral outrage can undermine strategic rationales.