If the Department of Economic Development needs additional staff
to perform this new function—which I suspect it will—I will see that
the necessary funds are made available. These new duties will not, of
course, change the Department's regular program. They will continue
to help local economic development and tourist development groups
with their programs; they will continue to promote Maryland's economic
and recreational attractions; and they will continue their efforts to
persuade desirable new industries to locate in our State. If any of you
think that the Department of Economic Development might be able to
assist you with your local developmental problems, all you have to do is
get in touch with George Hubley in the State Office Building in Annap-
olis. He is the director of the Department of Economic Development,
and you can be sure that he and his staff will do their best to help you.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Ward Miller of the new
Area Redevelopment Administration and all the other federal officials
who have taken the time and trouble to come here today to participate
in this conference. I understand that we are about the first state to have
this sort of a meeting, and I want all of them to know that we are
honored to have them and grateful for their cooperation and assistance.

Briefly and in summation, I want to say this to you: Each of us has
an important job to do if we are to overcome the economic problems
that confront us now and if we are to make certain that Maryland con-
tinues to be a part of the mainstream of American progress, as it has been
throughout our history. The State of Maryland will do everything it
properly can to help you; I am sure that you will do everything you can
to help yourselves. Under these terms, I do not see how we can fail.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND DEFENSE PRODUCTION

CAPABILITIES CONFERENCE

BALTIMORE

September 21, 1961

I have asked you to come here today to discuss plans by which the
State of Maryland hopes to offer its best service to the nation in its
defense mobilization efforts and at the same time better the economic
conditions of the citizens of the State.

In a message to the people of the United States recently, President
Kennedy called upon all of us to make an all-out effort for preparedness,
directing our attention to the tense international situation and to the

181