of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 665

each, trained in marksmanship, they will be alert and ready in case of enemy
attack or invasion. They will be Maryland's own welcoming1 committee for
enemy parachute troops.

Yes, Maryland knows there is a war, and is prepared right up to the hilt.
This State can stand at attention, square its shoulders, and report "Maryland
is ready, Sir, " to our Commander-in-chief, President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

There are other elements of "surprise" which we must keep constantly in
mind besides the possibility of hostile bombing attack, or landing of troops
by parachute or from the ocean. Sabotage is a word that we have heard much
of during the last World War. We've read and heard much of it, likewise, in-
connection with the attacks upon conquered countries of Europe. More will
be heard1 and read of it before the United Nations finally smash the military
might of our enemies.

Because there has been so little sabotage in Maryland, and throughout
America up to this time, let us not be misled. Let us not be thrown off guard,
for that is exactly what our foes would like to see happen. The military
leaders who are definitely charged with combating that phase of enemy action,
assure us that there will be sabotage and, unless they are greatly mistaken it
will strike our own State of Maryland among the very first.

Theirs is not an organization, we are told, that has been built up since
Pearl Harbor, or since we first began to supply the Allied Nations with arms
and war materials. No, their sabotage agents were planted in this Country
years ago, for the purpose of being in a position to strike, should ever
the occasion warrant. Many of these agents undoubtedly, have worked for
years in plants and in Governmental posts. Some of them, no doubt, have
joined the Army and Navy and Police forces, just to be in the best place to
inflict damage wherever their Country should call upon them.

Don't be surprised, therefore, to find persons who have worked in the
factories, or on farms, turn out to be Axis agents. This is a thought to
keep in mind, not for the purpose of becoming hysterical and suspecting every-
body, but fery definitely with the idea of keeping your eyes open for words or
acts that might indicate a desire to hamper or harm our Country at this time.

Another thought on soboteurs. We would condemn to the fullest any one
who attempted to inflict damage upon one of our plane plants, or upon any of
the many great industries in Maryland that are contributing so effectively to
the war effort. Just as thoroughly, however, should we be on the alert against
other types of sabotage. For instance, against Americans who unthinkingly
pass on disturbing rumers, or who discuss movement of troops or sailing of
ships. It would be a tragedy, indeed, if a brave American mother or father, who
had contributed a son to the Army or Navy, would cause that son's death, and
possibly the death of many of his comrads in arms by revealing information
as to his destination or his movements. Yet that undoubtedly can happen,
unless all are on the alert to guard their tongues against unthinking statements.

There is still another type, if not of sabotage, at least of lack of positive
patriotism. Refusal too accept in good spirit the regulations laid down for our
National economic guidance, is certainly one way of giving material aid and