of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 733

designated by President Roosevelt, to formulate plans to be carried out jointly
as a defense program. The organization and development of State Councils
of Defense were arranged, and from that day to this, the original plan,
modified and expanded to meet the changing conditions, has been adhered to.
The result has been that the States are considerably better prepared than
the general public realizes.

What has happened in Maryland will furnish an illustration. Our State
Council of Defense has functioned uninterruptedly since a year and half
before Pearl Harbor. Today, under the banner of Civilian Defense, more
than 185, 000 volunteers are enrolled. Training has been given in such im-
portant roles as air raid wardens, air spotters, auxiliary firemen and police,
medical and first-aid personnel.

Maryland's military forces are also in first-class! shape. The State Guard,
composed of almost 3000, well-trained men, is our first line of defense. After
inspection by the War Department, this Maryland organization has been
placed at the very head of the list of State Guard units on the basis! of
training, discipline and efficiency.

Next, are the Maryland Minute Men 12, 000 strong. In every section
of the State these volunteers will be available for the protection of their
homes and their loved ones in the event of dire emergency.

In war production, Maryland has become truly an Arsenal of Democracy.
Of all of the States of the South, there is more wartime industrial activity
in Maryland than in any other commonwealth except the expansive State of
Texas. Even more important is the successful way with which they have
performed it. Maryland! war industries have gained National recognition for
their outstanding production records.

Management and labor have formed a united front in helping to prepare
for the vital knock-out blow that must be dealt to Hitler. The only Manage-
ment-labor advisement committee to be formed anywhere in the United States
is functioning here in Maryland. The first Labor Victory Board has been
established here and it is gratifying to announce that I appointed this Board
at the express request of organized labor.

Maryland went over the top in the Rubber Salvage Campaign and, in the
sale of War Stamps and Bonds, you have far exceeded the quota. In the
Paper Salvage Drive, the results were so overwhelming that the processors of
paper were swamped and the drive had to be halted. Earlier Maryland led the
Nation in the Aluminum Drive in the amount of metal delivered to the smelters.

But let not the people rest upon their laurels. Let us use the valuable
experience of these past assignments, principally to bring about even greater
success in the days to come, because the tasks ahead) will be greater than ever.
While details of these undertakings cannot be published now they will require
all-out citizen cooperation.

Frankness compels the admission that our side has been losing the war to
date. To turn the tide, so we must have everybody put his or her shoulder
to the wheel. What we most need on the home front is, a searching of souls,
some plain talk and a bit of tough action. Let us contradict the statements