The Wilmington morning star., 1940-11-28
Our Defense Effort

When the defense program was hrst Taxing
form, the Star published a series OF eoiool'a,'
pointing out the unprotected state OF tne Noi1l
Carolina seaboard, its need for major oe1enseS
and Wilmington's and the whole southeastern
areas potentialities both for aiding the de-
tense program and capacity for service In tne
rearmament effort.
In these articles the advantage OF ESTABLISH
ing a network Of military roads, raolaths ldn'
wise from Wilmington to coastal and interior
military posts and to inland prooucuon aieaS
was indicated. They also dealt with the area 5
availability for training bases for land ana
air forces, or shipyards, for submarine anu
torpedo boat bases and refugees.
Shortly after publication of this
Lieut., Col. George W.. Gillette, then engineer
for the war department in this district pre-
pared for the Star-News a map OF the caro-
linas showing the principal industrial and agrl'
cultural centers in the two states, the areas
available and peculiarly adapted for defense
projects, and the exposed condition OF the
coast. In an accompanying article Colonel Gill
lette explained the situation with detailed and
Illuminating accuracy.
Since then the war department has announc-
ed that it will create an anti-aircraft training
base in the Holly Shelter area where at least
1c, 900 men will be stationed. There are indica-
tons that Bluethenthal airport will be utilized
as quickly as it can be put in condition as a
training base. The WPA has already earmark
ed $35, 900 for immediate application on this
project, that work need not stop while larger
amounts are being set aside for completion OF
the work. It seems quite possible that a marine
and naval training post will be located In
southeastern North Carolina, with Southport
and Fort Caswell favored as the site. A ship
yard is among the possibilities.
Thus it is apparent that the campaign to
participate in the defense program is bearing
fruit. But there are other matters that need
the concerted effort Of a forward-looking citi-
zenship, if we are to bear our full burden
and realize on our greatest opportunities in
the national emergency.
Among these is the deepening of the Cape
Fear river channel to at least IS feet, so that
this waterway may function at 100 per cent
DCul LOT commerce ana 1Or QeIenSe. ln1S IS
one project on which Colonel Gillette, out of
his great experience, designated as an invalu-
able asset-an asset the government can ill
afford to overlook. Supporting his view is the
fact that the Cape Fear is an ideal hideout
and supply base for torpedo boats and sub
marines. once its depth is sufficient to guaran-
tee safe passage for these fleet vessels.
Another project is a highway system which
will meet all requirements for fast and safe
transport OF mechanical war equipment and
for the speedy movement of supplies. The ad-
dition of shoulders to existing roads will not
serve the purpose, especially as most bridges
bear the notice 'maxium load six tons" HEAVY
artillery could not be moved over them. II is
easy to foresee what would happen to lotion
tanks.
These are things which Wilmington's lead.
ershlp must concentrate upon as essential to
defense. There must be no easing of
the effort to see that we are enabled to carry
on with complete success in a future which
Will demand of every community it's fill
for service.