The British massacred Kurds in Iraq between 1919 and 1922. Winston Churchill wanted to use poisonous gas against the Kurds.

Churchill has been criticized for advocating the use of chemical weapons against the Kurds and Afghans.

While serving as minister of war in 1919, "I can’t understand this hesitation about using gas." he wrote. "I strongly support the use of poison gas against uncivilized tribes."

These quotes have been used to criticize Churchill by some people, including US linguist Noam Choamsky.

Warren Dockter, author of ‘Winston Churchill and the Islamic World’ "What he suggested for use in Mesopotamia was actually tear gas, not mustard gas." he says.

Churchill continued in his short note in 1919: "Its moral impact will be so good that loss of life will be minimized. It is not necessary to use only the most lethal gases: gases can be used that will cause great discomfort and spread terror, but will not have a serious lasting effect on most of those affected."

In another note about the use of gas against Afghans, Dockter states that Churchill said that while the British soldier was lying wounded on the ground, although he could have been killed, "Why would it be unfair to fire a cannonball that would make the native in question sneeze? This is ridiculous." he states.

Dockter, Churchill in Çanakkale in the First World War "He was in favor of using mustard gas against Ottoman soldiers."but he adds that this gas was also used by other countries at that time.

the topic is very controversial

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