CIVILIAN DEFENSE: Long Watch Ends

In tiny Warren, Conn, last week young Mrs. Kilmer, soldier's wife, bundled up her baby, prepared to stand her watch in the high tower on the hill behind the old church. Then George Keith, chief observer, telephoned: the long lookout of the Aircraft Warning Service was over.

To Keiths and Kilmers up & down the East and West Coasts, the end of their voluntary vigils came with a sense of loss. Some were still studying the aircraft recognition courses. All had taken high pride in being a part of the only civilian defense agency reporting to the military.

Suspension of round-the-clock watches in the network of observation posts and the metropolitan filter centers recognizes "the transition to the offensive," assumes "the calculated risk of a small-scale raid" to release manpower. The A.W.S. will not be disbanded, will be maintained as an organization which can be fully alerted if needed.

Last week another Army order marked war's turn: West Coast dimout regulations were relaxed. Window shades may stay up in most homes. Motorists may drive with full headlights in all but the areas facing the sea. Inland shopkeepers may light up signs and windows.