Let me first welcome our guests from the Office of Civil Defense
and the Office of Emergency Planning. I would like to assure them
and the other federal officials present that the State of Maryland is
supporting the President's civil defense program.

Since we met in. Annapolis, where we took a good look at the Mary-
land civil defense program, much has been accomplished. I know
that you will agree with me that Maryland was most fortunate in
persuading Major General Rinaldo Van Brunt to assume the post
of Director of the Maryland Civil Defense Agency. All of us present
have come to know him quite well. His dynamic leadership is
inspirational. His warmth and sincerity is evident. To use a cliche—
the Army's loss was Maryland's gain.

To the officials present here from the Office of Emergency Planning,
may I repeat the thanks of all Marylanders for the fine work done by
them in coordinating the work of the federal agencies following the
storm which struck our seashore. Also, I want to express my deep
appreciation and admiration for the many persons and agencies who
played vital roles in the rehabilitation of Ocean City, which has now
resumed its role as a vacation and convention mecca for the people
of Maryland and nearby states. I would be remiss if I did not offer a
special word of praise for the county civil defense directors on the
lower Shore who did so much to protect life and property and to
assure the welfare and safety of the residents of the stricken area.

I see with us this evening members of the Civil Defense Committee
of the Legislative Council. Certainly, I cannot miss this opportunity
to thank and praise them for their excellent work.

The last regular session of the General Assembly enacted a record
number of significant civil defense measures and the budget included
a number of extra positions that will enable General Van Brunt and
his staff to provide substantially more assistance to the local civil
defense units. The action of the Legislature was due in large measure
to the fine work of this Committee. Taking cognizance of the requests
for further State support of the civil defense program, the Legislature
provided $50, 000 in State matching funds to expedite the program at
the local level.

I have always felt that Maryland had one of the finest civil defense
organizations in the country and I have told you so before, Tonight
I know I am correct in saying that we have even bettered our previous
position. You know of my great interest in this and other public
safety programs and I share with you pride of achievement.

Departments of our State government, likewise, have shown an

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