Conference on Civil Defense. It was during the period when the
Berlin crisis was upon us. All of our citizens were worried about our
preparedness. On that day, we took a close look at the state of our
preparedness, both in Maryland and in the nation. Quite frankly,
we were not too delighted at our position. There were aspects of
civil defense that worried us, and some still do. This is not to say that
much had not already been accomplished in 1961 by our leaders in
civil defense. We did think, however, that by increasing our efforts
we could accomplish even more. I am happy to say today that sub-
stantial progress has been made in civil preparedness in Maryland
since the time of the conference. I am proud of the part that my
Administration has played in providing leadership. I am grateful
for the support provided the program by the General Assembly, and
I am indebted to General Van Brunt and his staff for the fine work
they have accomplished.

As most of you are aware, the Civil Defense State staff has been
placed upon the State Merit System, assuring that all members, with
the exception of the Director, are career employees. We must have
that type of men and women in our program if it is to succeed. The
staff, thanks to monies made available by the Legislature, has been
augmented to the point whereby it is now adequate to perform its
assigned duties. This conference today is the direct result of the
assignment of State Civil Defense officials to work with the banks,
commerce and industry of our State for pre- and post-attack planning.
Also, and this is most important, Baltimore City and the counties
of Maryland have taken similar steps to augment their civil defense
staffs. Each year I have the privilege of meeting with these local
leaders, and I am impressed with their earnestness. Some of them are
paid, some are part-time workers, and some purely volunteers, but
all are dedicated to their work and fully aware of their responsibilities
to their community. Some of these leaders are with us today and I
salute them.

All departments of the State government are providing substantial
support to the Civil Defense program in their fields of competency.
Through the close cooperation of our departments and industry, we
have developed a basic plan and a number of annexes pertaining
to the management of our economic resources after attack, following
the principles and guidelines outlined by the federal government. The
State has been able to help the counties financially by appropriating
$50, 000 this year and last, to be matched with local and federal funds
for the purchase of civil defense equipment. Much of this money

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