566 State Papers and Addresses

DEFENSE BROADCAST—STATIONS WFBR, WTBO, WJEJ, WFMD,
WBOC, Maryland Coverage

December 16, 1941
Baltimore

The critical times demand frank discussion. In this spirit we undertake to
discuss with the people of Maryland the actual facts confronting the State.
The reason which makes such a course justifiable and necessary is that, in
the "total" war in which we are engaged, every citizen is involved. The type
of war as waged by Hitler and the Axis power. s is total, because it threatens
everyone; because it spares nothing. Consequently, to prepare adequate de-
fense to such a "total" war the civilian population must play its part in resist-
ing the invader.

Until recently our people planned and made their preparations so that they
would be protected if war should come. Today we are making ready and have
our preparations so that we will be protected when the attack comes. People
are entitled to know that such an attack may come tonight or tomorrow or any
day.

On Sunday, a State-wide meeting of defense officials, at Annapolis pro-
gramed several weeks ago as part of State Defense planning became, by reason
of last week's; developments, a Council of War. So tonight's broadcast, fore-
casting what will happen here in case of attack, may well be termed a "Call to
Arms. " It is a call which every loyal resident of our State must heed.

Today we read that California has declared a state of emergency, in readi-
ness for whatever may come. Tomorrow the threat may shift to the Eastern
Seaboard, with perhaps the vital Baltimore-Washington area as the danger spot,
were the target-in that instance for the treacherous assults of the Japanese.
But lest we feel secure at this distance I feel it my duty to state that Federal
officials inform me today that Maryland is in the "target area" on this Coast.
We will be untrue to the memories of the Maryland boys who made the supreme
sacrifice last week if we do not use this apportunity to prepare for defense and
to avenge their deaths. *

Danger is no longer confined to the fighting front. The expansion of air
power has over-leaped distance and any barrier. The fact that we are today
many miles from the enemy's headquarters is no guarantee at all of physical
safety. Wars are no longer faught exclusively between the armed forces of
contending nations. Our people are in danger and it must be staid in all candor
that the chances of attack are just as great in one place as in another, on the
seas or behind the lines.

Our duty is plain. We must, as a people, and as individuals, cast aside
once and for all any mental reservations we may have had. We must buckle
down to work, to produce defense materials as we have never produced before,
as we never believed it possible that we could produce.