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CIVIL DEFENSE
The early and mid-1960's were years of continuing crises
in world affairs. Berlin, Cuba, and Southeast Asia were con-
frontation points between East and West. With a potential
enemy capable of launching nuclear attacks on the North
American continent, survival of the nation's civilian popu-
lation was of utmost concern to those responsible for public
policy. A nationwide program of Civil Defense was stepped
up with, the responsibility for planning and implementation
largely in the hands of state and local officials.
In Maryland, steps were taken to improve the State's Civil
Defense capabilities. Governor Tawes enlisted the aid of
business and industrial leaders at the first Governor's Seminar
for Civil Defense in Industry. Expanded training facilities
for Civil Defense personnel were provided at the University
of Maryland, and a State Emergency Resources Planning
Committee was created and given the task of outlining pro-
cedures for keeping the State's economy functioning in the
event of nuclear attack. An ardent supporter of the Civil
Defense Program, the Governor was outspoken in his crit-
icism of those who attacked it as an unnecessary or useless
activity.
ADDRESS, GOVERNOR'S SEMINAR FOR CIVIL DEFENSE
IN INDUSTRY
BALTIMORE
April 10, 1963
General Van Brunt, Mayor Goodman, distinguished guests, ladies
and gentlemen:
First let me say that 1 sincerely appreciate your attendance here
today. This fine gathering of representatives of Maryland's banks,
commerce and industry and of federal, state and local government
officials demonstrates a realization of the great problems which con-
front us. It also illustrates the close cooperation which exists in our
State between industry, commerce, the banks and government.
I do not need to remind you that we are living in perilous times.
Not since the War of 1812 have the citizens of this State been faced
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