of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 773

In referring to the participation in the war effort of patriotic Marylanders,
without thought of political affiliation, I cannot overlook the thousands who are
performing arduous tasks that make great demands upon their time and con-
venience. 200, 000 Marylanders are participating with all their hearts in the
protection of the home front. As Air Raid Spotters, in the Air Craft Warning
Service, as Auxiliary and Firemen, as Nurses Aides, or in he other units, these
men and women have demonstrated their readiness for service in dire emer-
gency.

Also, let it be sand that the services rendered to the State and the Nation
by the members of Selective Service Boards, by the various Appeal Agents and
the Advisory Boards and Medical personnel, have been of the highest order and
are deserving of the everlasting gratitude of the people of Maryland. The
Selective Service System in Maryland has been described by Federal Officials
as the highest order.

In the State Guard and in the Maryland Minute Men, both organizations
of which were set up with the complete cooperation and approval of the Army
officials in this area, are nearly 20, 000 more splendid Maryland citizens, of both
political parties, who have devoted many hours of their time to preparing them-
selves for the defense of their State and its people.

One more point that I think deserves consideration by our people at this
time is the matter of Federal-State cooperation in the war. After all, the
United States is composed of 48 units, and unless all these units work in close
harmony with the Federal Government, the war effort can never function at
fullest effectiveness. As far back as 1940 it was our privilege to assist the
then Attorney General of the United States, Robert H. Jackson, now on the
Supreme Court, to organize the first Federal-State conference on war problems.
In company with the present Attorney General, Francis Biddle, I was privileged
to preside over sessions of that gathering and succeeding conference.

In my capacity os a member of the Executive Committee of the Governors'
Conference, it was my duty to work with the heads of the Federal War Agencies,
looking to increased participation by the states in the war effort. Now, as
Chairman of the Governors' Conference, it is my privilege to act on behalf of
all the states in matters requiring Federal and State cooperation. It is hardly
necessary to point out the value of such cooperation to our State and the desira-
bility of continuing this arrangement.

It has not been by accident that Maryland has assumed a place in the war
industrial effort far out of proportion to her size. Nor is it accidental that this
war effort has been expanded continuingly without any subversive or retarding
developments. Under your State Administration, labor and industry have
worked shoulder to shoulder for the common good.

How successful the Maryland war effort has been, I should prefer to leave
to other to say. However, it is gratifying that every Federal official from
President Roosevelt down, who has expressed himself on the subject, declared
that the contribution by this State has been entirely satisfactory. The most
recent pronouncement was made by Mr. Joseph B. Eastman, the head of the