Evening star., 1942-06-05
AI|-Night Test
BIdckout Set for
D. E., Virginia
BoIIes Decides to
Join With Stute in
June II Experiment

uuoA-Io-odWu prdCLlCe DldCkOut on
June II as the Metropolitan Area
joins with the whole OF Virginia in
the all-night test.
Col. Lemuel Bolles, executive of
District defense, confirmed late yes-
terday that he had telegraphed J.
II. Wyse, Virginia defense co-ordin-
ator. Of the decision to join in the
practice.
1t will mark the first test of this
kind for the District and the first
time the city has joined in the test
with the whole Of another State.
City Manager Carl Budesky, Alex
andria defense co-ordinator, some
Time ago said that that city would
disregard Statewide air-raid tests
unless they coincide with those for
the District. Hence Washington's
decision to join in the test, it was
explained
The Metropolitan Area includes
Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax.
Mr.. Budwesky also disclosed that
Tor the first time. the citys IS air
RAID sirens, heretofore operated man.
ually and independently, will be
connected on one circuit TO give the
alarm simultaneously,
Arlington viii Participate. q
Chief Air-Raid Warden r. Free Z
iand Chew Of Arlington County said
To-Day that area will take part in
the blaekout. Previously there was
some doubt Arlington would par
tlclpate because 1t was not then
known that the District would prac-
tlce the test. The Metropolitan
areas OF Washington In Virginia
nave been authorized to participate
IN all District -ordered AFRAID tests
u Will not be known until this
afternoon whether the Metropoli-
tan Areas in Maryland will engage
In the June II test or will black
out with the southern part of the
state In another test planned a
snort time before that date.
Col. Robert S. Barrett, MARYLAND
slr-rald precautions director, was
70 confer with Montgomery and
Prince Georges County officials this
afternoon on the situation.
Virginia merchants who wish to
keep their places of business omen
the night Of June II must darken
thelr show windows and see that in
Verlor nights do not shine outward
Wnen doors are opened. John 7
howard, State chief OF afraid pre-
cautions, said. :
Army Planes Will Check.
Plans for the test have been an
proved by the Third Regional De-
tense Headquarters and the Armv,s
ist Interceptor Command. and the
army VIII check effectiveness of the
oiackout by observation planes.
Fuil cooperation on the part of
the public, Mr.. Howard said. NAV
make II unnecessary to have fire.
quent repetitions of the night-lons
test later on.
Representatives of RAILWAYS oner-
ating in the State will meet at Ricb-
mond at 10 am. Monday to agre.
on steps to conform their operations
to the blackout.
Motor vehicles may continue mov-
ing with lights dimmed or parking
hgnts on and pedestrians may come
and 20. 0oAie
some time during the night there
VIII De an air-raid test alarm
when complete blackout will he
enforced. Traffic will stop. its licbt.
extlnguished and people on the
streets must seek shelter. Air-raid
waroens and auxiliary police and
nremen will go to their posts for
a thorough checkup on their veeSs
OF training.
War Plants to Operate.
Rants operating on war material,
VIII not be required to cease opera
tions, but Mr.. Howard said they
should be prepared TO enforce a
complete blackout in the event NJ
an actual raid. 1t will be the duty
OF local defense co-ordinators, he
SAID, to satisfy themselves that such
plants have held the necessary
drills and are prepared to black
OUT, should the need arise, in con.
lormlty with Army requirements
Mr. Howard said authorities rec.
ognlzed that Wednesday night was
church night for many Virginians
out pointed out that at this season ,
1.-THE year darkness did not settle
under the Eastern War Time sched-
uie, until around 9 pm. and there
lore IL was felt the blackout would
not greatly inconvenience tho
church programs. Should services
continue after dusk, however, the
church buildings must conform to
the blackout requirements.
During the afraid test. the
alarm will be sounded progressively
from east to west so observation
planes may fly from the coast west
ward and continue in the full black
out all the way. When the alarm
is ended. trafhc may be resumed.