North Dakota Governor Calls for Sabotage Vigilance Amid War Declaration

On December 9, 1941, North Dakota Governor John Moses urged citizens to remain vigilant against potential sabotage by Japanese agents following Japan’s formal declaration of war against the United States. In a statement reflecting the gravity of the situation, Moses emphasized the importance of unity and preparedness in the face of threats to transportation facilities and vital infrastructure.

In response to the war declaration, Moses swiftly took action by deploying members of the state highway patrol to guard critical structures, including the Bismarck-Mandan bridge. He also coordinated with Thomas Moodie, the North Dakota administrator of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), to secure Bismarck airport, where approximately $60,000 worth of materials were allocated for improvement projects.

Immediate Defense Measures Launched

Governor Moses highlighted the necessity for immediate defense measures, stating, “While there is no indication of any sabotage attempts likely to be made at present in North Dakota by Japanese agents, we should realize that in the past Japan has struck without warning.” Citing historical precedents, he noted that Japan’s military actions during the Russo-Japanese War and its invasion of Manchuria occurred without prior announcements.

In light of the growing threat, Moses announced plans to establish a voluntary Home Guard to protect essential wartime facilities. He indicated that he would consult with Adjutant General Heber L. Edwards regarding the formation of this guard, especially since the state had been without one since the national guard was called into service.

Coordination with Federal Authorities

The urgency of the situation was underscored by a communication from Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, who advised Moses to prepare state guard forces to cooperate with federal troops in safeguarding critical infrastructure. This included transportation facilities that are essential to national defense efforts.

Adjutant General Edwards confirmed that plans were underway to organize a guard quickly, emphasizing that enlistment would be voluntary. He stated, “We will ask federal troops to guard transportation facilities as was done in 1917.” Discussions about the state guard organization involved various officials, including C. E. Dresser, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Brigadier General L. R. Baird, executive officer of the state defense council.

As North Dakota mobilized its resources in response to the escalating war, Governor Moses’s call to action highlighted the critical need for community vigilance and preparedness. The measures taken on this day served as a reminder of the broader implications of global conflict, even in the heart of the American prairies.