The Nome Nugget

Martial Law For Nome

Col. Wilbur Morgan, commanding officer of the Nome Air Base Monday afternoon issued a proclamation, declaring Nome to be under martial law, by reason of the existence of an emergency above and beyond the ability of the City of Nome to administer.

Col. Morgan called a meeting of the city officials and townspeople in the City Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening to explain under what authority and for what reason the proclamation of martial law was made.

He explained that the first knowledge of the emergency came to his attention when Dudley Warner (an employee of Lomen Commercial Co., and president of the Chamber of Commerce) paid a visit to the Executive Officer at the Base and stated that the city needed assistance from the Army.

The Colonel further explained that through some misunderstanding it was believed Mr. Warner was a member of the City Council and the call for assistance was legitimate.

Throughout the day, Army personnel and equipment was dispatched wherever needed at the request of the various merchants who were moving their merchandise and equipment to safe storage.

Later in the evening MPs were set to guard the open buildings against pilfering and looting.

Mayor Seidenverg, and the City

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Martial Law
In Nome

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Council members, rightfully indignant that they were by-passed in the proclaiming of marital law, agreed that the situation was indeed an emergency and under the circumstances as stated by Colonel Morgan, would accept the assistance of the Army with sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks, but could not readily see the reason for the proclamation of martial law.

In response, Col. Morgan stated that during wartime, the Army is not held accountable for services, equipment or supplies, but that since September 15, 1945, the War Department requires unqualified accounting of everything under jurisdiction of the Army, therefore only in the event of an emergency and upon the declaration of martial law could the military forces and equipment be made available to the citizens of Nome.

Chris Roust, Councilman, stated that in view of the explanation made by Colonel Morgan, he would move a rising vote of thanks be given the Army for their promptness in rendering assistance to the citizens of Nome.

Colonel Morgan announced that the restrictions would be lifted just as soon as conditions permitted. All that would be necessary would be a letter from the City Council stating that the Army help was no longer required, that the City could handle the situation.

It is expected that the martial law will be removed within the week.