Abstract
THE second Bulletin of the Air Raid Defence League gives an outline of civil defence in which the general framework is reviewed as a whole, so that the various technical, social and economic problems fall into their proper prospective in the defence of the whole living organism of a nation in a war zone. After discussing the nature and object of air attack and the policies which might be used by the attacker, the Bulletin concludes that evacuation of the congested target areas is the most radical strategic move and is called for on a much wider scale than is at present announced by the Government. It is urged that all who can should be evacuated and only special classes should stay. Careful planning of evacuation and action before war is in being could vastly reduce the dislocation caused by evacuation. A priority scheme, however, is required as the basis of defence measures in which the proportionate risk has been roughly calculated on scientific principles. Bombproof accessible shelter both for work and for rest is advocated for those whose duty it will be to remain at work in the congested target areas and for the protection of those engaged in running vital services such as telephones or first aid. For less congested and vulnerable areas shallow shelters of the Anderson or other types or strengthened basements must be provided, and small communal shelters or strengthened basements for large blocks of flats or offices are necessary.
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Civil Defence. Nature 144, 66 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1038/144066a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/144066a0