Evening star., 1950-07-14
Nicely 10 Press
Bill for D. {.
Civil Defense
Senate Unit to Meet
EurIy Next Week on
Two Identical PIuns
By Harold B. Rogers

The Senate District Committee
plans to take the next legislative
step soon toward authorizing .
new Once Of Civil Defense In
the District Government. Z
Committee Chairman Neely ex@
poets to call D meeting Of his
unit early next week to act on
two identical bills, designed to
protect the National Capital in
event Of attack.
Pending before the committee
will be the measure that passed
the House yesterday, and another
introduced recently by Senator
Hunt, Democrat. Of Wyoming.
AS soon as a quorum Of the
committee can be assembled next
week Senator Nicely, Democrat. Of
West Virginia, believes the legis-
lation viii be approved and
quickly sent to the Senate noor
for action.
To Be Given Wide Powers.
The measure would give the Dis
trict Commissioners wide powers
to set up an Once Of Civil De-
Tense, to staff 1t. with personnel
without regard to civil service
regulations and to make mutual
aid agreements with communities
in nearby States.
The House bill passed the House
by voice vote after twenty -fiVe
minutes Of debate. Principal
opponent was Representative
OHara, Republican. Of Mime
sofa. He labeled the legislation
''hysterical," charging it was "un-
fortunate" and unnecessary.
Chairman Mcmillan Of the
House District Committee, author
of the bill. contended it is needed,
not only for the safety of the Ma
tional Capital, but also as a model
for States that have not yet act
ed. About 20 States already have
somewhat similar legislation for
defense. he said.
Others Championed Bill.
Others who championed the
measure included Representatives
Wadsworth, Republican, Of New
York; Canield. Republican, Of
New Jersey, and Jones, Democrat,
Of Alabama.
Meanwhile, White House sup.
port for the city's new civil de-
fense program was before the
House Appropriations Committee.
Referred to this unit was a Presi-
dential estimate Of $3.50. 900 to
financesthe new agency here. Ths
item probably will be considered
among others from various
agencies Of Government, includ-
ing the District, for inclusion in
a forthcoming supplemental ap-
preparation bill. +
The House also passed and sent
to the Senate two other Dis
trict bills. They would establish
an area known as "Old George
town" for preservation Of the
architectural character Of the
old Colonial settlement, and pro-
vide funds to complete the sta
dium at Eastern High School.
In Montgomery County it was
announced that aircraft ground
observer posts have been estab-
lished on a volunteer basis.
Other plans for the county's
protection in the event Of war will
be drawn with the aid Of an ad-
visory council being appointed
from members Of governmental
and civilian agencies, Edward L.
Foster, county director Of civil de-
fense, said.
Among the measures under
study, he said, are the organiza-
ton Of auxiliary police and fire
fighting forces.
AL plans for the county are
based on its status as q mutual
support area for the District Of
Columbia. Mr.. Foster explained
Defense measures are being CO.
ordinated with District plans.
All personnel will be volunteers
according to the director. So fal
as possible, they will be person,
mot Of draft status and will bS
screened to weed out any Of doubt.
i full loyalty, he said.
Some Of the plans of the old
IOfice Of Civilian Defense can bs
utilized" he added, "but much win
have to be changed in light of new
types Of weapons and their