226 State Papers and Addresses

are partly State and partly National and which will be jointly handled by
authorities of the two governments, working in harmony and close cooperation.
I mention the problems of sabotage, espionage, the handling of aliens, and the
safeguarding of vital industries and essential facilities, so necessary in a period
of emergency, as illustrations of topics which have received the most careful
consideration. I am happy to report that definite programs, which have not
been and should not be widely publicized, have been determined upon between
the Governors and other officials of the states in conjunction with the National
Government.

Maryland was one of the first states of the Union to form a Council of
Defense and Resources, along lines which would enable us to maintain an
alignment with important national activities. The National Council of Defense,
through its Advisory Commission, will continue to avail of the information and
guidance obtainable through this central State agency which is sub-divided in
order to make possible a concentration of thought and effort along various
lines. Mr. W. Frank Roberts accepted my invitation to act as Chairman and
with him is a non-partisan group of men and women, representing every sec-
tion of our State, to each one of whom is delegated certain specific matters
for study, research and recommendation.

In approaching the important question of home defense, I have felt that
we may, at any time, call upon the people of Maryland individually or in
groups to help insure the safety and security of our people and their property.
It has been proven all too often in the tragic cases of European countries that
citizens were ready enough to do their valiant best when aroused to the
dangers. But, again and again, they were not fully aroused until they heard
the crash of bombs and saw the oncoming hordes of invaders upon their very
soil.

The time has passed when we dare say—"it can't happen here. " The
dreadful fact is that it has happened everywhere except here and that the time
is before us to "Arouse and Beware. " Let us not wait to hear the cry, "The
Torch is at Thy Temple Door. " Let us set up our bulwarks at a distance. In
the name of the old defenders, let us have a modern defense, because the liberties
which our forefathers gave us are ours only so long as we keep them.

We have not earned freedom unless we have learned to deserve it by
watchfulless and unity and sacrifice.

The War Department has just informed me as to the approximate date
when the Maryland National Guard will be called into Federal service. Be-
cause it is a part of army training plans, the date cannot be disclosed but it
will be within the next several months. We are preparing to meet the situation
which results, because it is essential that there be available a Home Defense
Unit which will be ready for the protection of industries, transportation and
water facilities, storage and munition plants and establishments related to the
munitions of war and armed forces.

As a nucleus I have suggested the availability of veterans of the last
World War, numbers of whom are still in the prime of life and possess the
experience, training and adaptability for this important service. No group
of our citizenry submitted to a more trying test of their patriotism and devo-
tion to Country and, while they may be excluded by age from joining the
armed forces of the Country, they are entirely fit and able to shoulder the