466 State Papers and Addresses

As an instance of the problems that develop in such an intensive program
as now faces us with regard to National Defense, I received a very personal and
very urgent request yesterday from the Office of the Petroleum Coordinator in
Washington, regarding the gasoline shortage. I was informed that the situa-
tion was acute and that, unless the voluntary reduction in the use of motor fuel
was made much more effective, gas rationing would inevitably result.

Another urgent appeal therefore will be issued, in the hope that the people
of our State may be able, of their own volition, and without government regula-
tion, to effect the very drastic reductions necessary to conserve our fuel supply.

The coming twelve months may well change the course of history for the
peoples of all the countries of the world.

Certainly it will be a trying period, one in which all those who are opposed
to racial and class hatreds, to oppression in any form, to bigotry of all kinds,
must stand firm in opposition to the lusts of the dictators.

We, here in America, blest beyond all the other peoples of the world, must
be alert in the extreme to ward off not only any direct military assaults that
may be launched against us but also those less direct but dangerously insidious
attacks that are being prepared, and even now are being pushed, by subversive
groups.

Having fully realized the danger, the present situation and the need, the
people of Maryland then can be counted on to do their part. Our people will
be the worthy successors of patriotic forbears who rallied in every emergency
in American history to the defense of America. Whatever may come, no matter
how exacting or how demanding upon the capacities, the possessions or the
rights of our people, Maryland will be at the head of the procession of States
to protect, preserve and defend the. Nation and to make secure the future of
civilization.

There is not a man or woman in Maryland who cannot do service for
National Defense. Let us, therefore, join, hands in this effort which is not only
toward our personal salvation but toward the salvation of all humanity.