of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 651

THE WOMEN'S CLUB OF LINTHICUM HEIGHTS

April 10, 1942
Linthicum Heights

BEFORE undertaking any discussion of particular phases of our defense
problem, I desire to read a formal announcement which I make with the
approval of the Navy Department.

"The fact that the War is at our very doors is now established. Within the
past few days, the bodies of 13 American Seamen came to our ocean shore
in Worcester County, following the sinking of their ship by an Axis
submarine.

"The Navy Department's official announcement of the sinking, for under-
standable reasons, did not include full details. In order not to disclose to
the enemy important information as to locations), etc., the newspapers,
very commendably, withheld publication of the facts known to them. Now
that a sufficient period has elapsed, I am authorized by the Navy Depart-
ment to announce that the bodies of 13 Americans came to our Shore follow-
ing the sinking off the Coast.

"The experiences of these men were indeed harrowing. Some of the seamen
whose corpses came to Ocean City, Maryland, as well as others whose lives
were lost, were shot down in cold blood by the crew of the Axis submarine
as they crowded into life boats following the sinking of their vessel.

"The Navy Department and the Coast Guard, in unceasing vigilance are
affording every possible protection. Yet, our people must realize the sink-
ings are occurring, with losses of life and property. All this should call
for a response from our citizens towards the unity and the complete par-
ticipation in the War effort of all Marylanders as an absolute essential for
ultimate victory. "

It is human nature to be unmoved by happenings, no matter how tragic
they may be, providing they are far enough away that they do not seem to
affect us closely. When such tragic occurrences, however, are right at our very
doorsteps, and we can see their terrible effects, then, indeed, we must be very
much disturbed.

The savage tactics employed against these defenseless seamen are the.
same as have been used against helpless millions in Poland and Czechoslovakia
and other conquered countries. They are the same savage tactics that will be
employed against Americans if Germany and apan are permitted to continue
the military successes which have been theirs in such outstanding measure up
to now. The only way they can be prevented from continuing these successes,
and from finally visiting upon us the horrors they have brought to so much of