Evening star., 1948-11-14
Civilian Defense
Outlined
For Atom War
New Setup Might Use
IS Million Persons;
FriIIs' Eliminated
DEFENSE FOR GERM WARFARE
plans reported prepared. Page A-9.
By John A. Giles

plans reported prepared. Page AS.
By John A. Giles
A blueprint of what 1t termed
the missing link" in the Ma
tion's defense structure-the
protection of the civilian popula-
tion in an atomic war-was is
sued last night by the Office of
Civil Defense Planning.
Placing emphasis on local units to
include all existing agencies of local
government and their auxiliaries as
we'll as the block warden system
inaugurated in World War II, the
report estimated that as many as
100000 persons might be involved
in civil defense in cities. States and
Federal Government. 1t called the
warden the key man. in civil de-
fense operations.
The report faced "the fact that as
long as armies are maintained and
war remains even a remote posi-
bility' American cities which have
not been beset by a foreign military
power since the War of 1912. might
be attacked by bomber squadrons
dropping atomic bombs. incendiaries,
gas bombs or super-eXplosives."
The proposed program for nucleus
of permanent system of civil de-
fense, which could be expanded
overnight, was the result of nine
month study by group of 43 civil
ians. aided by panels of police chiefs,
fire chiefs and scientists. as we'll as
military advisers. 1t was set up by
Secretary of Defense Forrestal and
headed by Russell j. Hopley of
Omaha, Nebr.
No Estimate On Cost.
Mr.. Hopley estimated it would
take six months to place the nu-
cleus of the organization in opera
ton. There has been no estimate
as to cost, he said.
The plan as outlined by the Hop
ley report was completely devoid of
such frills. as Victory Gardens which
were carried out by the civilian de-
fense organization in World War II.
1t attempted to place sole RESPONSE
bility for such things as plant pro-
lection in one agency and Mr.. Hop
ley pointed out that ST separate
agencies had such responsibilities in
World War II.
Mr.. Forrestal issued a statement
saying the report merited "the most
careful study and consideration by
the entire public" He emphasized
that it had not been approved
either in whole or in part, by my
self or by the officials of any agen-
cies of Government concerned" He
added that since civil defense will
require the participation of the ma
jority of the people the widest
public understanding of the prob
lem and equally wide public dis
cussion of the solution by the ex-
perts who made the studies
are desirable"
General Proposals Outlined.
The general proposals in the re-
port were
l. A National Office of Civil De-
fense, with a staff Of perhaps no
more than 200 persons, to furnish
leadership and guidance to States
and municipalities and to help them
train civil defense workers. The
national Office would have a direc-
tor with deputies in charge of plans
and operations: medical and health
services and special weapons de-
tense; technical services and train
ing. This pattern of organization
would be followed generally in the
State and local organizations.
2. Mutual assistance systems un-
der which one city or group of cities
would aid another if the burden of
civil defense became too great. Thus,
Mr.. Hopley told.a news conference,
mobile units could be shifted quickly
to stricken areas.
3. Maximum use Of volunteers
and existing agencies, such as police
and fire departments. 1t advocated
that steps be taken to supplement
existing forces with suitably trained
auxiliary police for civil defense
duties" and added that many cities
prefer careful selection, adequate
basic training and then the grant,
ing of full police power to obtain
the greatest benefit" Supt of
Police Robert J. Barrett already has
proposed the creation of a Metro
politan Police auxiliary here.
Organization Stressed.
4. We'll organized and trained
units in communities throughout
the United States, its territories and
possession. prepared and equipped
to meet the problems of enemy at
tack and to be ready against any
weapon that any enemy may use"
tSee CIVIL DEFENSE, Page A-4D