Evening star., 1943-08-12
Council Urges
Afraid Tests
Every 7 Weeks
Advisory Unit Asks
Action by Whitehurst;
U. S. Offices Criticized

A recommendation that air raid
tests be held here "at least every
two weeks" adopted yesterday by
the District Civilian Defense Ad-
visory Council, was awaiting action
today by Capt. H. C. Whitehurst,
civilian defense director.
Under the present program, one
surprise test is called each month
under direction of military authori-
ties who, so far, have not regarded
favorably earlier suggestions for
more frequent drills.
The recommendation was adopted
by the council, which consists of the
chiefs of District civilian defense
services, on motion of Chief Air
Rad Warden VILLAIN j. Mleham. The
dea was that more frequent drills
would stimulate public interest and
let the people know there is still
war going on
Federal Agencies Criticized.
Complaint was voiced at the
council meeting that refusal by some
Federal agencies to permit their
employees to leave work to go to
control centers during afraid tests
was one reason why some of the
centers were poorly manned" dur
ing Tuesdays surprise drill. Es-
pecially missed were telephonists.
1t was indicated an appeal may be
made to Federal agencies to excuse
promptly such workers who are
trained for control center work.
Mr.. Mileham said he thought
more frequent tests would aid the
civilian defense recruiting campaign
by letting the public know more
volunteers still are needed.
The present two-week recruit
ment drive is to reach a climax in
the civilian defense pageant and
variety show to be staged at Griffith
Stadium at pm. tomorrow. Ad-
mission is free and seats will be
on a flrst-come. f1rst-served basis.
1000 Signed Up.
This drive is being carried on by
a door -to-door solicitation. Chiefs
of services we're asked to issue an
appeal to each Of the volunteers in
their units to bring in at least one
new recruit.
So far. officials said, some 1000
recruits have been signed up and
hope is voiced that several thousand
more will enlist at Griffith Stadium
at the conclusion of tomorrow'S
pageant.
In the absence of Capt. White
hurst, yesterdays meeting of the
advisory council was conducted by
George Keneipp, deputy civilian de-
fense director.
The Metropolitan Police Band is
to provide music at the stadium
tomorrow between z and p.m.,
prior to the presentation of other
events. Narration of events at the
stadium will be presented over local
radio stations oy Bryson Rash ard
Ruth Bialey of WMAL, Billy Repaid
of VOL, Jerry Strong of WINK
and Bailey Axton of WTOP.
Kelly to Head Parade.
Police Supt. Edward ]. Kelly will
head a police honor guard which
will lead a parade about the sta
dium at the show tomorrow night.
Grand Marshal will be Granville
GUIDE of the Board of Trade, ac-
conipanied by Capt. Whitehurst
and his staff.
Following will be a color guard
and colors, the Army Air Forces
Band. marching units of soldiers.
sailors, coast guardsmen, WACS,
WAVES and SPARS and anti
aircraft volunteers.
Following these units will be. in
order, auxiliary police; auxiliary
f1remen and auxiliary rescue squad:
emergency medical units and nurses
aides; public works, including road
repaA sewer, water squads, demol-
ton and clearance crews, decontam-
alton squads, utility rpair squads;
emergency transportation, including
Red Cross motor units, AWVS mo-
tor unis, cabulance and ohers,
evacuation.
Also emergency welfare, including
casualty informa ton service and
civilian war assistance, the volun-
eer office. and wardens, fire guards,
messengers and emergency food
and housing personnel