program or indifference on the part of the uninformed. Perhaps some
of this current lack of interest is due to the treaty that this nation
has signed with the Soviet Union concerning the ban on nuclear
testing. We must be certain that we do not misconstrue the true
meaning of this pact. To be sure it may become a significant docu-
ment on our road to lasting world peace, but it does not outlaw
nuclear warfare nor does it provide for world disarmament. Until
such disarmament is a reality, and we have guarantees or lasting
world peace, our nation must remain strong to preserve the liberties
we cherish.

It is ironic that at the same time that civil defense came under
strong attack on the local level it was getting its biggest boost on the
national scene. A national magazine called it "Revival of Survival".
I am, of course, referring to the long series of hearings conducted by
the House Armed Services subcommittee headed by Congressman
Hebert of Louisiana. Let us review for a minute this action in the
Congress. Eight weeks of hearing were held by Congressman Hebert
and his colleagues. More than 100 witnesses were heard. They covered
the total range of civil defense activities and included studies of the
moral, sociological and philosophical questions involved. This blue-
ribbon panel voted unanimously to back the civil defense program.
A leading daily newspaper commented that never in Congressional
history had such strong backing been given a civil defense program.
The entire House Armed Services Committee under the direction
of Congressman Vinson, voted 32-4 to support an expanded civil
defense shelter program, and the favorable report of the Committee
was quickly adopted by voice vote of the House of Representatives. We
look hopefully to the Senate for similar action. Those of us inter-
ested in civil defense now see a real hope of realizing our fond dreams
of protective shelter for all of our people.

I should like to quote a paragraph from the debate on the floor
of the House concerning this bill. Congressman Pike of New York
said:

"I believe that civil defense in this country is at the crossroads,
and by our action, we will determine what route our civil defense
program will take. The easy route — broad and smooth, and down-
hill all the way — will be to do nothing.

I agree with Mr. Pike, civil defense is at the crossroads; and we in
Maryland do not want to take the easy road. We want to go uphill
and provide the best possible system of civil defense for our people.

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