1. PROTECTION AGAINST GAS

a. Introduction

The latest type of Japanese gas mask tested in the United States was described in Intelligence Bulletin No. 2. In the present issue, various other Japanese methods dealing with gas are considered.

b. Antigas Clothing

This includes a two-piece rubber suit and rubber antigas boots and gloves. The suit will resist liquid mustard gas for 30 minutes.

c. Antigas Preparations

All personnel in the Japanese Army carry a box of antigas powder (bleaching powder) and a container of anti-sneezing liquid. The liquid in each container consists of the following: alcohol (40 percent), chloroform (20 percent), ether (20 percent), ammonia (50 drops), and inert ingredients.

d. Neutralizing Gassed Areas

To allow immediate passage of troops, the Japanese cover the gassed areas with dirt, twigs, or wooden boards. Sometimes used are mats soaked with linseed oil and glycerine, or glycerine and peanut or soybean oil.

After use of these temporary neutralizing measures, bleaching powder is applied. It is transported in trucks or push-carts. The trucks, designed especially for the job, have a 1,100-pound capacity. The vehicles cover a 6-yard-wide strip of ground when the powder is applied.

e. Rescuing Victims

The victim is rescued by personnel wearing rubber suits, gloves, and boots, and he is placed in an antigas bath-truck, which is said to be similar to the type used by our forces.

2. FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

Frequently Japanese military leaders choose festival or holiday dates to launch important attacks. For this reason, the more significant of these dates are listed below:

January 1--A special date for ancestor worship (the holiday in reality lasts for 3 days and means as much to the Japanese as Christmas does to us); also observed as the anniversary of the fall of Port Arthur (Russo-Japanese War);

February 11--Empire Day, anniversary of the date when the first emperor, Jimmu Tenno, assumed power (the nation's greatest observance); it is also observed as Constitution Day;

March 10--Army Day (in celebration of the capture of 203-Meter Hill, surrender of Mukden in Russo-Japanese War, 1905);

March 21--The Vernal Equinox Festival for the Imperial Ancestors;

April 3--Anniversary of the death of Emperor Jimmu Tenno;

April 29--The Emperor's birthday;

April 30--Memorial Day, for soldiers and sailors;

May 27--Navy Day (in celebration of the battle of the Sea of Japan);

September 18--Anniversary of Manchuria "Incident";

September 20--Aviation Day;

September 23--Autumnal Equinox Festival for the Imperial Ancestors;

November 3--Birthday of Emperor Meiji Tenno (considered Japan's greatest ruler);

November 23--Japanese Thanksgiving Day.