of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 693

CAROLINE COUNTY DEFENSE DEMONSTRATION
Denton, May 31, 1942.

TODAYS demonstration of Caroline County's strength in regard to Civilian
Defense has been both timely and heartening. It is because it has beep
but a few days since the Secretary of War solemnly warned the Country to
expect a Japanese bombing raid, and there is no telling where that bombing
raid may strike.

It might be thought that such a raid, if made by Japan, would more nat-
urally strike the West Coast than the East. Nevertheless, there is no certainty
that our State and Caroline County may not sooner or later be subjected to
hostile attack and be put to the necessity of giving evidence under actual
emergency conditions of the efficiency of its war defense preparations.

It is heartening, also, because of the concrete testimoy that has been pre-
sented to the effect that Caroline County is ready for attack—that its various
Civilian Defense activities are well organized, and that those who have volun-
teered, know the jobs expected of them and are ready and capable of carrying
them out.

It is fortunate, indeed that Civilian Defense preparations have progressed
so speedily and so satisfactorily for by now it has become apparent to the
American people that although we have been at war only six months, the
Axis nations have been at war with us for several years.

What happened at Pearl Harbor was no over-night effort by Japan. The
stealth and treachery of that infamous nation has been in the making longer
than we can know. Likewise it is clear that the U-boat campaign launched by
Germany was not dreamed up by Hitler in an idle hour. No, while we were at
peace our enemies were at secret war. In that realization we can understand how
they got the jump on us, and what a vast reorganization is still necessary before
the United States puts forth its entire gigantic effort for making war.

Let it be said, however, that the output of strength by America up to now
has been most encouraging. Whoever needs proof of that can ask either our
enemies or our Allies. A very good witness to America's awakening would be
the Japanese Navy chief si who are at present engaged in scanning the seas
for remnants of that oce-mighty flotilla which moved so confidently into the
Coral Ses.

It wasn't very long ago that the Japs were tauntingly asking us, "Where
is the Pacific Fleet?" Well, they have had their answer, and a very convincing
one it turned out to be.

Or an inquiry concerning American participation in the war might be ad-
dressed to Australia, that continental island which a month or so ago stood full
in the path of the Yellow Juggernaut. The Australians also scanned the sea
and presently there was shown to them a covoy of transports bringing dough-