From all parts of the Army suggestions have been submitted to Army H. Q. for weakening the force or even entirely neutralizing the effects of a hostile gas attack, apart from the use of respirators and oxygen breathing apparatus. These suggestions show what trouble the commanders of all ranks have taken to advise means of protection for our troops against the effects of the enemy’s gas. Many of the suggested devices are theoretically practical. In many cases actual experiments have given successful results. Nevertheless, none of these devices can be employed, for the simple reason that before they can take effect the enemy’s gas has reached our troops. Further, the employment of such devices is _not necessary_. The combined fire of our Artillery, Infantry, Machine Guns, Minenwerfer and Hand Grenades breaks up the gas clouds, and the respirators then afford complete protection against such gas as may reach our position. _The aim and object of all training in combating gas attack must be to instill into the troops complete confidence in the fact that our fire and the respirators afford complete protection against the effects of gas._ The possession of this confidence by every man is the surest guarantee that, in the event of a hostile gas attack, he will remain calmly at his post, allowing the gas cloud to pass over him. The following notes have been drawn up in accordance with this view and should be issued to all Officers and Men. The notes lay down the lines upon which the Systematic training of the troops is to be carried out. The system of training and the scheme of actual defense are briefly described below. I request all commanders to exercise a constant supervision over this training and to use every means in their power to attain the object described above. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMBATING HOSTILE GAS ATTACKS (1) All troops in the trenches must be fully equipped with respirators; the respirators must always be kept in such a condition that they are ready for immediate use. Officers and Medical Officers, must by frequent inspections, satisfy themselves as to the above. (2) It is not desirable that the men should retain their respirators when in rest billets. When troops are going to rest billets, respirators will be withdrawn from them, preferably under Company arrangements; during the period of rest they will be examined and stored by the Medical personnel and re-issued just before the men return to the trenches. (3) In order that the respirators may be always ready for use small quantities of anti-gas solution and water will be kept in readiness by the Medical personnel in front line for the purpose of re-moistening the respirators.