2. Air Protection, 25 March 1938
This document is a full public appeal issued by the Sliedrecht branch of the Nederlandsche Vereeniging voor Luchtbescherming (Dutch Association for Air Protection), written in the spring of 1938, at a time when international tensions were rapidly increasing and the threat of war was becoming ever more tangible. The text addresses the inhabitants of Sliedrecht and explains that the association has been established locally to make citizens aware of the danger of air raids and to teach them how to protect themselves and their families. The authors refer to the strained situation in Europe, reports of bombings in other countries, and the fact that modern warfare is largely conducted from the air. They emphasize that the Landweer will fulfil its duty, but that civilians also bear their own responsibility to take precautionary measures.
This document explains that, in addition to the municipal air‑protection service, every citizen has an undeniable duty to safeguard their own safety. The association works closely with the municipal service, as both share the same goal: protecting the population against the dangers of air attacks.The authors express their confidence that the reader will wish to join as a member and emphasize that the membership fee is low, so no one should feel discouraged. Members receive informational material and the monthly magazine Luchtgevaar, and an enrollment card is enclosed so that people can easily register.
