In times of war, amateur radio amateurs always seem to be the first to lose their rights. In the United States, the Radio Act of 1912 removed the right to operate amateur radio stations and authorized the confiscation of radio equipment for government use in certain circumstances. After the end of World War I, licensing was not restored until 1919. During the Second World War, amateur radio amateurs were again revoked their licenses. In this article, published in 1917 in the journal Electrical Experimenter, author Hugo Gearnsbeck makes the case for allowing "our hot-blooded boys to be trusted to assist officials in the hunt down of spies." "We realize how ridiculous it is to shut down all amateur radio stations during the war," he said. His words, as usual, fell on deaf ears.
War with amateur radio amateurs
May 1917 "The Electrical Experimenter"
Each such permit shall provide that the President of United States may, in times of war or public danger, shut down any radio communication station and dismantle all radio equipment therein, or authorize any branch of government to use or control any such station or equipment, subject to reasonable compensation to the owner.
We are now standing on the threshold of war; In fact, the war was declared before our readers got their hands on this issue, or rather, the country would be at war. Let us be honest with each other and face the situation with the attitude of an upright, patriotic, and law-abiding citizen. The war in Europe taught us that the messages sent by spies from secret radio stations were invaluable to the enemy. No wonder all the belligerents destroyed all possible and impossible private radio stations in their respective countries. But what are the benefits of doing so? It is true that the governments of the belligerent countries demolished or confiscated all the stationary equipment, but as always: where there is a will, there is a way. When German spies in United Kingdom and France discovered that it was not safe to operate their equipment in the attic or in the chimney of the house, because the transmitting equipment would be found quickly, they simply put the radio in the station wagon and cleverly hid the antenna in the body. The equipment was also easy to hide, and the United Kingdom and France were tricked around for the simple reason that you couldn't find mobile radio equipment unless it was purely accidental.
This brings us to the question: did the belligerents close their few amateur radio stations before the war? Honestly, we tend to think that this is not only not an advantage, but a practical disadvantage. Anyone familiar with radio technology would not doubt that if a spy has both courage and money, and a spy always has both, then, if he chooses to do so, there is nothing that can prevent him from sending a radio station message. As long as he chooses to do so, no one will stop him from sending radio messages. As long as he acts covertly, moving from one place to another, nothing can stop him.
If we recognize this truth, we understand how ridiculous it is to shut down all privately owned amateur radio stations during the war. It doesn't do anything good and only causes actual harm. Now, we don't want to appear selfish and we don't want to be categorized as unpatriotic. Contrary. If, after careful consideration of all the facts, the government decides to shut down all amateur radio stations in the country, we will not say a word of protest. The government knows what is best for the well-being of the country.
But isn't it invaluable for the government that we have more than 300,000 patriotic United States amateur radio enthusiasts, densely scattered throughout the country? Can't we hot-blooded men be trusted to help our officials catch spies? In our big cities, thousands of ears listen to everything that happens in the vast ocean at every moment. Trust our very capable young United States to find out who sent suspicious signals or strangely worded messages. The number of these amateurs is a priceless protection. In addition, both our army and navy are in dire need of radio operators. Where else can we have such a large pool of well-trained and intelligent operators, all thanks to amateurs?
In 1916, the author organized the United States Radio Union ARRL, and in its bylaws it was stated that each member should pledge his or her own radio station in writing to the government. To date, the alliance has delivered thousands of such pledges to Washington, including all the nation's major amateur radio stations. The government can use these stations at any time. At least our amateur radio amateurs are well prepared.
Is it wise to shut down all these amateur radio stations that can and will bring great benefits rather than possible harms? It's doubtful. Let our officers be thoughtful and let them consider the facts of the incident impartially. That's what we're hoping for.
H. Gearnsbeck