AIRRAID PRACTICE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29672, 16 November 1961, Page 10

AIRRAID PRACTICE

Dummy Alert In Canada (N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) OTTAWA, November 14. Sirens wailed across Canada last night warning of a massive imaginary attack by nuclear-age bombers and missiles. The attack was theoretical only, but the shfill sound of 500 sirens scattered across the country sent Federal, provincial and municipal Governments into action to test Canada’s national survival plans. Immediately after the . blast of the warning signals, the Prime Minister (Mr Diefenbaker) and Provincial Premiers appeared on radio stations, warning the publie that while it was not a real attack one could come in the future, the Canadian Press reported. The theme of the massive 24-hour exercise "Toscin” was preparedness for genuine nuclear war, C.P. said.- The radio broadcast opened with short beeps and an announced warning “it is not an emergency.” Then came the official announcement that Canadians would hear in the event of a genuine nuclear attack, warning that the “Government expects an attack on North America.” Mr Diefenbaker then spoke, saying he prayed that no such attack would ever come to Canada and urging Canadians to listen to the remainder of the 90-minute broadcast and its instructions on survival. He said that efforts would continue to be made to ensure peace, but Canada must be prepared for war.