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NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION
HEARINGS
BEFORE THE
SELECT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION
HOUSE OF BEPEESENTATITES
SEVENTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
PUBSDANT TO
H. Res. 113
A RESOLUTION TO INQUIRE FURTHER INTO THE INTERSTATE
MIGRATION OF CITIZENS, EMPHASIZING THE PRESENT
AND POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE MIGRA-
TION CAUSED BY THE NATIONAL
DEFENSE PROGRAM
PART 29
SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
FEBRUARY 21 AND 23, 1942
PROBLEMS OF EVACUATION OF ENEMY ALIENS AND
OTHERS FROM PROHIBITED MILITARY ZONES
Printed for the use of the Select Committee Investigating
National Defense Migration
NATIONAL_DEFENSEMIGR^ION
HEARINGS
BEFORE THE
SELECT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION
HOUSE OE BEPEESENTATIVES
SEVENTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
•-»
PURS
UANT TO
H. Res. 113
^D POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OE THE MIGRA-
TION CAUSED BY THE NATIONAL
DEFENSE PROGRAM
PART 29
SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
FEBRUARY 21 AND 23, 1942
PROBLEMS OF EVACUATION OF ENEMY ALIENS AND
OTHERS FROM PROHIBITED MILITARY ZONES
Printed for .be me of toe Select Committee Investigating
National Defense Migration
'ML
60396
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1942
in
U. ». 3WERIHTENDENT Of DOCUMENT*
JUL 13 1942
SELECT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING NATIONAL DEFENSE
MIGRATION
JOHN H. TOLAN, California, Chairman
JOHN J. SPARKMAN, Alabama CARL T. CURTIS, Nebraska
LAURENCE F. ARNOLD, Illinois GEORGE H. BENDER, Ohio
Robert K. Lamb, Staff Director
11
CONTENTS
Page
List of witnesses vii
List of authors ix
Saturday, February 21, 1942, morning session 10965
Testimony of A.ngelo J. Rossi 10965
Testimony of Charles W. Dullea 10970
Testimony of Leland W. Cutler 10970
Testimony of Florence M. McAuliffe 10971
Testimony of Earl Warren 10973, 11009
Statement bv Earl Warren 10973
Testimony of Ricard H. Neustadt 11024, 11048, 11058
Statement by Richard H. Neustadt 11026
Testimony of Ottorino Ronchi 1 1057
Saturday, February 21, afternoon session 11059
Testimony of Lerov McCormick 11061
Testimony of Wendell G. Travoli 11061
Testimony of Robert H. Fouke 11068
Material submitted bv Robert H. Fouke 11074
Testimony of H. L. Strobel 11087
Monday, February 23, 1942, morning session 11093
Testimony of John F. Hassler 11094
Testimony of Frank S. Gaines 11095, 11101
Statement bv Frank S. Gaines 11097
Testimony of John S. Slavich 11102
Testimony of B. A. Wallman 11103
Testimony of Chester C. Fisk 11105
Testimony of M. C. Godfrey 1110b
Testimony of C. R. Schwanenberg 11107
Testimony of Verne Smith 11108
Testimony of W. J. Johnson 11108
Testimony of Mrs. John Damato, testifying for Mrs. Francesca Cri-
vello 11117
Testimony of Mrs. Luciano Maniscalo 11121
Testimony of Chauncey Tramutolo 11125
Statement by Chauncey Tramutolo ' 11131
Testimony of Milano Rispoli 11132
Statement bv Milano Rispoli 11133
Testimony of Mike J. Masaoka 11137, 11140, 11152
Statement by Mike M. Masaoka 11137
Testimony of Henry Tani 11148
Statement by Henry Tani 11150
Testimony of Dave Tatsuno 11153
Mondav, Februarv 23, 1942, afternoon session - 11157
Testimony of Tom C. Clark 11157
Material submitted bv Tom C. Clark - 11173
Testimony of Louis Goldblatt 11178
Statement by Louis Goldblatt 11186
Testimony of J. Murray Thompson - - - 11190
Statement by J. Murray Thompson ^ _ 11194
Testimony of Dr. W. P. Reagor - 11195
Testimony of Galen M. Fisher - 11197
Statement by Galen M. Fisher - 11199
Testimony of Rev. Gordon K. Chapman 11203
Statement by Rev. Gordon K. Chapman 11205
Testimony of Rev. Frank Herron Smith 1 1207
Testimony of William C. James 1 1208
m
IV CONTENTS
Monday, February 23, 1942, afternoon session — Continued. Page
Testimony of H. F. Slade 11214
Testimony of Tatsu J. Ogawa 11217
Testimony of Ernest Iiyama 11220, 11221
Testimony of Michio Kunitani 11220, 11221
Testimony of Anne Kunitani 11227
Testimony of James M. Omura 11229
Testimony of Caryl Fumiko Okuma 1 1232
Introduction of exhibits 1 1235
Exhibit 1. Position of the American Legion, Department of California,
on Enemy Aliens and Restricted Areas, by Robert F. Garner, Jr.,
department commander 1 1235
Exhibit 2. Resolution urging the evacuation and concentration of all
Japanese and their descendants to a concentration camp under
supervision of the Federal Government, by County Supervisors
Association of California, Sacramento, Calif 11237
Exhibit 3. Resolution of the San Benito County Chamber of Com-
merce, by E. E. Sparling, president, Hollister, Calif 11238
Exhibit 4. Resolution re disposition of Japanese enemy aliens; report
by Leslie A. Cleary, chairman, Stanislaus County Defense Council,
Modesto, Calif 11239
Exhibit 5. A resolution adopted by the Fresno County Chamber of
Commerce in relation to the Japanese and alien enemy situation on
the Pacific coast 1 1239
Exhibit 6. Statement by Harry L. Kingman, general secretary, Young
Men's Christian Association of the University of California, Berk-
eley, Calif 11240
Exhibit 7. The Question of Transferring the Japanese From the
Pacific Coast — an Example of War Hysteria and a Plea for Sanity
in the Present Crisis; report by Eric C. Bellquist, Ph.D., of the
department of political science, University of California, Berkeley,
Calif 11240
Exhibit 8. Letter from Representative Knute Hill, of Washington,
enclosing letter bearing on the Japanese situation 11251
Exhibit 9. Statement by Clarence E. Rust, attorney at law, 5837
San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, Calif., on enemy alien evacuation 11254
Exhibit 10. Statement by Donald Younger, Santa Cruz, Calif 11254
Exhibit 11. Statement by Stuart R. Ward, 1035 Tehema Ave., Menlo
Park, Calif 11260
Exhibit 12. Japanese- American loyalty to the United States; report
by Karl G. Yoneda, San Francisco Doho correspondent, San Fran-
cisco, Calif 11265
Exhibit 13. Letter to Lt. Gen. John L. DeWitt from Lincoln Kanai,
Young Men's Christian Association, making recommendations on
the problems of evacuations from military areas 11266
Exhibit 14. An Appeal in Behalf of Anti-Fascist Aliens; report by
Charles H. Tutt, secretary, San Francisco chapter, Mazzini Society,
San Francisco, Calif 1 1267
Exhibit 15. Hardship Cases Created by Evacuation Orders; report by
Minnette Luckner, 1377 Broadway, Alameda, Calif 11269
Exhibit 16. Letter discussing the refugee problem from Hugo D. New-
house, San Francisco, Calif 11270
Exhibit 17. Report by San Francisco Committee for Service to
Emigres (Federation of Jewish Charities), San Francisco, Calif 11270
Exhibit 18. Refugees from Axis Countries; report by Monroe E.
Deutsch, vice president and provost, University of California,
Berkeley, Calif 11273
Exhibit 19. Text of a radio address given by Hon. Ralph L. Carr,
Governor of Colorado, on February 28, 1942 11275
Exhibit 20. Statement on problems of German-Jewish refugees by
Edward Schreiber, February 25, 1942 11277
Exhibit 21. The Jewish Refugee and the Enemy Alien Problem; report
by Rabbi S. P. Wohlgelernter, 104 Seventeenth St., Seattle, Wash. 11278
Exhibit 22. Status of Descendants of Nationals of Axis Countries
with the California State Personnel Board, by William K. Smith,
acting executive officer, Sacramento, Calif 11279
CONTENTS V
Introduction of exhibits — Continued. Pase
Exhibit 23 The Japanese Farmer; report bv Lowell W. Berry, owner,
the Best Fertilizers Co., 1459 Third Street, Oakland, Calif 11282
Exhibit 24. Japanese Farm Labor; report by Wm. A. Ay res, editor,
California Grange News, Sacramento, Calif 11283
Exhibit 25. The Japanese and the Oyster Industry; report by J.
Burton Bowman, Olympia Oyster Growers Protective Association,
Shelton, Wash 11283
Exhibit 26. Correspondence from T. M. Bunn, Salinas Valley Vege-
table Exchange, Salinas, Calif., on evacuation and the farm labor
problem 1 1284
Exhibit 27. Farm labor in the sugar-beet area and the Japanese evac-
uations, by Missoula Countv Farm Labor Committee, Missoula,
Mont.! - H286
Exhibit 28. The Garbage Collection Problem in Alameda, Calif., by
Randal F. Dickey, California Legislature, Alameda, Calif 11288
Exhibit 29. Number and Status of Men Engaged in Garbage Collec-
tion in San Francisco, Affected by Enemy Alien Restrictions, by
John B. Molinari, attorney for Scavengers' Protective Association,
Inc., San Francisco, Calif 11289
Exhibit 30. Petition to be relieved from order of evacuation, sub-
mitted to Hon. Francis Biddle by Frederick Dubovsky, attorney,
1916 Broadway, Oakland, Calif 11289
Exhibit 31. Statement by the International Institute for Service to
Immigrants and New Americans, 1860 Washington Street, San
Francisco, Calif., submitted by Annie Clo Watson, executive
secretary 11291
Exhibit 32. Statement by Stanley S. Shimabukuro, the Japanese
Young Men's Christian Association, 1530 Buchanan St., San
Francisco, Calif 11292
Exhibit 33. Position of the Japanese Church Federation of Northern
California, 1500 Post Street, San Francisco, Calif., on the Resettle-
ment Problems Attending Japanese Evacuation; submitted by
Richard M. Neustadt, regional director, Social Security Board, San
Francisco, Calif 11293
Exhibit 34. The Expatriated German Jew; submitted by H. M. Jonas,
L. L. D., 569 Twelfth Avenue, San Francisco, Calif 11297
Exhibit 35. Letter on enemy alien evacuation submitted by Hon.
Earl Warren, attorney general of California, State Building, San
Francisco, Calif 1 1298
Index (see last pages part 31).
LIST OF WITNESSES
San Francisco Hearings, February 21, 23, 1942
Page
Chapman, Rev. Gordon K., field representative for Japanese work on the
Pacific coast, Board of National Missions of the Presbyterian Church,
228 McAllister Street, San Francisoc, Calif 11203
Clark, Tom C, coordinator of the enemy alien control for the western
defense command, Department of Justice, Federal Building, Los Angeles,
Calif- _ 11157
Crivella, Mrs.Francesca, 2751 Hyde Street, San Francisco, Calif 11117
Cutler, Leland W., chairman of the Subcommittee of the Morale Service on
Racial and National Problems in San Francisco, Financial Center Build-
ing, San Francisco, Calif |"??IS
Damato, Mrs. John, San Francisco, Calif 11117
Dullea, Charles W., chief of police of the city and county of San Francisco,
Calif 10970
Fisher, Galen M., adviser to the Institute of Pacific Relations and secretary
to the Committee on National Security and Fair Play, 260 California
Street, San Francisco, Calif 11197
Fisk, Chester C, city manager, Berkeley, Calif 11105
Fouke, Robert H., attorney representing the California Joint Immigration
Committee, Russ Building, San Francisco, Calif 11068
Gaines, Frank S., mavor, Berkeley, Calif 11095, 11101
Godfrey, M. C, mayor, Alameda, Calif 11106
Goldblatt, Louis, secretary, California State Industrial Union Council,
Congress of Industrial Organizations, San Francisco, Calif 11178
Hassler, John F., city manager, Oakland, Calif 11094
Iiyama, Ernest, president, Nisei Democratic Club of Oakland, Calif- 11220, 11221
James, William C, clerk, Society of Friends, Berkeley, Calif 11208
Johnson, W. J., captain of police, Berkeley, Calif 11108
Kunitani, Mrs. Anne, Berkeley, Calif 11227
Kunitani, Michio, Berkeley, Calif 11220, 11221
Maniscalo, Mrs. Luciano, 1846 Powell Street, San Francisco, Calif 11121
Masoaka, Mike, national secretary and field executive, Japanese- American
Citizens League, 2031 Bush Street, San Francisco, Calif-- 11137, 11140, 11152
McAuliffe, Florence M., chief of the morale service of the San Francisco
Civilian Defense Council, San Francisco, Calif 10971
McCormick, Leroy, assistant district attorney, Tulare County, Orosi, Calif- 11061
Neustadt, Richard H., regional director, Social Security Board, and regional
director, Office of Defense, Health and Welfare Services, Federal
Security Agency, San Francisco, Calif 11024, 11048, 11058
Ogawa, Tatsu J., Berkelev, Calif 11217
Okuma, Caryl Fumiko, managing editor, Current Life, San Francisco,
Qalif^ 11232
Omura,~James~M., editor and publisher, Current Life, San Francisco, Calif- 11229
Reagor, Dr. W. P., pastor, First Christian Church of Oakland and presi-
dent, California Council of Churches, Oakland, Calif 11195
Rispoli, Milano, executive secretary, Italian Welfare Agency, San Francisco,
Caijf 11132
Ronchi, Ottorino, former professor of Italian at University of California and
former editor of La Voce del Popolo, San Francisco, Calif 11057
Rossi, Angelo J., mayor, San Francisco, Calif 10965
Schwanenberg, C. R., citv manager, Alameda, Calif 11107
Slade, H. F., assistant cashier, Federal Reserve Bank, San Francisco, Calif. 11214
Slavich, John S., mayor, Okland, Calif 11102
Superintendent, Board of Missions and church extension of the Methodist
Church, 2816 Hillegar Avenue, Berkeley, Calif 11207
Smith, Verne, chief of police, Alameda, Calif 11108
VII
VIII LIST OF WITNESSES
Page
Strobel, H. L., farmer, Monterey County, Calif _ 11087
Tani, Henry, executive secretary, Japanese-American Citizens League,
2031 Bush Street, San Francisco, Calif 11148
Tatsuno, Dave, president, San Francisco chapter, Japanese-American
Citizens League, 2031 Bush Street, San Francisco, Calif 11153
Thompson, J. Murray, chief, Economic Section, Western Division, Agri-
cultural Adjustment Administration, United States Department of
Agriculture, San Francisco, Calif 11190
Tramutolo, Chauncey, attorney, Alexander Building, San Francisco,
Calif '- 1H25
Travoli, Wendell G., representing the Tulare County Citizens Committee,
Tulare County, Orosi, Calif 11061
Wallman, B. A., chief of police, Oakland, Calif 11103
Warren, Earl, attorney general of the State of California, San Francisco,
Calif__.__. I 10973,11009
LIST OF AUTHORS
Of Prepared Statements and Exhibits
Page
Ayres, William A., editor, California Grange News, Sacramento, Calif. __ 11283
Bellquist, Dr. Eric C, department of political science, University of
California, Berkeley, Calif 11240
Berry, Lowell W., owner, the Best Fertilizers Co., 1459 Third Street,
Oakland, Calif 11282
Bowman, J. Burton, Olympia Oyster Growers Protective Association,
Shelton, Wash 11283
Bunn, T. M., Salinas Valley Vegetable Exchange, Salinas, Calif 11284
California Joint Immigration Committee, San Francisco, Calif 11083
Carr, Hon. Ralph L., Governor of Colorado, Denver, Colo 11275
Chapman, Rev. Gordon K., field representative for Japanese work on the
Pacific coast, Board of National Missions of the Presbyterian Church,
228 McAllister Street, San Francisco, Calif 11205
Clearv, Leslie A., chairman, Stanislaus County Defense Council, Modesto,
Calif . .- H239
County Supervisors Association of California, Sacra, jento, Calif __ 11237
Deutsch, Monroe E., vice president and provost, University of California,
Berkeley, Calif 11273
Dickey, Randal F., Alameda, Calif 11288
Dubousky, Frederick, attorney, 1916 Broadway, Oakland, Calif 11289
Fisher, Galen M., adviser to the Institute of Pacific Relations and secre-
tary to the Committee on National Security and Fair Play, 260 Cali-
fornia Street, San Francisco, Calif 11199
Fresno County Chamber of Commerce, Fresno, Calif — 11239
Garner, Robert F., Jr., department commander, the American Legion,
Department of California, San Francisco, Calif 1 1235
Goldblatt, Louis, secretary-treasurer of the California State Industrial
Union Council, Congress of Industrial Organizations, San Francisco,
Calif !__.„_ -r 1H86
Hill, Hon. Knute, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C 11251
Hagar, Gerald H., attorney, 1421 Central Bank Building, Oakland, Calif.- 11298
Jonas, Dr. H. M., 569 Twelfth Avenue, San Francisco, Calif 11297
Kanai, Lincoln, Young Men's Christian Association 11266
Kingman, Harry L., general secretary, Young Men's Christian Association
of the University of California, Berkeley, Calif 11 240
Korematsu, Hi, acting chairman, Proponent Committee for Evacuated
Alien Resettlement Program, Berkeley, Calif 11097
Luckner, Minette, 1377 Broadway, Alameda, Calif 11269
Masaoka, Mike J., national secretary and field executive, Japanese-
American Citizens League, 2031 Bush Street, San Francisco, Calif 11137
McClatchy, V. S., executive secretary, California Joint Immigration Com-
mittee. San Francisco, Calif 11074
Missoula Countv Farm Labor Committee, Missoula, Mont 11286
Molinari, John B., attorney for Scavengers' Protective Association, 470
Columbus, San Francisco, Calif 11289
Neustadt, Richard H. regional director, Social Security Board, and regional
director, Office of Defense, Health and Welfare Services, Federal Security
Agency, San Francisco, Calif 11026, H293
Newhouse, H. D., Russ Building, San Francisco, Calif 11270
Rowell, Chester, The San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, Calif 11242
Rust, Clarence E., attorney at law, 5837 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland,
Calif 1J254
San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, Hollister, Calif 11238
IX
X LIST OF AUTHORS
Page
San Francisco Committee for Service to Emigres, Federation of Jewish
Charities, 1600 Scott Street, San Francisco, Calif 11270
Schreiber, Edward 11277
Shimabukuro, Stanley S., the Japanese Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion, 1530 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Calif 11292
Smith, William K., acting executive officer, California State Personnel
Board, Sacramento, Calif 11279
Tani, Henry, executive secretary, San Francisco chapter, Japanese-
American Citizens League, San Francisco, Calif 11150
Thompson, J. Murray, Chief, Economic Section, Western Division, Agri-
cultural Adjustment Administration, United States Department of
Agriculture, San Francisco, Calif 11194
Tutt, Charles H., secretary, San Francisco chapter, Mazzini Society,
San Francisco, Calif 11267
Ward, Stuart R., 1035 Tehema Avenue, Menlo Park, Calif 11260
Warren, Hon. Earl, attorney general of the State of California, San Fran-
cisco, Calif 10973
Watson, Annie Clo, executive secretary, International Institute for
Service to Immigrants and New Americans, 1860 Washington Street,
San Francisco, Calif 11291
Western Montana Beet Growers Association, Missoula, Mont 11286
Wohlgelernter, Rabbi S. P., 104 Seventeenth Street, Seattle, Wash 11278
Yoneda, Karl G., San Francisco Doho Correspondent, San Francisco,
Calif 11265
Younger, Donald, attorney, Santa Cruz Theater Building, 150 Pacific
Avenue, Post Office Drawer 1000, Santa Cruz, Calif 11254
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGEATION
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1942
morning session
House of Representatives,
Select Committee Investigating
National Defense Migration,
Washington, D. C.
The committee met at 9:45 a. m., in the Post Office Building, San
Francisco, Calif., Hon. John H. Tolan (chairman), presiding.
Present were: Representatives John H. Tolan (chairman), of
California; Laurence F. Arnold, of Illinois; and John J. Sparkman, of
Alabama.
Also present: Dr. Robert K. Lamb, staff director; John W. Abbott,
chief field investigator; Leonard A. Thomas, counsel; and F. P. Weber,
economist.
The Chairman. The committee will please come to order.
TESTIMONY OF HON. ANGELO J. ROSSI, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
The Chairman. Mr. Mayor, we appreciate your coming here this
morning. We would like to say to you that at the request of several
departments in Washington we were asked to come out here and obtain
from the people of the Pacific coast the facts about the war conditions
here and any recommendations that the people of the Pacific coast
want to give to this committee concerning the problems associated
with evacuations from military areas here, so that we may transmit
them to Congress. This committee wants to make clear that we are
not here to cross-examine any witnesses or put anyone "on the spot."
We are here as a fact-finding body. I think that some good will
come from this trip for, after all, the Pacific coast is 3,000 miles from
Washington and you would be surprised at the number of worried
delegations going to Washington from the Pacific coast. So it was
thought best to send this committee out here to get the facts. _
Before I proceed, Mr. Mayor, will you state who you have with you,
for the benefit of the record?
Mayor Rossi. Chief Dullea, chief of police of San Francisco, Mr.
Florence McAuliffe, chairman of the morale committee of the civilian
defense committee, and Mr. Leland Cutler, who is chairman of the
subcommittee of the morale committee.
The Chairman. Thank you. We would like to say to you that we
realize that San Francisco is only one of a large number of cities on the
10965
10966 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
west and east coasts which face some dislocations in their economic
life because of the enemy alien problem. All of us, of course, are in
firm support of President Roosevelt and his Executive order of yester-
day, but we feel as Congressmen that these problems, which must be
considered first from the military standpoint, have a number of other
aspects which require public discussion. For example, evacuation
orders seriously affect the economic life of various communities and
will in many areas create artificial labor shortages of a temporary
nature. In addition, there is the social question of the sort of labor
which evacuees should be required to undertake, where they should
be located, and what Federal agencies are best able to handle their
evacuation.
In addition, there is the question of whether there is need for a
flexible policy of exceptions which will have to be made to any general
wholesale evacuation order. It would seem impossible to treat alien
mothers of soldiers in the United States Army in the same way as
dangerous enemy aliens.
Another aspect of the far-reaching ramifications of evacuation orders
is the question of what will happen to the property of aliens. You can
see, therefore, that there are many aspects of the removal of aliens or
other persons from military areas which demand very careful and
serious attention on the part of public officials and of Congress.
In other words, Mr. Mayor, it has been shown in other countries
and will be shown here, I am sure, that you cannot separate civilian
morale from Army and Navy morale. We have all got to work to-
gether. Now, I understand that you have a brief prepared statement
that you would like to read at this time.
Mayor Rossi. I have, Mr. Tolan.
The Chairman. So you may proceed.
Mayor Rossi. I shall be very happy to read this statement.
[Reading:]
At the outset I wish the members of this committee to know that
I consider the alien problem to be one that is definitely under Federal
jurisdiction. This conclusion is confirmed by the Executive order
issued yesterday afternoon by President Roosevelt.
Heretofore, the officials of San Francisco have been informed by
Federal authorities that it was not only a Federal problem but that
it wa& one to which they, themselves, intended to and would give
exclusive attention. Although heed was given to this admonition,
nevertheless, whenever requested, full cooperation has been furnished
to the Federal authorities by the officials of San Francisco, particularly
by those connected with its police department.
While I am glad to furnish this committee with my views upon this
most important subject — important to the individual involved, as
well as to the city, State and Nation — I can readily appreciate that
any opinion expressed by me must and undoubtedly will be assumed
to be my personal opinion. However, my consideration of the
problems here involved has led me to form certain rather definite
conclusions.
EFFECT OF EVACUATION ON RESIDENTS
I am of the belief that the seriousness of having alien enemies in
our midst is self-evident. Their presence might not only affect the
property of our citizenry and our Government but it might also
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10967
affect the very lives and welfare of all of our people. The problem
is a most difficult one, but we are living in times when a delicate
problem must be firmly dealt with. It is true that the recent drastic
measures against enemy aliens have caused great anxiety and distress
among this group of people. It is true also that as a result of these
measures many San Francisco families will be deprived of their
livelihood. Many families will have to abandon their homes, their
businesses, and their occupations ; parents will have to abandon their
children and go elsewhere. The great majority of noncitizens in
this area is made up of elderly men and women whom I believe for
the most part to be industrious, peaceful and law-abiding residents of
this community. Most of them have native-born children. Many
of them have sons in the armed forces and both sons and daughters
engaged in defense industries and civilian defense activities. It is
the well-considered opinion of many that most of these people are
entirely loyal to this Nation; are in accord with its form of Govern-
ment, believe in its ideals and have an affection for its traditions and
that under no circumstances would they engage in any subversive
activities or conduct.
It has been said that the measures which are proposed to be taken
against these aliens, instead of making for national solidarity and
unity of effort in this emergency may cause dissatisfaction and resent-
ment among those of alien parentage. In my opinion all of the above-
mentioned elements should be given serious consideration before any
more drastic measures are taken. In my opinion the above-mentioned
facts apply particularly to the German and Italian alien problems.
Their problems should be considered separately from those of the
Japanese.
The Japanese situation should be given immediate attention. It
admits of no delay. The activities of the Japanese saboteurs and
fifth columnists in Honolulu and on the battle fronts in the Pacific
have forced me to the conclusion that every Japanese alien should be
removed from this community. I am also strongly of the conviction
that Japanese who are American citizens should be subjected to a
more detailed and all-encompassing investigation. After investiga-
tion, if it is found that these citizens are not loyal to this country they,
too, should be removed from the community.
The general statements I made at the outset, I repeat, pertain
mainly to persons of German and Italian origin, many of whom are
engaged in business, occupations pursued by them for years, the
character of some of which necessarily enters into the welfare of San
Francisco. The great majority of these aliens likewise have children,
most of whom were born, reared, and educated in this community and
are law-abiding citizens.
It must be obvious that if these alien residents about whom I have
just made mention are moved from San Francisco, separated from
their children and families, and deprived of the occupations in which
they are now and for years have been engaged, they will be subjected
to extreme hardship, mental distress, and suffering.
My opinion is that such results should be avoided, and that evacu-
ation of Axis aliens, other than Japanese, should be avoided unless
deemed imperative. If immediate removal is deemed necessary, as
quickly thereafter as is conveniently practical, such aliens should be
10968 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
permitted to make application to resume their former places of resi-
dence (other than in prohibited areas) and their present occupations
and such applications should be heard by some appropriate tribunal
which could quickly and intelligently determine the same, and that
in the event such applicant is found to be a person of loyalty and
integrity, the desired permit be issued, subject, however, to such
restrictions as might be deemed necessary.
EFFECT ON COMMUNITY OF EVACUATION OF WORKERS
It is my belief that what may happen to German and Italian aliens
on and after February 24, 1942, as a result of their removal from this
community should be given immediate consideration. I believe that
some satisfactory and equitable solution of the problems that under
such circumstances will arise should be immediately brought about.
I refer particularly to fishermen, janitors, garbage collectors, produce
and vegetable workers in markets, and the alien workers in various
other fields of human activity, all of whom will have to be provided
with special permits in order to enable them to carry on their occu-
pations and engage in the conduct of their business after 9 p. m. if
the ordinary commercial routine of our city is to be maintained. Aside
from these manual workers there are a number of aliens engaged in
the practice of then professions who likewise will be affected by the
9 p. m. regulations to which attention should be given.
In my opinion, in order to avoid injustice being done, the investi-
gation of such individual case of German and Italian aliens is abso-
lutely necessary.
I believe it is appropriate that I should advise this committee that
we have in our community many outstanding citizens of high stand-
ing of all nationalities. These citizens are willing to cooperate in
every possible way to assist the duly constituted authorities in solv-
ing the problems above mentioned and would be glad to act upon
request. The Department of Morale of the Civilian Defense Council
is in touch with these citizens and will gladly recommend to the
proper officials their names.
I wish to urge upon this committee the necessity of executing every
effort to bring about an increase in the staffs of the local Federal
Bureau of Investigation, of the Department of Naturalization, and
the Department of Immigration. Each of these departments is con-
fronted with an enormous task. At the present time all these de-
partments are understaffed. The dependency of this community
upon these three organizations is enormous.
Gentlemen, I submit these thoughts to you and if you are desirous
of more detail than I have been able to outline, I believe it would be
well to call upon either Mr. Florence M. McAuliffe, chief of the
morale service of the San Francisco Civilian Defense Council, or Mr.
Leland W. Cutler, chairman of the subcommittee of the morale serv-
ice on racial and national problems in San Francisco. His committee
has been studying this problem for some time past. I am reliably
informed that Attorney General Earl Warren, who is the chief law-
enforcement officer of the State of California, has personally pursued
an intensive investigation with respect to the alien problem in this
State, and that during the last few days he has personally commu-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10969
nicated by teletype with a large number of peace officers located at
various places throughout California for the purpose of obtaining
their views respecting the subject matter of this inquiry. My under-
standing is that this information has already been obtained by him.
It is my opinion that, through Attorney General Warren, reliable in-
formation can be obtained respecting many of the matters which are
here involved. Moreover, his personal views and judgment should be
of great value.
As outlined in your letter, this committee is desirous of determining
whether a coordinated policy is being followed in which all units of
government — local, State, and Federal — are participating. This state-
ment can best be made by Charles W. Dullea, chief of police of the
city and county of San Francisco and local coordinator and director
of civilian defense. It is my suggestion that you call upon Chief
Dullea for such facts as are within his knowledge. [Ends reading.]
The Chairman. I think, Mr. Mayor, that we will hear all of your
testimony first, and then if the other gentlemen on the panel have
anything' they desire to say, they will be heard. Regarding Attorney
General Warren, he is here now and will follow you on the stand.
Now, Mr. Mayor, the committee is much interested in your state-
ment, particularly in regard to the effect of the present evacuation
orders on various sections of the San Francisco population. Can you
tell us something more about the effect on fishermen, on janitors,
scavengers, and other occupational groups in the city affected by the
order? Is there anything you want to add?
Mayor Rossi. Well, Mr. Chairman, I probably could add to the
general statement which I have made, but I understand that Mr.
Chauncey Tramutulo is to be a witness later. He has all those facts
and figures as to the number of aliens employed in those particular
locations.
SYSTEM OF APPEALS SUGGESTED
The Chairman. Thank you for that suggestion, because we don't
want duplication. We have a full clay's work. As I understand it,
Mr. Mayor, in your statement you have suggested the establishment
of some system of appeal by which each case could be reviewed so that
loyal aliens and citizens evacuated from military areas could be per-
mitted to return to their civilian occupation. Do you believe that
such a system is necessary in order to give us a flexible approach to
the handling of this problem?
Mayor Rossi. There is no question about that.
The Chairman. You think that the right of appeal would be a good
idea?
Mayor Rossi. Yes; and federally constituted authorities should set
up such a tribunal.
The Chairman. Without going into too much detail, could you tell
us of any hardship cases that you think might result here on account
of the evacuation order?
Mayor Rossi. I am satisfied that Mr. McAuliffe or Mr. Cutler,
who have made a study of this problem for the past year, can best
answer that question.
The Chairman. Fine. Do you know, Mr. Mayor, if any plans
have been made regarding the disposition of property here as a result
of the evacuation?
10970 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mayor Rossi. You mean insofar as the aliens are concerned?
The Chairman. Yes. Is there an office of the Alien Property
Custodian on the west coast in San Francisco that you know of?
Mayor Rossi. Not that I know of.
TESTIMONY OF CHARLES W. DULIEA, CHIEF OF POLICE OF THE
CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Chief Dullea. The property that was recently taken up as a
result of a Federal order, that is, the radios and cameras, are held in
custody by the police and they are in the process of being; turned over
to the United States marshal. United States Marshal Vice is going
to take them over. I don't think there is an alien property custodian
here.
The marshal is making arrangements to take over now. We are
holding about 6,000 pieces.
The Chairman. It also occurs to me at this time that there is such
property as furniture, livestock, and things of that kind. But you
don't know of any regional office here so far, do you? I may say to
you, Chief, that we tried to ascertain just what the set-up was yester-
day by telephoning Washington. However, we intend to get first-
hand information about just what has been done and what should be
done. It is going to be a terrific problem, is it not?
Chief Dullea. Well, I can tell you all I know. In the surrender of
the cameras and the radios, approximately 6,000 pieces were taken into
possession by the police and they are being held at our district stations
until such time as the marshal can take them over.
The Chairman. As the larger evacuation takes place, the property
taken will be greatly in excess of radios.
Chief Dullea. This was a minor surrender.
The Chairman. Don't you think that there should be a regional
office here in San Francisco for that purpose? Don't you think that
there should be a regional office here of the Alien Property Custodian?
Chief Dullea. I know the property of the aliens should be protected
and taken into custody.
The Chairman. Mr. Mayor, I might ask you this question. Has
there been any confusion in the authority or coordination of the agen-
cies here in San Francisco ?
Mayor Rossi. None that I know of.
The Chairman. As far as you know, they are working in harmony?
Mayor Rossi. Absolutely. And, as I say, Chief Dullea has been
working with the State and Federal authorities, cooperating with them
in every possible way.
The Chairman. Mr. Cutler, was there anything that you wanted
to add at this time?
TESTIMONY OF LELAND W. CUTLER, CHAIRMAN OF THE SUB-
COMMITTEE OF THE MORALE SERVICE ON RACIAL AND NA-
TIONAL PROBLEMS IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Cutler. The members of my committee, which deals directly
with the racial and nationality groups and the alien problem, would
without exception endorse fully everything that Mayor Rossi reported.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10971
I know the great relief he felt in the Executive order of the President
yesterday, which expressed the opinion of the community without ques-
tion. The only thing that we hope for is that there be great flexibility
in dealing with the problem of the regulations concerning these aliens
after 9 o'clock at night, who have a great deal to do with the routine
business of our city. It is very important that there should be great
flexibility.
But as to the different treatment of the Germans and Italians and
Japanese, we also agree very fully with the mayor's attitude on that.
However, we do stress the advisability of flexibility.
The Chairman. Do any of you gentlemen know anything about
Maurice Harrison's committee? I just heard about that this morn-
ing.
Mr. Cutler. Under Attorney General Biddle there was set up a
commission of which Mr. Ira Lillick was the chairman, and Mr.
Maurice Harrison a member, both attorneys, and Mr. Marshall Dill.
This committee heard immediate cases which came before them and
made the decision as to whether those cases should be interned or set
free. They worked very steadily at it for a period of months and dis-
posed of a great many immediate cases.
I think the mayor had in mind a similar committee which might
be set up by the Federal Government to take care of these cases.
Is that substantially correct, Mr. Mayor and Mr. McAuliffe?
Mayor Rossi. That is correct.
Mr. McAuliffe. That is correct.
TESTIMONY OF FLORENCE M. McAULIFFE, CHIEF OF THE MORALE
SERVICE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CIVILIAN DEFENSE COUNCIL,
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. McAuliffe. If I may interrupt right there, I believe that the
mayor's statement is all-inclusive and states the opinion of San
Francisco. The only supplemental remark I would make is this:
That we in San Francisco know we are in a theater of war operations
and know that the general of the Fourth Corps Area is our com-
manding officer, and nothing that we say here today should be inter-
preted as making any suggestions of a military nature of any kind.
We are quite content to take his leadership. We do, however, believe
that if some steps could be taken to put a tribunal of some kind, either
under the Army or under some other agency of the Government, to
pass on these worthy cases of alien citizens so that particular harm
shall not be done to good citizens of San Francisco or their children
and their dependents, that would break a bottleneck and would not
in any way interfere with the orderly affairs of the Army in this
district.
The Chairman. In other words, after the war is over we still have
to live in tins country, don't we?
Mr. McAuliffe. Correct.
The Chairman. Chief, is there anything else you have to offer?
60306— 42— pt. 20-
10972 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
COOPERATION BETWEEN STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES
Chief Dullea. No; only that I want to repeat what the mayor said
as to the cooperation that exists between the local police and the
State and Federal agencies. We work in the closest cooperative spirit
and absolute harmony, interchanging ideas and assistance. The
F. B. I. and some other agencies are not as strongly manned as local
police departments and they frequently call upon us for manpower,
as they did this morning. It is no longer a secret, but we have about
150 men working right at this minute with the F. B. I. on a round-up
here in San Francisco. They reported at 8 o'clock this morning.
The Chairman. Yes, Chief. We have heard about your good work
away back in Washington.
Chief Dullea. Thank you.
The Chairman. Is there anything else, gentlemen? If not, we will
excuse you and with deep appreciation on the part of the committee.
Mr. Sparkman. There is one question, Mayor, that I want to ask
you gentlemen before you leave.
I was interested in the suggestion that all of you made with reference
to some tribunal to review these cases in order to lend flexibility to
the enforcement of any evacuation that we have. What would that
tribunal be? Would it be civilian or military?
Mr. McAuliffe. That would be up to General DeWitt. What-
ever he said would be satisfactory to this community.
Mr. Sparkman. That is what I wanted to be certain about. In
other words, you would advocate flexibility, but you would leave the
whole thing up to the one who has charge of the defenses of the area?
Mr. McAuliffe. Yes.
The Chairman. Are you all in agreement with that?
Mr. Cutler. We are.
Mr. McAuliffe. That is correct. We are all in concurrence with
that. The only recommendation that Mayor Rossi makes in his
statement is that any assistance that the authorities desire, we are
prepared to give. We have a group of people in San Francisco who
are quite all right. They can render valuable assistance if asked for.
Mr. Sparkman. But you would leave final enforcement entirely to
the person who has final responsibility for the defense of this area?
Mayor Rossi. Absolutely.
Mr. Cutler. Without any questions whatever.
Air. Sparkman. I wanted to be sure that we were clear on that.
Mayor Rossi. There is no question about that.
The Chairman. I want to say before you gentlemen go that this
committee hasn't any idea of coming out here and dictating to the
Army any more than you have, but the Army and the Navy and the
Department of Justice in Washington waiited us to come out here
and get the views of the people of the Pacific coast, as they may be of
great assistance to the Army. That is our position and I think that
is your position, too, is it not?
Mayor Rossi. That is right.
Chief Dullea. Right.
The Chairman. Thank you very much. We appreciate your com-
ing here. It is going to be a very valuable contribution.
Mayor Rossi. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, we
appreciate you gentlemen coming out here to get the facts at first-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10973
hand, and we consider it a privilege to appear before you. If you wish
any further information we would be very happy to give it to you.
The Chairman. I would say, furthermore, if there is anything that
occurs to you as a result of the hearings here in San Francisco that you
think should go in the record, we will hold it open for you.
Mayor Rossi. Thank you very much.
The Chairman. Mr. Warren.
TESTIMONY OF HON. EARL WARREN, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
The Chairman. Attorney General Warren, will you be seated
please? I want to say to you that we appreciate your coming here
because we think that you have some very valuable information.
We shall give you the widest latitude. We are not here to cross-
examine any witnesses — not that you could not take care of your-
self. I found out 25 years ago that in the trial of a lawsuit you
take very good care of yourself. But we do want to get the thought
over to you gentlemen that you are to proceed in your own way.
The statement you submitted will be incorporated in the record at
this point.
(Statement referred to above is as follows:)
STATEMENT BY HON. EARL WARREN, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Location of Japanese in California as Shown by Maps of the Counties
Early in February 1942, I requested the district attorneys of those counties of
the State having a Japanese population to have prepared maps of their counties
showing all lands owned, occupied, or controlled by Japanese, including American-
born Japanese as well as Japanese aliens. The district attorneys, with the
assistance of their sheriffs, county agricultural commissioners, and county and
city assessors, have now completed such maps for the following counties of the
State :
Alameda
Monterey
Santa Cruz
Butte
Napa
Shasta
Colusa
Placer
Solano
Contra Costa
Plumas
Sonoma
Fresno
Sacramento
Stanislaus
Glenn
San Diego
Sutter
Humboldt
San Francisco
Tehama
Kings
San Joaquin
Tulare
Madera
San Luis Obispo
Ventura
Marin
San Mateo
Yolo
Mendocino
Santa Barbara
Yuba
Merced
Santa Clara
The originals of these maps are in my possession and duplicates have been
retained by the district attorney in each county.
An inspection of these maps shows a disturbing situation. It shows that
along the coast from Marin County to the Mexican border virtually every im-
portant strategic location and installation has one or more Japanese in its imme-
diate vicinity. The same situation exists in those counties of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin Valleys that have any considerable Japanese population, and
in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties.
I am attaching to this extension of my testimony as exhibit A a list of some of
the particular points where Japanese are immediately adjacent to strategic
points as shown by the maps of counties of California. This list, lengthy though
it is, by no means includes all such points. It does not even include all such
points shown on the maps. It is intended to be merely illustrative and not
10974 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
exhaustive. In addition, it should be understood that for obvious reasons the
maps do not show our coastal defense and very few of our war industries. That
there are Japanese in the immediate vicinity of many such establishments is
unquestionably the fact. The sheriff of one coastal county has reported to me
that in his county Japanese farmers are working within a grenade throw of coast-
defense guns; and the sheriff of another that it is necessary to pass through the
yards of three Japanese farmers to reach certain coast-defense installations
located in his county. That our war industries also have numerous Japs in
their vicinity is, I believe, quite clear from the file of letters from law enforcement
officers in all parts of the State.
Notwithstanding the fact that the county maps showing the location of Japanese
lands have omitted most coastal defenses and war industries, still it is plain from
them that in our coastal counties, from Point Reyes south, virtually every feasible
landing beach, air field, railroad, highway, powerhouse, power line, gas storage
tank, gas pipe line, oil field, water reservoir or pumping plant, water conduit,
telephone transmission line, radio station, and other points of strategic importance
have several — and usually a considerable number — of Japanese in their immediate
vicinity. The same situation prevails in all of the interior counties that have any
considerable Japanese population.
I do not mean to suggest that it should be thought that all of these Japanese
who are adjacent to strategic points are knowing parties to some vast conspiracy
to destroy our State by sudden and mass sabotage. Undoubtedly, the presence
of many of these persons in their present locations is mere coincidence, but it
would seem equally beyond doubt that the presence of others is not coincidence.
It would seem difficult, for example, to explain the situation in Santa Barbara
County by coincidence alone.
In the northern end of that county is Camp Cook where, I am informed, the
only armored division on the Pacific coast will be located. The only practical
entrance to Camp Cook is on the secondary road through the town of Lompoc.
The maps show this entrance is flanked with Japanese property, and it is impossible
to move a single man or a piece of equipment in or out of Camp Cook without
having it pass under the scrutiny of numerous Japanese. I have been informed
that the destruction of the bridges along the road to Camp Cook would effectually
bottle up that establishment for an indefinite time, exit to the south being im-
possible because of extremely high mountains and to the north because of a num-
ber of washes with vertical banks 50 to 60 feet deep. There are numerous
Japanese close to these bridges.
Immediately north of Camp Cook is a stretch of open beach ideally suited for
landing purposes, extending for 15 or 20 miles, on which almost the only inhabi-
tants are Japanese.
Throughout the Santa Maria Valley and including the cities of Santa Maria
and Guadalupe every utility, airfield, bridge, telephone, and power line or other
facility of importance is flanked by Japanese, and they even surround the oil fields
in this area. Only a few miles south, however, is the Santa Ynez Valley, an area
equally as productive agriculturally as the Santa Maria Valley and with lands
equally available for purchase and lease, but without any strategic installations
whatever. There are no Japanese in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Similarly, along the coastal plain of Santa Barbara County from Gaviota south,
the entire plain, though narrow, is subject to intensive cultivation. Yet the only
Japanese in this area are located immediately adjacent to such widely separated
points as the El Capitan oil field, Elwood oil field, Summerland oil field, Santa
Barbara Airport, and Santa Barbara Lighthouse and Harbor entrance, and there
are no Japanese on the equally attractive lands between these points.
Such a distribution of the Japanese population appears to manifest something
more than coincidence. But, in any case, it is certainly evident that the Japanese
population of California is, as a whole, ideally situated, with reference to points of
strategic importance, to carry into execution a tremendous program of sabotage
on a mass scale should any considerable number of them be inclined to do so.
The problems of a law-enforcement officer presented by this situation can only
be appreciated when it is remembered that law enforcement officers do not know
which of these Japanese are American citizens and which are aliens.
JAPANESE ORGANIZATIONS
An additional factor in the danger and one which would probably not be
apparent to persons unfamiliar with the California Japanese lies in the fact that
the Japanese in this State are very closely organized. There are a large number
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10975
of Japanese organizations covering every branch of life. There are Japanese
agricultural, commercial, educational, social, religious, and patriotic associations
in every Japanese community. Almost every Japanese in the State is included
in one or more of these organizations.
The actions of individual Japanese have been in the past very largely controlled
by the organizations to which they belong. Although the several organizations
in Japanese communities are concerned with different fields of activity, they are
all quite closely integrated by means of interlocking directorates and officers,
honorary advisers, and interlocking membership among the ordinary members.
This organizational machinery, reaching as it does into every phase of Japanese
life and exercising very real control over the actions and conduct of most of the
Japanese in the State, is a type of organization that is ideally adapted to carrying
out a plan for mass sabotage. If the leadership of the main Japanese organizations
fell into the wrong hands, it is quite conceivable that some, though certainly not
all, of the Japanese organizations could be utilized for carrying on a program of
sabotage and fifth-column activity.
State and local law enforcement authorities have no other knowledge of the
purposes and objectives of Japanese organizations than what has been acquired
from common experience with the Japanese in their several communities, the
investigation of all subversive matters having been left to the Federal Bureau
of Investigation in accord with the request of the President. However, the inter-
relationship of the many Japanese associations and their control over the Japanese
population of the State has been a matter of general knowledge and has been
apparent from items appearing in the Japanese newspapers. These Japanese
newspaper items also show that in the past years there has been a close relation-
ship between Japanese associations in California and parent or governmental
organizations in Japan and that on many occasions the associations in California
have contributed to and assisted in the war effort of the Japanese Government.
While we have no complete information as to the number of Japanese organiza-
tions existing in California, Japanese sources indicate that the number is large.
Thus the public press carried an item from Tokyo April 25, 1941, to the effect
that the Japanese "Central Council of Overseas Organizations announced that
there are 2,700 Japanese organizations in the United States, representatives of
which will meet for a convention in Tokyo in November 1941."
The organization of Japanese in California follows a quite definite pattern.
The associations are almost invariably broken down into very small units, de-
pendent upon geographical location and graduating into larger and larger units
of the association until all are embraced in at least a State-wide organization.
A typical example is the Japanese Association of the Gardena Valley which at
first glance would appear to be a very small organization. It is composed,
however, of a large number of other smaller organizations and thus includes
within its control a very large number of persons. At the same time it is a
component of larger district and State organizations. The true situation appears
from a petition filed by the Japanese Association of Gardena Valley under «date
of September 4, 1932, directed to the Administrator of the National Industrial
Recovery Act, disclosing that the association represents some 11 vegetable
growers' associations in Gardena Valley, consisting of approximately 1,200
members.
Similarly, a resolution adopted on September 2, 1934, by the Japanese Vege-
table Growers of Orange and Los Angeles Counties, protesting against certain
provisions of the Code of Fair Competition for the Wholesale Fresh Fruit and
Vegetable Distributive Industries in the cities of Vernon and Los Angeles,
shows the resolution to have been signed by a large number of Japanese, each
of whom in turn was the representative of a smaller Japanese organization, the
total number of individuals who are members of all of the associations being of
necessity quite large. In this case the resolution was signed by representatives
of the following Japanese organizations:
Irvine Farmers Association.
San Fernando Industrial Association.
Long Beach Farmers Association.
Growers Association of San Gabriel Valley.
Vista Vegetable Growers Association.
Orange County Japanese Association.
Garden Grape and Berry Growers Association.
Nippon-California Farmers Association.
Burbank Farmers Association.
10976 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Laguna Beach Farmers Association.
Norwalk Farmers Association.
Industrial Association of Montebello.
Growers Association of San Pedro.
Japanese Association of Gardena Valley.
Lomita and Walteria Industrial Association.
Santa Ana Garden Grove Japanese Association.
San Gabriel Valley Japanese Association.
The Japanese social, cultural, and educational associations have a similar
integrated structure. At the top of the pyramid is the Japanese Association of
America in Northern California and the Japanese Central Association in Southern
California. The connection between these associations and the Japanese Govern-
ment has always been very close. The Japanese Association of America was
organized many j~ears ago and its bylaws provide:
"Article 3. This association is organized by the local Japanese association
under the jurisdiction of the Japanese consulate general of San Francisco."
That the Japanese associations as organizations have in the past supported
and aided the military campaigns of the Japanese Government is beyond doubt.
The contributions of these associations toward the Japanese war effort have been
freely published in Japanese papers throughout California. Some of these news-
paper items are as follows:
"March 13, 1941. — Thirty-two bales of tinfoil were shipped to Japan through
the Japanese consulate general and were contributed by Japanese associations
of Fresno County, Kern County, Delano, and San Bernardino.
"July 6, 1941. — Central California Japanese Association announces the col-
lection and transmission to the War Ministry of the sum of $3,542.05.
"March 6, 1938. — G. Yoshida, San Francisco Japanese Association, yesterday
sent 400 pounds of tinfoil, making a record total of 2,800 pounds of tinfoil which
he has collected, according to the records of the consul general's office."
The Japanese Veterans Association was similarly engaged:
"March 20, 1941. — It is announced that the War Veterans Associations in
Japan, Germany, and Italy, in keeping with the spirit of the Axis Treaty, have
formed joint and advisory committees to aid and establish the new world order.
There are 3y2 million veterans and reservists, headed by General Irnei, who have
pledged their cooperation to Axis aims."
"July 6, 1941. The Japanese Veterans Association of America, in its sixty-'
sixth meeting, reported the collection of $5,968.60, making a total of 829,440.34
yen collected and transmitted to Japan for use of the military services, the collec-
tion being from Japanese organizations in the following places: Chico, Monterey,
Tulare, Thornton, Richmond, Sonoma County, Eden Township, Alameda County,
Marin County, Lodi, Mountain View, Alvarado, San Benito County, Contra
Costa County, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Redwood City, Vacaville, San Mateo,
Bingham, Utah, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Pescadero, Salinas, Ogden,
Utah, Reno, Nevada, Honeyville, Rock Springs, Wyoming, Idaho Falls, Idaho,
Salt Lake City."
The same item announces that during the 5 years since the outbreak of the
China incident, the organization has collected 850,000 yen for the aid of Japanese
soldiers and a tremendous number of bundles for Japanese soldiers overseas. It
was announced further that because of the American freezing policy against
Japan it would no longer be possible to transmit relief funds and that the organiza-
tion had decided to disband.
At one time it is said the association numbered 8,000 members and at the meet-
ing at which dissolution was decided upon some 300 representatives were present.
At that meeting it was announced that $2,300 which had not been transmitted to
Japan was caught by the freezing order. The meeting clcsed with the showing
of a Japanese motion picture entitled "Flaming Skies."
This organization sponsored the tour of Maj. G. Tanaka, of the Japanese Army,
and a member of the army general staff, who arrived in San Francisco January 1,
1941, with full uniform, sword, and medals and toured the State lecturing before
various Japanese groups, eventually returning to Japan via New York. While
here, he is reported to have said: "Japan and the United States will go to war
this autumn."
PREFECTURAL ASSOCIATIONS
These associations are composed of natives of a particular prefecture living
in the locality where the association is located. They usually hold annual joint
conventions attended by natives from that particular prefecture, who come from
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10977
all over the United States. There are 21 prefectural societies in San Francisco
alone. These associations, like most other Japanese organizations, have in past
years actively engaged in the collection of money and materials for the Japanese
war effort. Most of these funds are accumulated by the associations as gifts from
members, usually made to commemorate some family occurrence, as a birth, death,
marriage, or departure on a trip, the money being transmitted to Japan. No one
knows how much material and money has been collected by these organizations,
but the Japanese newspapers have been replete for years with items of which the
following are typical:
"March 6, 1938— Mr. Shidgu Oka, on behalf of the Okayama Overseas Associa-
tion, has been appointed by the collection committee and is engaged in collecting
army service funds in San Bernardino from natives of Okayama.
"Visalia, February 13, 1939. — Natives of Hiroshima Prefecture, Anza Dis-
trict, village of Yakki, each contributed $10 to buy bundles for the families of
soldiers sent overseas from the village. The funds were sent to the Japanese
Town Hall in Visalia."
The Japanese produce associations have similarly supported the Japanese
war effort. For example, Japanese papers in 1937 carried the thanks and ac-
knowledgment of the Japanese Minister of War for contributions to army funds of
the Chula Vista Mellon Growers Association as follows:
"Referring to the recent incident and the service funds and packages con-
tributed for the expeditionary forces, I am grateful, and hereby express my most
sincere thanks. Signed General Sugiyama, Minister of War. Dated December
19, 1937.
"July 27, 1941. It was announced that the Niland Produce Association con-
tributed $35 to the Japanese military attache of the Imperial Embassy in Wash-
ington, D. C."
Besides sending financial and material support to Japan, the Japanese associa-
tions have also engaged as organizations, and almost uniformly, in promoting
loyalty to Japan and the Japanese Emperor in the hearts of all Japanese in
California.
In Tokyo, under date of April 25, 1941, the Central Council of Overseas Organi-
zations announced that there are 2,700 Japanese organizations in the United
States, representatives of which will meet for a conference in Tokyo in November
1941. The character of the Central Council of Overseas Organizations is easily
determined from the nature of the Imperial Rule Assistance Association, which
is the most important organization in the central council. The Imperial Rule
Assistance Association is the Japanese Fascist Party and its officers are the present
heads of the Japanese Government. The Japanese papers in California have
from time to time carried news items concerning the Imperial Rule Assistance
Association which are not without significance. For example, under date of
October 11, 1941, it was announced from Tokyo that the association has decided
(1) to assemble and study all reports on the Far Eastern situation; (2) to com-
pletely propagandize the advance Asia idea; (3) to work in cooperative planning;
(4) to arrange to shift a portion of the work to Japanese leaders and organizations
abroad.
On September 4. 1941, the Imperial Rule Assistance Association announced the
formation of a subsidiary organization of Japanese youth over the age of 21 years to
follow the same policy as the parent organization, with branches in every pre-
fecture in Japan, to be formed with the aid of officials of the War, Navy, Home,
and Education Ministries. And on September 7, 1941, the Congress of Japan-
Italian Cultural Society met at Rimini, Italy, the subjects under discussion
including: (1) The Fascist Party and its political functions in the lives of the Italian
people; (2) Japanese nationalists and the function of the Imperial Rule Assistance
Association in the lives of the Japanese people; (3) Japanese youth organizations.
While ostensibly there is no branch of the Imperial Rule Assistance Association
in the United States, an organization in California with similar aims is the Military
Virtue Society of North America, with headquarters at Alvarado, Alameda County,
and a branch office in Tokyo. The purpose of this organization is to instill the
Japanese military code of boshido and to teach fencing and other Japanese military
exercises among the Japanese throughout North America. This organization is
regarded as the most strongly nationalistic Japanese organization in the country
and probably the most dangerous.
Although not organized until 1931, its membership and activities have been
widespread for several years. Simply as illustrative of its wide territorial extent
and rapid spread, is the following item:
"February 13, 1938, Visalia. Yesterday the local branch of the Military
Virtue Society of North America in Dinuba met jointly with four other branches,
10978 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
with all members in attendance. Henceforth meetings will be held Tuesday night
every week. The southern California branch of the Military Virtue Society will on
July 20, beginning at noon in the Koyasan Hall, Los Angeles, hold its yearly
military virtue festival and military (fencing) exercises with groups from places as
follows competing: Brawley, El Centro, Central School of Los Angeles, Uptown
School of Los Angeles, Keystone, Gamita, Redondo Beach, Baldwin, Hawthorne,
El Monte, San Bernardino, Riverside, Coachella, Pasadena, Sawtelle, Santa
Monica, Alpine, Huntington Beach, Oceanside, San Diego, and Chula Vista, in all
numbering 26 groups. A heated contest is anticipated."
The manner in which the Military Virtue Society is closely integrated with other
Japanese organizations, both business and social, is well illustrated by the postal
addresses of some of its branches. For example, in Alvarado, Alameda County,
post office box 215 is the address of the following:
(1) Headquarters, Military Virtue Society of North America.
(2) Kinyai Kumia Finance Association.
(3) Japanese- American News correspondent.
(4) New World Sun correspondent.
(5) Hochi Shimbun correspondent.
(6) Alvarado Japanese School.
(7) Takichi Nakamura (president), Military Virtue Society of North America.
In Sebastopol, post-office box 57 is the address of the following:
(1) Military Virtue Society of North America.
(2) Japanese Sunday school.
(3) Hiroshima Prefectural Society.
(4) Sabura baseball team.
In Suisun, post-office box 252 is the address of:
(1) Militarv Virtue Society of North America.
(2) Mint Grill.
(3) Suisun Fishing Club.
In Auburn, post-office box 57 is the address of:
(1) Military Virtue Society of North America.
(2) Japanese School.
(3) Young Men's Buddhist Association.
(4) Young Women's Buddhist Association.
(5) Buddhist Church.
In Lindsay, 157 Mount Vernon Avenue is the address of:
(1) Military Virtue Society of North America.
(2) Japanese School.
(3) Lindsay Women's Association.
The locations of the regional headquarters of the Military Virtue Society of
North America are:
Southern California area: 230 Terminal Island.
Seattle branch: 503 Main Street.
Fresno area: 832 F Street.
Sacramento area: 1300 Fourth Street.
Another Japanese organizational activity which is worth noting is the Kibei
Shimin movement. The Kibei Shimin movement was sponsored by Japanese
Association of America and had as its policy the encouragement of the return to
America from Japan of American-born Japanese. At the time the movement
commenced it was ascertained that there were around 50,000 American-born
Japanese in Japan. The Japanese Association of America sent representatives to
Japan to confer with prefectural officials on the problems of financing and trans-
portation, and a policy of publicity to induce these Japanese to return to America.
The Japanese Association of America also arranged with the steamship companies
for special rates for groups of 10 or more returning to America and requested all
Japanese associations to secure employment for returning American-born Jap-
anese. In addition, they printed leaflets and sponsored lectures throughout
Japan to urge American-born Japanese to return to this country. That this
campaign was successful in securing the return of a large number of American-born
Japanese is apparent.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10979
Newspaper items such as the following are typical:
"May, 1936. Tatsuki Sahada, president of the Woodland Japanese Associa-
tion, returned to America with several American-born Japanese whose return he
sponsored, and reported on his efforts on behalf of the Kibei movement."
Though born in America, most of the Japanese who have returned to this
country as a result of the Kibei movement are unable to speak English. These
American-born Japanese, educated in Japan, and who have returned to this
country instilled with loyalty to the Emperor and with Japanese patriotic fervor,
have formed an organization of their own known as the Kibei Shimin which is
evidently of considerable size. On February 24, 1941, a San Francisco Japanese
newspaper carried the following item, which gives some idea of the extent of
the Kibei movement:
"The convention committee of the Kibei Shimin, together with representatives
of the Japanese organizations backing them, met at the Japanese Association
Hall in San Francisco to discuss plans for the convention. It was decided to have
a contest for a 50-word slogan for the convention for which prizes would be given.
Slogans should be mailed to the Kibei Shimin convention, 1623 Webster Street,
San Francisco."
That Japanese in California are thoroughly conscious of and interested in their
relationship to military figures in Japan is illustrated by the following item:
[The Japanese-American News]
"San Francisco, August 14, 1941.— Admiral Neimi, commander and chief of
our squadron dispatched to the South Pacific, and upon whose shoulders rests the
full power of the Japanese Navy and pressure in the South Pacific, has relatives in
Fowler we heard. After seeking and looking for them it was disclosed that in
the area lived a farmer by name of Akira Soraoka. We heard from his wife,
'He is our younger cousin, not our brother. Three years ago Neimi was attached
to the party of Prince Chichibu and attended the crowning of the former King
George VI of England, and on his way through the United States back to Japan
we saw him in Fresno, and later received from the admiral's elder sister Mineko
detailed letters about our birthplace and about the admiral. Seich is a good man
and we did not think he would go to the front. However, having been entrusted
with great national responsibility, we pray from a distance that he will live com-
pletely free from accident.' "
There are also Japanese organizations devoted to the worship of particular per-
sons. For example, the Meiji Kai, which is devoted to the worship of Emperor
Meiji. Also the Togo Kai, devoted to the worship of Admiral Togo and holding
observances, particularly on the 10th day of August, in commemoration of the
Battle of the Japan Sea. This society has headquarters in Japan and branches
throughout the United States; in San Francisco the Togo Society being at 1860
Buchanan Street; in Sacramento at 1309>2 Fourth Street. At the same address in
Sacramento is also located the Japanese Association of Sacramento, the Sacra-
mento Produce Association, and the Sacramento Sewing School. The personnel
of the Togo Kai is thought to be composed mainly of former naval officers and
reserve officers.
Another important Japanese organization existing in California is the Japanese
Tourist Bureau, which, at the suggestion of the Imperial Rule Assistance Asso-
ciation, changed its name to the East Asia Travel Agency. This organization
is a subsidiary of the board of tourist industries operating under the Japanese
Ministry of Communications. It maintained agencies in a number of cities in
the United States, usually in connection with Japanese transportation companies.
It published a series of pamphlets in English on Japan, Japanese art, culture, etc.,
and made available motion-picture films through the Japanese consulate on Japan.
It also sponsored broadcasts in English from Japan for the benefit of American-
born Japanese.
One of these persons thus sponsored was Kazumaro (Buddy) Uno, an American-
born Japanese formerly on the staff of the New World Sun newspaper. He was
employed by the Japanese Tourist Bureau to travel to Japan, China, Korea, and
Manchukuo, and returned to the United States where he was given office space
in the office of the consulate general in San Francisco, from which headquarters
he made trips over the entire west coast making speeches to groups of American-
born Japanese.
10980 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The significance of these integrated Japanese associations lies in the fact that
through them it is possible for those at the head to exercise control over the
conduct of other Japanese throughout the State. All persons coming into
close contact with the Japanese in California have seen repeated manifestations
of such control. Many examples could be cited. The experience of Mr. Homer
Harris, secretary-manager of the Associated Produce Dealers and Brokers of
Los Angeles, a concern which has one of the largest produce markets in the State,
is typical. In 1939 the commission merchants in his market had under con-
sideration the matter of charging an increased percentage as commission, and
called a mass meeting of commission merchants in the market to consider the
question.
Although more than half of the commission houses in the market were Japanese,
only one Japanese came, and lie was secretary of the Japanese Produce Merchants
Association. The white commission merchants insisted on talking to his members
as being merchants like themselves. The Japanese representative said he would
try to get his people out for the week following. When the day arrived, only one
Japanese merchant appeared with the secretary. However, about 10 days later
the Japanese commission men through their secretary announced a willingness to
increase their commission rate and notices were thereupon sent out to the growers.
A week later the secretary of the Japanese Produce Merchants Association came
back to the white commission men and informed them they could not stand by
their agreement which they had made and signed. When they were asked why
they could not the secretary informed Mr. Harris that although the Japanese
commission men hated to welsh on the agreement they were compelled to do so
by the Central Japanese Association, which was insistent on no increase in com-
missions as a result of representations made to the Central Japanese Association
by the Japanese Southern California Farm Federation, an organization of Japanese
growers. Indeed through his years of experience, Mr. Harris states that every
detail of the business of Japanese commission men in his market is subject to the
control of the Japanese associations, and it has always been evident that no
Japanese can take any action contran^ to the orders and dictates of the Japanese
Associations to which he belongs.
With integrated organizations such as these exercising such complete control
over the conduct of all Japanese in the State, it is quite evident that it would be
extremely easy for those at the top to direct the Japanese throughout the State
and wherever located in a widespread simultaneous campaign of sabotage which
could carry the most serious consequences.
ALIEN LAND LAW
The California alien land law is the only statute available to law-enforcement
officers to meet the situation presented by the presence of Japanese in many
strategic localities. The statute is, however, by no means a complete remedy for
the condition. In some of the most menacing situations the citizenship of the
parties has been found to be such that the alien land law has no application.
However, in spite of its limitations I believe the statute is applicable in enough
serious cases to be of some assistance at least in meeting the law enforcement
problem.
The purpose of the alien land law is to reserve ownership and control of the land,
either to citizens or to those aliens who are eligible to become citizens. The
statute denies to aliens who are ineligible to citizenship the right to acquire or
possess real property or any interest in it except insofar as such rights may be
conferred by a treaty between the alien country and the United States. The
statute declares a conspiracy to violate its terms to be a felony. It also provides
that the interest of any alien in real property held in violation of the terms of the
law shall escheat to the State. These are the only sanctions provided. In pre-
vious efforts to enforce the alien land law great difficulty was experienced because
of the lack of evidence to prove the alien's place of birth from which his lack
of citizenship and ineligibility thereto would appear. In 1927 two sections were
added to the statute which were intended to place upon the defendant-alien the
burden of proving citizenship, but these sections have been held to be uncon-
stitutional by the United States Supreme Court for all practical purposes. It is
to be hoped that the alien registration records of the United States Immigration
and Naturalization Service will be made available for use in evidence in alien land
law cases. I have requested Major Schofield, who is the special assistant to the
United States Attorney General in charge of Immigration and Naturalization
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10981
Service on behalf of all of the law enforcement officers of the State for such per-
mission.
If the alien registration records are not made available no doubt the same
difficulties of proof will be experienced as in former years. On February 2 of
this year, I called a meeting which was attended by the district attorneys and
sheriffs of some 40 counties, at which it was decided that an immediate survey
should be made of the land ownership in each county and that appropriate pro-
ceedings should be commenced in cases where the alien land law was being vio-
lated. The first step in the survey was the preparation of maps for each county
showing all lands owned, leased, or occupied by Japanese. It was not until
these maps were prepared that we realized how thoroughly the Japanese had
infiltrated themselves into every strategic spot in our coastal and valley counties.
CONSENSUS OF LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS UPON THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SIT-
UATION AND THE STEPS WHICH SHOULD BE TAKEN TO REMEDY IT
Upon learning that the House Committee Investigating National Defense
Migration desired to ascertain the nature and extent of the law-enforcement
problem arising from the presence of enemy aliens in California, I wrote to all
sheriffs, district attorneys, and chiefs of police in the larger cities of the State,
asking their views on the matter, and particularly on —
1. What, in your opinion, is the extent of the danger by way of sabotage and
fifth-column activities in your jurisdiction and in the State as a whole arising
from the presence of enemy aliens?
2. Do you believe that the danger can be adequately controlled by treating
all enemy aliens alike regardless of nationality, or do you believe that we should
differentiate among them as to nationality?
3. What protective measures do you believe should be taken with reference to
each nationality or with reference to enemy aliens as a whole, in order to elimi-
nate the danger of sabotage and fifth-column activities?
Photostatic copies of the replies received to this inquiry are attached hereto as
exhibit B. These letters make evident, I believe, that it is almost a universal
conviction among law enforcement officers in California that there is grave and
immediate danger of sabotage and fifth-column activities from the Japanese
population and that their removal at once from the vicinity of vital establish-
ments and areas is imperative in order to eliminate such danger. The letters also
express their opinions as to the relative danger from Japanese, German, and
Italian aliens.
THE VIEWS OF FARM ORGANIZATIONS AS TO THE EFFECT UPON CALIFORNIA
AGRICULTURE OF THE REMOVAL OF JAPANESE THEREFROM
It seems quite plain that the necessities of the present situation require the
removal of the Japanese from a considerable portion if not from all of California.
Such a course will obviously have a definite effect upon agriculture in this State.
While I do not feel qualified to prophesy on this subject, I have been asked to
present to the committee the view of a considerable number of farm organizations
which are undoubtedly so qualified. Consequently, I am attaching hereto as
exhibit C photostatic copies of letters expressing the views of the Grower-Shipper
Vegetable Association of Salinas, Western Growers' Protective Association of Los
Angeles, Associated Produce Dealers and Brokers of Los Angeles, and the Farm
Bureaus of Butte County, Fresno County, Imperial County, Kern County, Los
Angeles County, Merced County, Orange County, Riverside County, Sacramento
County, San Bernardino County, San Joaquin County, Siskiyou County, Solano
County, Sonoma County, Stanislaus County, Sutter County, Tulare County,
Yolo County, and Yuba County. While these letters must speak for themselves,
the organizations are consistently of the opinion that the removal of Japanese
from California would have an appreciable but not a serious effect upon California
agriculture.
CONCLUSION
During these difficult times State and local law-enforcement officers have
uniformly received the finest cooperation from the Intelligence Services of the
United States Navy and the United States Army, as well as from the Federal
Bureau of Investigation. This latter organization, charged as it is with our
internal security, and our protection against espionage and sabotage, has had a
tremendous task and one of peculiar difficulty in California by reason of the very
10982 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
large number of aliens here, and the numerous vital war industries and defense
installations. Those of us who are sufficiently close to law-enforcement work to
realize the size and intricacies of the problem and the difficulties of investigation
with which the Federal Bureau of Investigation has had to contend are of the
opinion that the Bureau has always been on the alert, diligent in its efforts,
cooperative with State and local authorities, and has done the best job possible
under the circumstances to protect our State against all subversive activities.
Exhibit A. — Particular Points Where Japanese Are Immediately Adjacent
to Strategic Points in Counties of California
alameda county
Japs adjacent to new Livermore Military Airport.
Japs adjacent to Southern Pacific and Western Pacific Railroads.
Japs in vicinity of Oakland Airport.
Japs in vicinity of Holt Caterpillar Tractor Co., San Leandro.
Many Japs along Western Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroad rights-of-way.
Many Japs on the approaches to the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.
Many Japs on the approaches to the Dumbarton Bridge, including the high-
way bridge, Southern Pacific and Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct Bridges.
Japs adjacent to the sugar refinery near Alvarado.
Four Japs directly on the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, and many more in close
vicinity.
Eight or ten Japs within 1 mile of the western portal of the Hetch Hetchy
Tunnel.
BAY CITIES
Heavy sprinkling of Japs in west Berkeley in vicinity of numerous defense
industries.
Heavy sprinkling of Japs in west Oakland in the vicinity of industries and the
United States naval depot.
In south Oakland, Japs in the vicinity of Moore Ship Yards, Southern Pacific
and Western Pacific shops, and Santa Fe freight yard.
Numerous Japs in Alameda within a few minutes of the naval air base, San
Francisco Bay Airdrome and Bethlehem shipyards.
BUTTE COUNTY
Jap adjacent to Chico airport.
Two Japs along Cherokee Canal and Northern Canal.
Japs in the vicinity of numerous highway and railroad bridges near Gridley,
Biggs, Oroville, and Chico.
Numerous Japs in the vicinity of vital Feather River levees between Gridley
and Oroville.
COLUSA COUNTY
Jap within 2 miles of East Park Reservoir Dam.
Numerous Japs on vital Sacramento River levees in the neighborhood of Colusa
and Grimes.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Numerous Japs on Webb tract, Holland tract, Orward tract, all of which
are inflammable islands enclosed by levees.
Numerous Japs on main line Santa Fe Railroad in the vicinity of Oakley and
on Southern Pacific main line in the vicinity of Brentwood and Byron.
Japs adjacent to highway bridge across San Joaquin River between Byron and
Stockton.
Japs in vicinity of California Cap Works and within 2 miles of Richmond
shipyards, Ford Motor Co., Standard Oil refinery, Standard Oil tank farm, and
Giant powder works.
Four Japs within 2 miles of Broadway low level highway tunnel.
Japs within 1 mile of Lafayette Dam.
Jap within 1 mile of St. Mary's College to be used as a Navy training school.
Jap at mouth of vital Santa Fe tunnel, Glen Frazer.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10983
Numerous Japs within 2 miles of very high Santa Fe viaduct at Muir.
Numerous Japs within a few miles of Shell Oil refinery at Martinez.
Numerous Japs within a few miles of Associated Oil refinery at Avon.
Numerous Japs adjacent to air port at Concord, power station at Concord, and
Cowell Portland Cement Co.
FRESNO COUNTY
Japanese located adjacent to the Shell Oil tank farm in the Coalinga oil field.
Three Japanese tracts owned by the State Farm Co., adjacent to the main
line railroad, main north and south telephone line, and Tidewater Associated
Oil Co. pipe line. This corporation is known to have engaged in shipping farm
machinery, under subterfuges, to Manchukuo.
A number of Japanese not far from the new Fnant Dam.
A tremendous dispersal of Japanese throughout the Fresno area, with in-
numerable roads giving access to main facilities, including railroads, highways,
telephone lines, pipe lines, Chandler Airport, and Hammond Field Airport.
KINGS COUNTY
Japanese oil company in Kettleman Hills oil fields.
Jap in vicinity of Kettleman oil fields.
Jap adjacent to Kings River Bridge close to Southern California Gas Co. pipe
line and near Lemoore air base.
MADERA COUNTY
Jap adjacent to Madera City waterworks, and Pacific Gas & Electric sub-
station.
Japs in close vicinity to highway and railway bridge across the Fresno River.
Japanese in vicinity of important warehouses.
MARIN COUNTY
Japs in Sausalito close to Fort Baker, Golden Gate Bridge, with full view of
traffic in and out of San Francisco Bay.
Japanese in Belvedere, with full view of all traffic through Racoon Straits and
San Francisco Bay, and within 1 mile of naval depot at California City.
In Sausalito, Jap across the street from boat works.
Fifteen Japs adjacent to United States Coast Guard station, Drakes Bay,
Point Reyes Lighthouse, United States naval compass station, telephone company
trans-Pacific broadcasting, R. C. A. trans-Pacific broadcasting and United States
Air Force bombing practice range. These people also have immediate access to
25 miles of uninhabited open beach.
Japs along water conduit supplying Hamilton Field.
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Japanese at bridge and important levee at Hopland.
Japanese adjacent to airport at Ukiah.
MERCED COUNTY
Many Japs in vicinity of important railroad and highway bridges across the
Merced River.
MONTEREY COUNTY
Japanese living in close proximity to the highway bridge across the Pajaro
River, the sole highway connection between Fort McQuaide and Camp Ord.
On tracts 8 and 55, Japanese are living immediately adjacent to Fort Ord.
Tract 50 is located on the highway over which all traffic to Fort Ord passes.
Japanese tract No. 75 is immediately adjacent to the experimental station
where the only guayule seedlings in the United States are being grown and is
directly across the road from the Salinas Airport.
Tracts 21, 22, 28, 26, and 29 are immediately adjacent to an emergency landing
field.
Tracts 82, 34, and 79 extend on both sides of a railroad underpass of sufficient
importance to warrant the continued presence of armed guards.
10984 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Tract 133 is on the Salinas River and includes a stretch of levee regarded as
extremely hazardous in the event of a break because it would result in flooding
the Spreckels Sugar Refinery.
Tract 100 is immediately adjacent to a quarry where explosives are stored.
The map of the city of Salinas shows a large Japanese subdivision adjacent to
the Pacific Gas & Electric substation and close to the Southern Pacific Railroad
yards.
NAPA COUNTY
Japs in vicinity of the important bridge across the Napa River, at Napa.
Japs in vicinity of Gordon Valley Dam.
PLACER COUNTY
A large number of Japanese congregated in the vicinity of Auburn with easy
access to the railroad and highway through Donner Pass. These lines have a
large number of vulnerable tunnels, trestles, and slides, and are not only main
lines to the East but are supply lines between the naval ammunition dump at
Hawthorne, Nev., and the Pacific naval bases.
Roseville. — Japanese adjacent to Southern Pacific machine shops, roundhouses,
and freight yards.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Many Japs along important Sacramento River levees and near important
highway and railroad bridges across the river at Sacramento and other places.
Many Japs adjacent to Sacramento Municipal Airport.
Japs adjacent to Pacific Gas & Electric substation.
Japs close to Mather Field.
Japs close to McClellan Field.
Japs close to American River bridges.
CITY OF SACRAMENTO
Japs immediately adjacent to State capitol and State offices, M Street Bridge.
Southern Pacific shops and roundhouses, and Pacific Gas & Electric power plants.
SAN DIEGO COTJNTY
Thirty miles of open coast broken by small A\ater courses with a Jap on every
water course.
Thirty miles of main railroad and highway easily blocked by slides, etc., with
Japs throughout their entire length.
Large number cf Japs within few miles of naval an munition depot and on
both sides of main highway from depot.
Japs at bridge across San Luis Reyes River carrying all traffic to and from
ammunition depot.
Japs immediately adjacent to water wells, pumps, and pipe lines supplying
important military reservations.
Japs along water lines supplying all of central portion of the county.
Jap adjacent to Camp Callin.
Jap adjacent to marine rifle range.
Jap adjacent to power line supplying Camp Callin.
Japs adjacent to all highway and railroad bridges across the San Diego River.
Japs adjacent to all dams supplying water to San Diego and vicinity.
Japs surrounding Solar Aircraft plant at National City.
Japs surrounding Rohr Aircraft parts plant at Chula Vista.
Japs close to main water pumping plant supplying Coronado and naval air
station at North Island.
Japs adjacent to Navy airport at Reem Field.
Japs adjacent to Army airport at Border Field.
Japs adjacent to all power lines supplying the city of San Diego and vicinity.
Numerous Japs sprinkled throughout city of Coronado with full view of all
shipping in and out of San Diego Bay.
Japs in the vicinity of United States destroyer, base.
Japs in the vicinity of United States naval supply depot.
Japs in the vicinity of Coast Guard depot.
Japs in the vicinity of Ryan Airplane plant.
Japs in the vicinity of three Consolidated Aircraft plants.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10985
Japs in the vicinity of the United States Marine Corps base, naval training
station, and Fort Rosecrans military reservation.
Japs overlooking municipal airport.
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Stockton. — Jap on the Stockton Deep Water Channel across from quarter-
masters' motor depot.
Japs adjacent to Pacific Gas & Electric power plant and Pacific Gas & Electric
gas plant.
Japs adjacent to Western Pacific and Southern Pacific railroad yards.
Japs adjacent to United States Air Corps in transit depot.
Japs adjacent to Stockton Field, United States Army airport.
Japs surrounding San Joaquin County General Hospital.
Japs along Southern Pacific and Western Pacific rights-of-way.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Tract 1 is occupied by Japanese at Cambria where a submarine recently
torpedoed two American ships.
Tracts 64 to 69, inclusive, are located on the bluffs along the ocean shore.
Japanese in this vicinity have been reported to be farming within a grenade
throw of coast defense guns.
The strip of coast from Pismo south into Santa Barbara County is an extremely
flat open beach, perfectly adapted to landing operations and is occupied almost
exclusively by Japanese.
SAN MATEO COUNTY
Japanese along coast and in vicinity of Pescadero.
Japanese in vicinity of Half Moon Bay.
Jap near Half Moon Bay substation.
Jap near San Mateo substation.
Japs adjacent to Belmont Airport.
Japs adjacent to important war industries in San Carlos.
Japs in vicinity of San Carlos Airport.
Japs on the approaches to Dumbarton Bridge, highway, railroad, and Hetch
Hetchy Aqueduct.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
A strip of beach at the north end of the county extends to Pismo, which beach
is entirely open to landing in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties,
and in each county Japanese are living almost the entire length of the beach.
In the city of Santa Maria the following Japanese-owned parcels are located
in the vicinity of strategic points: 60, 61, and 63 are adjacent to the principal
San Francisco-Los Angeles telephone lines, main power lines, and Pacific coast
highway; 58, 102, and 53 are close to a gas storage plant and power substation ;
65 is next to the hospital; 56 is next to the water reservoir and water works;
56 and 96 are close to the United States airport and the latter tract is also close
to a hospital.
The Santa Maria oil field is practically surrounded by Japanese-occupied
lands on the north side, and on parcel No. 113 there are Japanese actually living
within the oil fields.
Tract 70 is adjacent to the water plant and close to the Orcutt oil field.
Japanese lands in the vicinity of Lompoc completely cover the only entrance
to Camp Cook where the only armored division of the Army on the coast will be
shortly located. The road to Camp Cook passes through the city of Lompoc and
all traffic to and from the camp must pass under the scrutiny of several Japanese
occupants on various tracts of land. Those Japs are also immediately adjacent
to the Camp Cook water wells. They can, with very little difficulty, block the
entrance to Camp Cook since the southern end of the camp is extremely moun-
tainous and completely impassable and the northern end is almost the same by
reason of mountains and barrancas with perpendicular sides, some of which are
50 to 60 feet deep.
The Santa Ynez Valley is noteworthy inasmuch as it is a valley equally fertile
with the Santa Maria Vallej', but with no strategic points located in it, and not a
single Japanese living in it.
10986 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The El Capitan oil field is heavily infiltrated with Japanese. This is a par-
ticularly important oil field because of the extremely high gravity of the oil
produced there. These Japanese and many others farther south are abreast of
the main railroad, telephone lines, power line, and highway between San Francisco
and Los Angeles, and the only such highway between Camp Cook and points
south. On the coast road there are a large number of high trestles and bridges,
the destruction of any of which would make the roads, both vehicle and rail,
impassable and would leave them in such a condition that it would take a very
long time to repair them.
Japanese parcel 14 is close to the Goleta oil field. Japanese parcels 13, 15, 16,
18, and 19 are in close proximity to the Santa Barbara Airport, two important
gas storage plants, gas lines, main railroad line, main highway and radio broad-
casting station (shelled by Jap submarine).
In the vicinity of the city of Santa Barbara the United States lighthouse on the
coast is completely surrounded by Japanese-occupied lands which are situated on
the bluff overlooking the sea.
In the vicinity of Montecito the Summerland oil field, with oil wells located
on long piers extending into the sea, is completely surrounded by Japanese-
occupied lands.
Japanese properties in Santa Barbara are so located that if their occupants
acted in unison they could, within a space of a few hours, destroy railroad and
highway communications with all points north and south, make the passage
from Camp Cook south impossible, fire four important oil fields, destroy north
and south telephone connections, several large gas plants, a lighthouse and a
radio station and be in a position to assist an enemy landing on the coast.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
Jap near Southern Pacific Railway and highway overpass at Sargent and
Pajaro River Bridge.
Many Japs along Southern Pacific right-of-way.
Japs on Coyote Creek in vicinity of important dams.
Number of Japs within 1% miles of Permanente magnesium and cement plants.
Japs adjacent to Stanford Airport.
Japs within less than 1 mile from Palo Alto Airport.
Japs within 1 mile of Maekay radio station.
Moffett Field surrounded by Japs on three sides.
Jap adjacent to Hendy Iron Works at Sunnyvale.
Japs on Southern Pacific right-of-way at Alviso.
Japs in vicinity of radio station KQW.
Japs along Southern Pacific right-of-way between Palo Alto and San Jose.
Japs adjacent to San Jose Airport.
Manv Japs along Southern Pacific right-of-way between San Jose and Morgan
Hill.
Japs along Southern Pacific and Western Pacific rights-of-way between San
Jose and Milpitas. .
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Japs adjacent to Camp McQuaide.
Japs adjacent to all highways leading to Camp McQuaide.
Japs on Southern Pacific right-of-way between Aptos and Watsonville.
Japs along beach in neighborhood of Watsonville.
Japs at bridges across the Pajaro River.
Japs in Chittenden Pass through which the main highway and railroad pass.
SHASTA COUNTY
Jap in vicinity of Hat Creek powerhouse and dam.
SOLANO COUNTY
Fairfield. — Jap adjacent to Pacific Gas & Electric substation and Pacific Gas
& Electric gas plant.
Jap in vicinity of Vacaville fire department and telephone exchange.
Japs on Ryer Island, Liberty Island, and Prospect with important levees.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10987
SONOMA COUNTY
Number of Japs within 2 miles of Petaluma Airport.
STANISLAUS COUNTY
Large number of Japs in fire-hazard area.
Japanese in immediate vicinity of two important reservoirs, one of which is
emergencv seaplane landing area.
Jap at "Southern Pacific railroad bridge across Tuolumne River at Waterford.
Jap adjacent to Hetch Hetchy power line.
Jap within 1 mile of Turlock bomb factory.
Japs in vicinity of explosive-mixing plant at Modesto.
Japs at important highway and railroad bridges across Tuolumne River.
Japs at important highway and railroad bridges across Stanislaus River.
Japs along main north and south telephone lines, railroad lines, and Highway
99 between Turlock and Salida.
Numerous Japs along railroad between bomb factory and Modesto.
Japs in vicinity of important irrigation pumping plants.
Jap on main highway and Southern Pacific right-of-way at Newman.
SUTTER COUNTY
Many Japs near important levees in the vicinity of Yuba City.
Many Japs in vicinity of important levees along Feather and Yuba Rivers.
TEHAMA COUNTY
Jap on Southern Pacific right-of-way near important highway bridge across
Sacramento River.
Japs in vicinity of important highway bridge and Red Bluff.
TILARE COUNTY
Japs along electric transmission line from Big Creek to Los Angeles.
V E N T C R A C O UNTY
Jap in oil tank farm at Ventura.
Japs surrounding water plant in Ventura.
Japs at bridge for highway, gas lines, power lines, and power lines across
Santa Clara River.
Japs adjacent to power substations near Santa Paula and Oxnard.
Harbor at Heuneme surrounded by Japs.
Japs at important highway and railroad bridge across Santa Clara River.
Japs along highway, natural gas and power lines between Santa Paula and Piru.
YOLO COUNTY
Jap on Southern Pacific right-of-way near Zamora.
Japs surrounding important warehouses in Woodland.
Many Japs along important Sacramento River levees.
Japs along Pacific Gas & Electric power line.
Japs adjacent to radio station.
Japs adjacent to important railroad and highway bridges across Sacramento
River at Sacramento.
Japs in neighborhood of important pumping plant, failure of which would re-
sult in flooding Sacramento Airport and import ant industrial areas.
YUBA COUNTY
Japs in vicinity of important levees around Marysville.
Japs in vicinity of important railroad and highway bridges across Yuba and
Feather Rivers, Marysville.
60396— 42— pt. 29-
10988 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Exhibit B. — Letters to Attorney General Warren From Law Enforce-
ment Officers on the Enemy Alien Problem
Department of Police,
Los Angeles, Calif., February 19, 1943.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, State of California,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Sir: The enemy alien presents numerous problems to the local law en-
forcement agencies endeavoring to keep them properly supervised.
Undoubtedly the most serious menaces are potential fifth-column activities,
sabotage, and espionage. To properly control these activities, it is necessary to
maintain constant police patrols and a constant investigative check on the
activities of the enemy alien residing in these districts.
The situation in the Los Angeles area is probably more acute than in any other
district, due to the fact that there are approximately 25,000 Japanese within a
5-minute walking distance of our city hall, county hall of justice, hall of records,
and the Federal and State buildings. This number, plus an additional five or six
thousand, are also within a very short driving distance of our numerous aviation
plants and other defense projects, and numerous army encampments which are
usually in close proximity to a major defense plant.
The aviation industry presents the gravest situation because this area represents
approximately 50 percent of the aviation production of the entire United States.
While the sabotage possibilities are fairly well controlled with the protection now
afforded, it is an utter impossibility to completely control espionage activities
because the information as to production rates, types, and models of planes pro-
duced can be readily ascertained from the scrutinizing or photographing of the
planes while on the testing fields of these plants, by possible espionage agents
living or residing within a reasonable radius.
The method of handling these types of activities is that of additional police
personnel being assigned to patrol and investigate units in these suspected areas.
With the limited personnel that this department has at the present time, the release
of sufficient officers from other required duties to properly supervise this is im-
possible. In addition to the fire-prevention activities, there is also the increased
service of investigating suspects and patrolling and policing of major public
utilities.
One condition which creates a hazard is the fact that near the beaches we have
large open areas which are utilized by Japanese truck farmers. This is a very
fertile field for short-wave receiving and sending sets, as well as signaling devices.
A specific instance of this presented itself here on December 8 and 9, wherein a
large amount of loose hay was piled in the shape of an arrow pointing to one of
our major aviation plants. This was presumably done with the intention of
directing aerial activities toward this location.
Due to the complex problems presented in handling this enemy alien situation,
I believe that all enemy aliens should be removed from the coastal areas for a
distance of 250 to 300 miles, and be supervised in such a manner that they be
continually under surveillance of responsible authorities.
It is my opinion that your teletype request overlooked one of our most hazardous
situations, which is that of the American-born Japanese. After a thorough and
complete investigation of the relationship existing between parents and children,
and the tendencies of the American-born Japanese, I feel that they present as
difficult, if not a more difficult, problem than the enemy alien. They are cognizant
of the American custom of living; they are capable of understanding the American
language and inference; and, subject to small limitations, are allowed to associate
and mingle with the general American public.
It is a well-known Japanese family tradition that the father of the family is
the dominating and guiding factor for the formulating of ideas in his children and
there is no doubt that the American-born Japanese is, to a great extent, imbued
with the same ideas of his parents. In addition to the family traits and the
patriotism for the native country of Japan, you have racial characteristics, that
of being a Mongolian, which cannot be obliterated from these persons, regardless
of how many generations are born in the United States.
You have, also, one other problem, that of about 40 percent of American-born
Japanese having returned, either voluntarily, or at the request of their parents, to
Japan, and having received the greater portion of their education in that country.
A large number of these Ki-bei have even attended military schools in Japan and
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10989
the fathers of a considerable number of them have received decorations for military
bravery or military administrative work while residing in this country, either
prior to, or since, the Ki-bei returned from Japan.
Our officers personally interviewed a large number of the American born Japa-
nese and while some of them stanchly maintained their patriotism to the United
States, they all stated that if Japan should be victorious in this war they would
have a certain amount of pride for the accomplishment of that country.
It is my opinion that the danger, especially for fifth-column activities in this
district, is serious. This is due to the fact that there are some twenty-five to
thirty thousand Japanese in this area and the location of a large portion of these
are in very strategic areas. These strategic areas are in the very close proximity
of the coastal regions where an invasion party would necessarily be landed. I have
no doubt that they would lend any and all assistance possible to a Japanese land
invasion, and several of the Japanese who are believed to be as patriotic as any,
have expressed the above opinion in interviews.
Another situation presents itself in that the areas described above have full
and complete view of all navigation in and out of our local harbor and have
constant scrutiny of the activities maintained in the harbor districts. Some
incidents have happened in our harbor district which lends very strongly to the
opinion that espionage information is being, or has been, disseminated from that
area.
As to the Italian and German aliens, I feel that they present a lesser menace
than the Japanese, due to the fact that we are fortunate in having a smaller number
in our midst. However, the number is somewhat offset by the intelligence and
viciousness of the German alien. It is a well-known fact that German aliens,
before being permitted to come into this country by the German Government,
were required to leave some of their immediate relatives or family in Germany,
and that they were allowed to come into this country for one specific purpose only,
and that was to develop and return certain information to the German Secret
Service. If this information is not forwarded, the positive instructions are left
with these individuals that their family and friends left in Germany will be mis-
treated or placed in concentration camps.
This same policy is maintained as to several of the countries which have fallen
under German domination since the beginning of the war. To realize the serious-
ness of this situation, you should consider the Army and Navy activities, etc., in
this area and the number of manufacturing plants of defense implements which
are readily accessible for sabotage and espionage purpose.
I can see no reason to differentiate between different types of aliens. In my
opinion there is only one procedure to follow in handling this situation, which is
the concentration of each and every one of the three classes of enemy aliens and
I do not feel that any material difference exists in their potential danger to the
internal security of this country.
Very truly yours,
C. B. HORRALL,
Chief of Police.
County of San Diego,
San Diego, Calif., February 19, 191+2.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General of the State of California, State Building,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear General Warren: Replying to your letter of February 18, 1942, in
which you request that I express my views concerning the situation in this county
with reference to enemy aliens in order that you may be advised of the sentiment
locally, as well as the conditions locally, so as to present the entire matter to the
congressional committee on national defense migration, which is to commence
its hearing in San Francisco on February 21, 1942, will say that I am making
this reply jointly on behalf of Sheriff Bert L. Strand and myself.
As to the three questions which you proposed, and which are as follows:
(1) What in your opinion is the extent of the danger, by way of sabotage
and fifth-column activities in your jurisdiction and in the State as a whole,
arising from the presence of enemy aliens?
(2) Do you believe that the danger can be adequately controlled by treating
all enemy'aliens alike, regardless of nationality, or do you believe that we
should differentiate among them as to nationality?
10990 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
(3) What protective measures do you believe should be taken with refer-
ence to each nationality or with reference to enemy aliens as a whole in order
to eliminate the danger of sabotage and fifth-column activities?
our answers are as follows:
(1) It is difficult to estimate the extent of the danger by way of sabotage and
fifth-column activities in this jurisdiction. This answer will be amplified, how-
ever, by succeeding paragraphs of this letter.
(2) We believe that the danger can be adequately controlled by treating all
enemy aliens alike, but we emphasize particularly the possible menace of the
Japanese alien in this area.
(3) We believe that all enemy aliens should be interned and that they should be
put to work under armed guard in guarded portions of the interior of the United
States so that they can be used for the purpose of producing materials and supplies
for this Government.
I am enclosing a copy of a resolution adopted by the San Diego County Defense
Counsel at a meeting held this morning, after a very thorough discussion of the
Japanese situation here. At the meeting held this morning it was discussed, and
we believe it to be a fact, that notwithstanding that there are a good many
people born in the United States of Japanese ancestors, that these people maintain
citizenship in the Empire of Japan although under our Constitution they are
deemed to be American citizens. It occurs to me that this is a matter that should
be strongly urged to the congressional committee, because it seems to me that
this particular situation calls for immediate Federal executive action.
Under separate cover Mr. Harry M. Baugh, chief investigator of my office,
has mailed to vou certain maps which have been requested by your office, showing
the location of land in San Diego County occupied by Japanese. The maps being
sent show land or property located within the incorporated area of the city of
San Diego occupied by Japanese aliens. Mr. Baugh, in a letter addressed to you,
is also sending a key by which these maps may be read, and which is all explained
in his letter to vou of this date.
Mr. Baugh, I think, points out that the maps are at your earliest convenience
to be returned to him so that he may indicate on the maps all enemy aliens, as the
maps now show only the location of the Japanese aliens in the city of San Diego,
and the farm lands' in the county of San Diego occupied by Japanese, some of
whom are citizens and some of whom are Japanese nationals.
Trusting this gives you the information you desire, at least in part, I beg to
remain
Very sincerely yours,
Thomas Whelan,
District Attorney.
County of San Luis Obispo,
San Luis Obispo, Calif., February 20, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, Slate of California,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mr. Warren: This will acknowledge your letter of February 18, and I
hasten to reply to the questions mentioned therein.
(1) I believe as long as there is a Japanese alien within accessible distance by
foot, car, or train to the militarv fortifications and important military objectives
such as oil, storage plants, railway tunnels, etc., that there is a definite danger of
sabotage and fifth column activity. I believe there is a definite danger of sabotage
and fifth column activities with reference to the German and Italian aliens but
not to the extent or degree that is possible with reference to the Japanese. My
opinion, of course, refers onlv to the State of California.
(2) I am inclined to believe that we should differentiate among the aliens as
to nationality and to illustrate my point will call attention to the fact that there
are two or three Italians of unquestioned standing in this community whose loyalty
to this country could not possibly be questioned.
One man has been working for the Southern Pacific Railroad Co. for 25 years ;
another man, as I understand it, is an employee of a bank and thought he was
naturalized, but because of a technical difficulty finds himself an alien. Another
case is a German alien who had taken her first papers and was stopped from finish-
ing her naturalization because of the war. She has a son with the rank of lieuten-
ant in the Navy.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10991
I can cite other cases where I believe it could be proven beyond any question
that the Italian or German alien is loyal. However, I do not mean to say or
infer that there should not be a careful and thorough check of every alien. I
have thought it would be a very good suggestion that a board be set up in each
county consisting of the sheriff, district attorney, judge of the superior court
and two or three of the well-known or prominent citizens, together with the
Federal representatives of the Army and Navy, to determine the status of certain
Germans and Italians. I would not apply this rule, however, to the Japanese
alien and believe that all should be taken out of California.
(3) If it were possible, I believe the best way would be to take every Japanese
alien in the United States and in the possessions of the United States and send
them to Japan or find ways and means of getting them there. I believe that
we should have as our ultimate objective, the complete alienation from the United
States soil of every single Japanese alien. There should be some way to get
them back to Japan.
As to the German and Italian aliens, there should be a determination of their
status with regard to declaring their loyalty to the United States by application
for citizenship, thereby renouncing loyalty to their mother country. I would
apply the same rule as to all other German and Italian aliens who did not renounce
their allegiance to their mother country and who were not able to convince
those in authority of their loyalty to this country.
I believe to an extent that if the aliens cannot be shipped out of this country,
they should be placed where they will not compete against the interests of the
American people. The best place for them is in a concentration camp without
any frills and just the bare necessities for their existence. I personally am of
the opinion that the restricted areas of this county are completely inadequate
for efficient protection against sabotage.
With reference to the American-born Japanese, there should be a concentrated
effort to make them prove themselves, and in this connection, the Federal agencies
should call upon the local law enforcement officials to assist.
I have heard of too many cases where the Japanese-American has declared
his loyalty, but his actions seemed to belie such a declaration. I believe that
the situation will be much improved as soon as the Japanese-alien situation has
been fully and completely taken care of and by drastic offensive action.
My personal contacts with the average American citizen on the street has
led me to believe that almost without exception they feel the presence of the
Japanese alien here is a menace to the country and a hindrance to the war ac-
tivities of our Government.
I will be more than pleased to lend whatever assistance is within my power
to effect any plan developed by the Federal authorities in relation to the alien
problem as it affects the county of San Luis Obispo.
Respectfully yours
A. H. Brazil, District Attorney.
City and County of San Francisco,
February 19, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, State Building, Civic Center,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear General: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of February
18. The letter refers to a teletype sent on February 17. Neither I nor my office
received the teletype. However, I am informed by your secretary that your
letter of February 18 contains all the matters referred to in your teletype.
Before answering the questions specifically, it occurs to me that I should state
some general views I have, that to a great extent control my answers. I believe
that if the Japanese should invade California, by airplane, submarine, or in any
other way, they will have arranged to have in advance the assistance of various
aides in our State. I can see no reason to anticipate that they will omit the pre-
cautions they took at Pearl Harbor. Such assistance could take the form of
destruction of water mains, interruption of telephone system, dislocation of the
fire-prevention measures, significant failures to comply with black-out order, dis-
ruption of transportation, and other matters.
I am not in a position to judge how likely such an invasion is or to what extent,
for the purpose of reasonable safety, we should guard against its occurrence. I
think those are questions to be passed upon by others.
10992 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
On the subject of sabotage, independent of invasion, I cannot set myself up as
having full knowledge on the subject, but my view is that sabotage, independent
of invasion, must be taken care of by proper precautions at the industries that
would be subject to sabotage.
(1) Directing my attention to the first question, my view is that there is grave
danger of sabotage and fifth-column activities in m3r jurisdiction, in the event of
any invasion by the Japanese and, further, that even in the absence of such
invasion, if utmost precautions are not taken, sabotage will be committed.
(2) Directing my attention to your second question, I think that, as far as any
general orders are concerned, there should be no differentiation as to enemy
aliens. Whatever will be the rule, it should apply to all alike. This accomplished,
then proper reconsideration may be afforded meritorious cases. Exceptions could
be considered as to persons who can demonstrate their loyalty and their absence
of alien interests, or physical unfitness to participate in fifth-column activities due
to age or infirmity. I would put the burden of proof upon the applicant. This
would result, no doubt, in large numbers of Italians, for instance, being permitted
to return to their dwellings or possibly remain undisturbed. But the exceptions
would be based, not upon the nationality, but upon the evidence they produce of
their loyalty and lack of potentiality as dangerous characters.
(3) Directing my attention to the third question, I believe that a general order
should be made compelling all enemy aliens to remove from the jurisdictions and
areas that could be subject to sabotage and invasion, but as hereinbefore indicated,
some later reconsideration be afforded upon a proper showing being made by an
enemy alien, regardless of his nationality, that he should be exempted from com-
pliance with the order. I am definitely against taking any chances, and although
I realize that many hardships may result, there can be no dispute that the safety
of our commonwealth and citizens is second to no other consideration and aim.
How this removal should be carried out, and to what point or points and under
what conditions, doubtless will call for the combined views and cooperation of
Government, State, and city authorities.
The exodus should be made under proper supervision and guarding.
One other important factor which comes to my mind is the need for careful
investigation of workers in shipyards and defense industries, as a means of pre-
venting inside jobs of sabotage.
Also, there should be provided either by State Guard or other agency, proper
guarding of established alien concentration areas and industrial plants, bridges
and other vulnerable places.
I trust the foregoing covers all of the points on which you desired my views.
Very sincerely yours,
Matthew Brady,
District Attorney,
City of Fresno Police Department,
February 18, 191$.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Sir: Received your All Points Bulletin teletype of February 17, relative
to my recommendations concerning aliens or enemy aliens in my jurisdiction.
I have a number of people that I consider my friends among the enemy aliens in
this particular community and have never particularly felt there was any danger
from having the resident enemy aliens continue to live here. Since the Federal
Government has run all the enemy aliens off the various coastal locations and
they have moved into the valley it presents an entirely different picture. The
law enforcement officers are continuously investigating reports of oversuspicious
citizens and as long as the enemy aliens are permitted to stay in the combat zone
they are going to be under suspicion by the officers and the citizens as well.
I believe there is great danger in the entire San Joaquin Valley of sabotage,
particularly by fire. There is also considerable feeling against both citizen and
alien Japanese by the white race of this valley and I think probably by the white
race of the entire State. As long as that feeling exists, we will continue to get
exaggerated reports of suspected sabotage. I believe that the danger can be ade-
quately controlled, or at least reduced to a minimum, by removing all enemy aliens
from this State, or whatever portion of this State is considered by the Army as
being the combat zone in addition to not allowing them in the vicinity of power
houses, dams, etc., or even in our mountains where the fire danger is so great.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10993
There should in my opinion be no difference among them as to nationality,
unless with the possible Japanese- American citizens who have at any time during
the past 10 years been back to Japan and in that case I believe they should be
handled in a like manner as the enemy aliens themselves.
In the event no action is taken relative to moving the enemy aliens out of the
State, I would suggest that each alien registration card should show the name and
address, as well as the occupation of the alien, and should show a definite area
to which he should be restricted until such time as he applies for and receives a
new registration card allowing him to change his place of living or working.
Trusting these few suggestions will be of some material help and reaching a
decision as to what should be done, and assuring you of my willingness at all times
to cooperate, I am,
Very truly yours,
R. T. Wallace, Chief of Police.
City of Sacramento,
State of California, Department of Police,
February 19, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, State of California, San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mr. Warren: Please see your letter of February 18th, with regard to
the nature and extent of law-enforcement problems arising from the presence of
enemy aliens in this State. It is a pleasure to submit below answers to the re-
spective questions contained in your letter.
(1) I do not believe there is any immediate danger of a serious epidemic of
sabotage and other fifth-column activity in the vicinity of Sacramento arising
from the presence of enemy aliens. Nevertheless, if at any time in the future
the military might of Japan should be directed against the Pacific coast or the
State of California, I believe a great percentage of those of Japaense descent in
the locality being subject to attack would employ every possible means to assist
the Japanese invaders.
(2) I do not believe the danger can be adequately controlled by treating all
enemy aliens alike — I believe we should differentiate among them as to nationality.
I do not believe the aliens of Italian birth should be considered dangerous;
neither do I believe that the aliens of German birth residing on the Pacific coast
will prove to be a very grave menace. Also, I do not believe that a combination
of Italian, German, and Japanese aliens will constitute a serious hazard because
there is no unification of effort between these forces. This belief is substantiated
by the fact that many of the Japanese aliens in the Sacramento area who have
been questioned by the authorities have stated positively that in case of an at-
tempted invasion by Japanese forces that they would assist Japan. However,
these same Japanese aliens have stated just as positively that they would fight
against an attempted German invasion of the United States. So it seems to be a
matter of loyalty to Japan, their mother country.
(3) I believe all Japanese aliens should be removed from coastal regions with
the prohibited area extending at least 500 miles inland.
I believe the German and Italian aliens should be considered individually.
With kindest personal regards, I remain
Sincerely yours,
A. K. McAllister, Chief of Police.
City of Santa Paula,
Ventura County, Calif., February 19, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Sir: Referring to your letter dated February 18 regarding enemy aliens.
(1) In my opinion there is great danger of sabotage to electric lines, high-
pressure gas lines, bridges, and oil lines in my immediate jurisdiction, and various
small oil fields which are within a short distance of this city.
(2) I can see no reason why we should attempt to control this danger without
treating all enemy aliens alike. While it is true that there are many more Japa-
nese than other enemy aliens, at the same time it is easy to recognize a Japanese as
such. Other enemy aliens can mix with citizens of the United States with less
chance of being identified as enemy aliens, especially as the enemy alien registra-
tion records are not available to local law-enforcement officers.
10994 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
(3) I believe that all enemy aliens, regardless of nationality, should be moved
back not less than 200 miles from the Pacific coast, and in this group I include all
Japanese, whether enemy aliens or citizens. In view of the fact that so many
Japanese hold dual citizenship and knowing that they are not allowed to mix
with the white race, it is natural to expect them to sympathize with Japan.-
At the writing of this letter there are very few Japanese in this city. However,
we do expect them to move in as they are forced out of other restricted districts.
Thanking you for the opportunity to express my views in this matter, I remain,
Very truly yours,
S. T. Primmer, Chief of Police.
City of Marysville, Calif., Police Department,
February 19, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, State Building,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Sir: In reply to your telegram of February 17, 1942.
I feel that with the Army cantonment that is to be built in this territory and
this city being as close as it is to the coast the danger of sabotage and fifth-column
activity in this territory is very grave, as is the danger to the entire State of Cal-
ifornia. It is my opinion that the Japanese are the gravest threat but that all
enemy aliens should be treated alike regardless of nationality.
All enemy aliens should be interned regardless of nationality. In my opinion
all Japanese are a menace whether they are American born or not, however I
realize that we probably cannot intern an American-born Japanese but, if possible,
I believe that they should be concentrated in certain areas so that they can more
easily be watched.
I feel very strongly that there should be no exceptions that all enemy aliens
should be interned and that this should be done at once without any more delay.
Yours very truly,
Dorell La Fortune,
Chief of Police.
District Attorney of Santa Clara County,
San Jose, Calif., February 19, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, State Building,
San Francisco, Calif.
My Dear Mr. Warren: In reply to your inquiry relative to problems arising
from the presence of enemy aliens in this State, will say:
There can be no doubt that one of the most serious dangers that now confronts
our Government is, or may shortly be brought about, by fifth-columnist activities.
In this county we have not as yet had any demonstration of disloyalty but as men
of common sense we know that it exists. We all realize that fifth-columnist
activities are not confined exclusively to alien enemies; that we have within our
borders men and women springing from every nation who, either for personal
gain or for some real or fancied wrong, are not only disloyal to the principals of
our Government but, also, are ready and willing to participate in activities against
its interests. This being so, we cannot reach a solution of the present problem
exclusively along racial lines. I will admit, however, that I believe there is a
great danger today from the Japanese population, and particularly from those
Japanese who, although born here, have received a liberal amount of their educa-
tion in Japan. Still, I cannot bring myself to believe that the entire Japanese
population is disloyal to this country.
Again referring to Japanese born in this country and educated in Japan, I
find that they show a feeling of being a little superior to the Japanese boy raised
and educated in this country. This can only be attributed to a loyalty to Japan.
I find among our school children that most of the Japanese students attending our
schools still manifest a loyalty to our country, joining in patriotic songs, etc.,
but that occasionally there is a little hesitancy on the part of some to join in
patriotic exercises, showing that there is some tendency somewhere to wean them
away from us.
As to what action is best to take or whether there should be a wholesale depor-
tation of these people is something that I cannot answer until I have completed
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10995
the survey that I am making at the present time. In passing, may I state that
conditions here, in my opinion, do not justify any action that would disrupt too
much our productive ability and our natural everyday business life.
As to differentiating between different nationalities I might add that, in my
opinion, there is a difference; that many of our old Italian people who came here
years ago and who worked and raised families, and who have been law-abiding
citizens, have very little, if any, respect for their native land and which would
in no way interfere with their loyalty. Moreover, conditions in European coun-
tries are such that many Italian people here today feel that the only solution for
their problem over there is for the United States to win this war. These people,
naturally, are going to be loyal to us. Locally, a very great percent of our young
men who are joining the Army are of Italian parentage, and before any action
should be taken to move their parents away from their homes, I believe we should
consider seriously the result that that may have upon them as soldiers.
Trusting the above will in some degree assist in answering your questions,
although I realize that this problem is one that will take the best thoughts of all
of us, I remain
Sincerelv yours,
John P. Fitzgerald,
District Attorney of Santa Clara County.
City of Madera,
Madera, Calif., February 18, 1942.
Re Japanese, Italians, and Germans.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, San Francisco, Calif.
JAPANESE
Dear Sir: The Japanese question on the Pacific coast appears to the officials
of this community to have two things to be considered. One is that if we leave the
Japanese loose they will be in position to do, and many of them will do, terrific
damage if they get an opportunity. It is impossible for the police officials of the
community to tell which Japanese are dangerous and which are not. For this
reason, although it will work injustices to some persons, the only safe procedure
would be to take up all Japanese and intern them. There are only two possible
objections to this course. One is the size of the job. The size of any job is
always immaterial if the need is great enough, and it would appear that the need
here "is great enough. The other objection is that we need the Japanese to pro-
duce vegetables. There are many large farmers in this community capable of
developing vegetable growing on a large scale, providing they are asked to do the
job. They have both the experience and the implements. A discussion with
some of these leading farmers is that they believe the job can be done without the
Japs.
ITALIANS
The general feeling about the Italians is that they are well assimilated, and we
do not regard even the Italian aliens as alien in fact. We also know that loyal
Italians would quickly disclose anything they might discover, if others of their
race are inclined to get on the wrong side of the picture. This is not true with the
Japs. We feel it is safe to let the Italians continue their normal life in this
community.
GERMANS
So far as we know, there are no German aliens in this community. If there are
any, they are unknown to the officials and they are probably regarded as nationals
of this countrv.
This letter is the result of a discussion on the part of the police force with the
city attorney and mayor, and has been signed by all the parties as representing
their concurring opinion.
Sincerely,
John G. Gordon, Mayor.
Sherwood Green, City Attorney.
Walter E. Thomas, Chief of Police.
10996 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
El Centro, Calif,.
February 18, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, State of California,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mr. Warren: Your teletype of February 17, 1942, addressed to "All
District Attorneys, Sheriffs, and Chiefs of Police" received. This teletype was
called to my attention by Sheriff Ware and we discussed the same at considerable
length. The sheriff requested that I prepare an answer incorporating our views
on the different questions asked in said teletype.
I shall, therefore, discuss the questions in the order in which they appear in
your teletype.
FIRST: "What, in your opinion, is the extent of danger by way of sabotage and
fifth-column activities in your jurisdiction and State as a whole caused by present
enemy aliens?"
In answering this question, it might be well to state that aside from enemy
Japanese aliens we do not have more than six or seven enemy aliens of Germany
and Italy combined in this county. As near as we can estimate, there are ap-
proximately 800 Japanese enemy aliens in this county. It is our opinion that
the danger from sabotage and fifth-column activities from these 800 alien Jap-
anese enemies is tremendous and very serious. As you know, this is strictly
an agricultural community which is entirely dependent upon water and the dis-
tribution thereof through a gigantic irrigation system. The water is brought
to this system from the Colorado River and consists of thousands of miles of
main-line canals. There are thousands of tons of alfalfa hay scattered throughout
the rural territory. There are thousands of acres of barley, wheat, and flax
which is scattered over an area of approximately 850,000 acres. There are
hundreds of miles of transmission lines which serve the people of this county
with hydroelectric energy. The 800 alien enemies, above mentioned, are scat-
tered over this vast territory, and it would be absolutely humanly impossible
for the small force now available in the sheriff's office of this county to make even
a pretense of guarding this tremendous farm territory and the irrigation system
necessary for its preservation. The sheriff of this county has only 18 paid
deputies. In addition to the foregoing, the county of Imperial is a border
county. Immediately to the south of Imperial County lies Baja, Calif., in the
Republic of Mexico. The Gulf of Lower California is only about 65 miles from
Imperial County. All of these factors, combined, make this a very vulnerable
field for sabotage and fifth-column activities. The only sane and sensible solu-
tion to the entire problem is to evacuate every alien Japanese enemy from this
county. This we have been demanding continuously since December 7, 1941.
Many telegrams have been sent to the Attorney General of the United States
and other Federal authorities demanding that steps be taken to evacuate the
Japanese enemy aliens in this area. On February 14, 1942, 32 alien Japanese
enemies were removed from this county by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It is our belief that the balance of the Japanese alien enemies should be treated
in a similar manner in order to adequately protect the county of Imperial.
Second: "Do you believe that danger can be adequately controlled by treating
all enemy aliens alike regardless of nationality, or do you believe that we should
differentiate among them as to nationality?"
All of our alien enemies are joined together in a very closely knit alliance com-
monly known as the Axis Powers and they should all be treated in the same man-
ner. They are all dominated and controlled by the same ideals and principles,
namely, to overthrow and destroy the democracies and subjugate the free peoples
of this world; consequently, all alien enemies should be treated alike regardless
of their nationality.
Third: "What measures do you believe should be taken with reference to each
nationality or enemy aliens as a whole in order to eliminate danger of sabotage
and fifth column activities?
It is our belief that immediate evacuation of all enemy aliens is the only solution
of the problem. It is absolutely impossible with the small force of police officers
available in any county of the State of California to provide adequate protection
against the depredations and sabotage which will be committed in the future.
The territory involved is so great and the number of enemy aliens so large that
it would be impossible for the small forces available to cover the territory.
In conclusion, we believe that the Federal Government is the only agency which
can adequately handle this gigantic problem. The Federal Government has
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10997
exclusive jurisdiction over aliens and unless the Government exercises this juris-
diction local authorities are helpless to protect the people in their community.
Criminal prosecutions under peacetime conditions are wholly inadequate to meet
the urgency of the present situation. Any criminal prosecution is subject to long
delays, and the result obtained is wholly inadequate to meet wartime conditions.
What we must have at this time is immediate, swift, and certain action. This
can only be provided by the Federal Government itself through evacuation of all
alien enemies and their concentration in internment centers provided by the United
States Government. Some argument has been put forward that we need these
alien enemies to perform labor on farms and industries. Our answer to this
contention is that the American people must realize that it is their duty to pro-
vide adequate national defense, including agricultural production, and the pro-
duction of war materials, and they cannot depend upon their alien enemies to
perform this task.
We again earnestly and seriously state and urge that, in our opinion, the only
solution to this problem is immediate evacuation of all alien enemies from this
county. We shall both be very glad to appear in person before the committee
if you believe it advisable.
Very truly yours,
Elmer W. Heald,
District Attorney, County of Imperial.
R. W. Ware,
Sheriff, County of Imperial.
Office of District Attorney of~Madera County,
Madera, Calif., February 19, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General of California,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear General Warren: As requested in your letter of the 18th, I am setting
forth my views in respect to the situation arising from the presence of enemy
$ilif*ns
1. At the present time there appears to be no imminent danger of sabotage.
However, when the dry season comes on, the season from about May until
October, when rainfall is practically nonexistent in this part of the State, the
plains are covered with dry grass and dry grain and stubble fields, and the hills
and lower mountains with dry grass, brush, and fallen leaves and limbs, the
whole country is in a highly inflammable condition. A systematic campaign of
incendiarism would cause terrific disaster.
The opportunity for causing incalculable loss in this way is so obvious that we
expect it as a matter of course, and are providing extraordinary fire-fighting
We cannot tell what fifth-column activities are going on, but we believe they
are going on. As an instance, both before and after December 7, the most
influential Japanese in the county had an unusual number of Japanese calling
at his residence at all hours of the day and night. These callers had good cars
and seem to be persons of sorts. He had never had such string of callers before.
2. I do not think that all aliens should be treated alike regardless of nationality.
We should differentiate between them, both as to nationality and as to citizens
and noncitizens, and as to native-born and alien-born.
They should be handled by classes and perhaps individually besides. It is
impossible to deal with them, particularly with the Japanese, individually.
3. Our State and Federal laws, supported by a bill of rights, are entirely inade-
quate to meet the situation. If we are not to run the risk of disaster we must
forget such things as the writ of habeas corpus, and the prohibition against un-
reasonable searches and seizures. The right of self-defense, self-preservation, on
behalf of the people, is higher than the bill of rights.
Martial law should be declared over aU of California. Military authorities
and militarv police should then: .
(a) Remove all Japanese irrespective of age, sex, or citizenship from consider-
able areas near vital defense industries, and from places furnishing an oppor-
tunity for considerable sabotage, and for conveying information to the enemy,
say as far as east of the Sierras. . , ~ ■.
(b) Remove all other enemy aliens and their families (Italian and German;
from aU zones where they may be a menace, but not such a wide movement as
with Japanese.
10998 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
(c) Remove all persons irrespective of race or nationality or citizenship from
such areas.
(d) Intern all enemy aliens and their families who are suspected of being
dangerous to the public safety, or keep them under surveilance.
This may result in claims for damages after the war is over. It will be time
enough then to adjust it. It may result in injustice but we cannot help it. This
is the fortune of war.
If there are then any Japanese who can show that they should be allowed to
establish themselves in other places than where interned, adjust this as the
occasion arises.
Sheriff Justice agrees substantially with the above views.
Respectfully yours,
George Mordecai, District Attorney.
Sheriff's Office, Merced County,
Merced, Calif., February 19, 1942.
In re Enemy aliens.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mr. Warren: Replying to your letter of* February 18, the following
are my opinions:
(1) I believe that this county and the State of California as a whole are in
great danger of a large-scale sabotage plot and fifth-column activity, due to the
presence in our midst of so many enemy aliens. I will add that that is the opinion
of everyone with whom I come in contact.
(2) I think the danger can be adequately controlled by treating all enemy
aliens alike, regardless of nationality, if they are placed in concentration camps
under military guard. Too, that we should not try to differentiate among them
as to nationality because I do not believe it can be done without running into a
great deal of difficulty.
(3) In answer to this question, I think that the only sure way to protect the
State against sabotage and fifth-column activity is to place all enemy aliens under
military guard. To us here in America, knowing that there are many loyal
aliens amongst us, this seems like a very harsh procedure but after all we are at
war and there is nothing nice about the whole business. It is impossible for us
to do a thorough job of picking between the good and the bad; however, this
could be done to some extent. Different types of individuals, background and
history, could be segregated as to type and nationality and placed in suitable
quarters, as near as possible to their home in this State. By going into the history
and background of individual cases and placing them in different groups and
having separate institutions for each type of group and nationality. Due to
the fact, as stated before, that there are many loyal enemy aliens, great care
must be taken in this "sorting" process and proper quarters and environment
must be provided to avoid trouble now and in the future.
To avoid disaster, I believe that action must be taken to protect both the
State and enemy aliens, as there are already "rumblings" of vigilante activity
which has been caused in the main, by the influx of Japanese from the evacuated
areas.
If and when all enemy aliens are under guard and properly segregated as to
type and nationality and if the preferred class were located in the agricultural
areas, then I think it would be possible and practical to allow great numbers of
them to do agricultural work under proper guard and supervision. To handle
the Japanese situation completely, and considering the fact that in most all cases
they are living in Japanese colonies, and also the fact there is so little trust in
them, I think it would be a good idea to place military guards around these areas
at once, which would give immediate protection to the State and would also
relieve the tension and anxiety of the people at large. Then after the alien
Japanese have been removed, leave the guard there with instructions suitable to
the circumstances.
Yours very sincerely,
N. L. Cornell, Sheriff.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 10999
Police Department,
City of Culver City, Calif.,
February 19y 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, Stale of California.
Dear General: In regard to your inquiry of February 18, 1942, and in answer
to your questions:
1. It is my opinion that enemy aliens, particularly in our jurisdiction and in
the State as a whole, could and probably are a decided threat to the security of
our Nation.
2. It is my firm conviction that all enemy aliens should be treated alike regard-
less of nationality on a theory that the enemy aliens who are not of the Japanese
race could be more active and a greater danger if not so regulated.
3. It is my recommendation that careful and firm enforcement of total intern-
ment is the "only answer to the problem of eliminating the dangers of sabotage
and fifth-column activities.
I am firmly convinced that internment of all alien enemies and in the par-
ticular instance of Japanese, I would strongly recommend that the Xishi be
■interned together with the Ishi, for the reason that those who have been born in
this country are considered to be American citizens and until they are truly proved
to be such in their hearts, they should be more than pleased to submit to intern-
ment rather than place the security of our Nation in jeopardy. It of course stands
to reason that if they should object to such treatment, they could not be looked
upon as being true and loyal Americans.
Trusting that the above personal opinions will be of assistance, I am,
Very truly yours,
W. A. McDonald, Chief of Police,.
Offtce of Chief of Police,
South San Francisco, Calif., February 19, f94&~
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General,
Sacrar<>ento. Calif.
Honorable Sir: In reply to your letter of February 18, regarding your teletype
message issued on February 17 to all sheriffs, district attorneys, and chiefs of
police, please be advised that to date we have not received a copy of same.
However, in response to your inquiry regarding enemy aliens I wish to note the
following. Here in South San Francisco their are 42 major industrial plants all in
production of defense materials. Some of these plants are: W. P. Fuller, Swift &
Co., Armour Co., United Packing, Union stockyards, Marine Chemical Co.,.
Metal & Thermit Co., Bethlehem Steel Co., Enterprise Foundry, Edwards Wire
Rope Co., Western Pipe & Steel Co. Shipbuilding plant, DuPont Paint Co.,.
Hammond Aircraft, and Mills Field, known as San Francisco Airport.
As to regards of extent of danger from sabotage, please be advised that severaL
of these are large concerns such as Western Pipe & Steel, Bethlehem Steel Co.,.
Enterprise Foundry and many others engaged in defense work. Quite a number of
these factories are within 500 feet of the Bayshore Highway. There are several
spc t* from Southern Pacific tunnel No. 5 to Mills Field where a small mortar could
be placed at night and within a half hour several million dollars worth of damage
could be done.
Absolutely no protection is being furnished to forestall fifth column activities
along this highway. Saboteurs could go without restriction to the gates and
fences of many of these factories as there are so many enemy aliens in the sur-
rounding territory the danger here from fifth-column activities is very pro-
nounced, and the opportunities offered are extremely obvious.
Our opinion is that all Japanese should be forced to leave defense areas and other
enemy aliens controlled as to movements and places of residence. None allowed
within one-half mile of any defense plant.
United States Army should adequately patrol the Bayshore Highway from the'
Southern Pacific Tunnel to a point beyond Mills Field and particularly within close
proximity to the factories along the Bayshore Highway. A survey by someone in
high authority should immediately be made to determine the extent of danger in
leaving this area unguarded.
HOOO SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
I have tried to obtain a list of enemy aliens here in South San Francisco accord-
ing to the last alien registration and from the Federal Government but have been
unable to do so. Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. There
are no Japanese enemy aliens here in South San Francisco.
If there should be any further information that you may want regarding this,
kindly let me know.
' Respectfully yours,
Louis Belloni, Chief of Folicc.
Exhibit C. — Communication From the Files of Attorney General Warren
on the Agricultural Aspect of Enemy Alien Evacuation
Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association,
Salinas, Calif., February 20, 1942.
Mr. Warren Olney,
Assistant Attorney General, State Building,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mr. Olney: In line with our conversation of yesterday, we are forward-
ing you complete data on the Japanese acreage situation as compiled by our
president, Mr. E. M. Seifert, Jr.
We think that this statement will give you some of the vital facts that you have
been looking for the past 2 or 3 weeks, and we sincerely hope it will assist you in
convincing Congressman Tolan's committee that our stories in reference to the
American farmer being able to produce all the necessary vegetables required by
our Nation and that the loss of the Japanese farmer certainly will not affect
California production.
Sincerelv yours,
Austin E. Anson, Secretary- Manager.
Only 1 percent (0.00995) of all the vegetables produced in the United States for
processing (canning, freezing, etc., excluding canned tomatoes) is grown or con-
trolled by Japanese growers in California
Authority for this statement is taken from the United States Department of
Agriculture Crop Reporting Board of Acreage and Production of Commercial
Truck Crops in the United States for 1941, released as of December 1, 1941.
The following statements are made in an attempt to prove the relative unim-
portance of truck crop production in California by Japanese. Those studying this
report must bear in mind that all acreage and production figures are taken from
the United States Department of Agriculture report above referred to.
Only 3^ percent (0.0356) of all commercial truck crops grown in the United
States are produced by Japanese in California (Japanese here include both aliens
and American citizens.) .
Only 4% percent (0.04772) of all the vegetables produced in the United States
for processing (canning, freezing, etc., excluding canned tomatoes) is grown in
Only Sy> percent (0.0868) of all the vegetables produced in the United States
for processing including canned tomatoes, is grown in California.
The largest important item for cannery purposes, and which is generally con-
sidered a very important item for defense and for lend-lease to Britain is canned
tomatoes. _ _ ,., . 1<D .
Of all the production in the United States, California grows only 18 percent
(0 1832) of the cannery tomatoes, and this percentage includes all Japanese pro-
duction. On a tonnage basis, the 10-year average for the United States, 1930-39,
shows that California produced, including Japanese production, only 18 percent
of the cannery tomatoes.
After a careful canvass of those in the industry, who should know, it was esti-
mated that of the total acreage in California, on which cannery tomatoes are
produced, the astoundingly large figure of 60 percent is credited to Japanese pro-
duction, which means acreage either supervised, owned, or controlled by Japanese
or on which acreage Japanese labor is used. Nevertheless only 11 percent
(0 1094) of the tomatoes canned in the United States is produced by Japanese in
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11001
California, and it is suggested that if this item is important enough, canned to-
matoes be rationed to our citizens, curtailing supplies to them by 15 percent and
we will then have an increased figure in canned tomatoes produced, instead of a
decrease.
Even if all Japanese acreage is completely eliminated and not any of the so-
called abandoned acreage is either taken up by white growers or new acreage pro-
duced by white growers.
Only 25 percent (0.2296) of all the vegetables produced in California for fresh
market and for fresh consumption is grown by California Japanese or Japanese
influence in California, notwithstanding the various reports we have read and
heard in the newspapers and over the radio, ranging from 37 to 80 percent.
Only 4>2 percent (0.04508) of all the fresh vegetables grown in the United States
are produced by California Japanese or Japanese influence in California.
As above stated the largest single item, which seems to be important, is canned
tomatoes. Thus far, no consideration has been given to whites taking over
evacuated Japanese acreage or evacuated acreage being replaced by new acreage
grown by whites.
In the Wasco, Shafter, and Bakersfield area, approximately 35,000 acres of
early potatoes are grown, most of which are harvested during April and May.
The need for a replacement of probable evacuated Japanese acreage was brought
to the attention of one grower in Bakersfield, who personally increased his already
large acreage by 500 acres of canning tomatoes, and has called a meeting for Fri-
day noon, February 19, at which time a total of 2,000 acres will be signed with
the cannery. The climate in and around the Bakersfield area is suitable to the
production of tomato plants on lettuce beds and open fields, whereas other dis-
tricts must use hotbeds or coldframes. This one firm is in position to grow 10
million plants for use in other districts, provided they can be furnished only 125
pounds of tomato seed. By immediate action being taken, there seems little
question but what this district alone would have an additional 5,000 acres on
which cannery tomatoes could be planted.
In the Salinas district, where very few tomatoes had been previously grown,
already lettuce and carrot growers have signed with a local cannery for almost
500 acres of cannery tomatoes.
It is safe to assume that in even considering all the new acreage which growers
could be persuaded to plant as a patriotic effort, undoubtedly no less than 50 per-
cent of evacuated Japanese acreage would be taken up by white growers, thereby
reducing the prospective shortage by the probable complete loss of all Japanese-
grown acreage, to less than 5 percent of the pack for the United States.
No actual figures are available showing the exact percentage of Japanese-grown
or Japanese-influenced acreage for the various truck crops in California, but those
who are in the best position to estimate have been conferred with and the average
of their estimates has been increased, so that the estimates used as a basis for
the above calculations and statements probably represent a higher percentage
than actually exists. As an example: It was estimated that Japanese grow or
influence or control the production of 90 percent of the strawberries; 75 percent
of the cucumbers, onions, and spinach for fresh shipment; and 75 percent of the
cucumbers and tomatoes for cannery; 65 percent of the fresh shipment of snap
beans; 60 percent of the canned tomatoes acreage; 50 percent of the production
for fresh shipment of cauliflower and celery; for processing — snap beans and
spinach; which is followed on through down to 10 percent of the potatoes,
asparagus, cantaloups, honeydews, honeyballs, and watermelons. The figure of
10 percent is the lowest one used ui any case.
Broccoli, brussel sprouts, chicory, parsley, parsnips, rhubarb, radishes, squash,
turnips, and sweetpotatoes were omitted only because they are not included in the
United States Department of Agriculture report used.
Allowing for errors in judgment, it must be conceded by those who would
study these figures carefully and sincerely — if all vegetable acreage produced,
controlled, or influenced by Japanese were completely eliminated, the loss in
available fresh food supply to the United States and Canada would be entirely
insignificant, not to take into account the large volume of other foods, including
meats and grains, etc., which would further reduce the percentage of loss in food
to the people of this country.
11002
SAX FRAXCISCO HEARIXGS
UNITED STATES AND CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES IX ACRES FOR PROCESSING, 1941
[Authority: U. S. Department of Agriculture]
Percent
nsssss
California
All other
States
Total,
United
States
Asparagus 39,550
Limas 0
Snap beans 640
Beets 0
Sweet corn 0
Cucumbers 2,890
Peas S5
Pimento 730
Spinach 7. 140
Tomatoes 83,000
Total 136. 100
Exclusive of tomatoes 53, 100
o 1
39,550
61,700
61,700
72,720 ;
73,360
14,870
14, 870
427,880
427,880
103, 110 1
106.000
358.690
360.540
12.000
12, 730
86.000
16,040
372.310
455, 310
1, 431, 880
1, 059, 570
1. 567, 980
1, 112, 670
UNITED STATES AND CALIFORNIA VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN ACRES FOR FRESH
MARKET, 1941
Artichokes. -
Asparagus.. .
Lima beans .
Snap beans.-
Beets
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower.
Celery
Corn (sweet)
Cucumbers..
Eggplant
Garlic
Kale
Lettuce
Onions
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Spinach
Tomatoes
Total..
10.000
0
0
9
10. 000
35,940
3.594
10
52, 020
87,960
0
0
0
17, 650
17,650
11.450
7.442
65
163.060
174, 510
0
0
0
12, 770
12, 770
7,100
2,840
40
174.600
181, 700
22.900
3,435
15
26,650
49,550
16,600
8,300
50
16,200
32,800
12. 720
6,360
50
28,970
41,690
0
0
0
23.000
23, 000
2.100
1,575
75
40,470
42, 570
0
0
0
4,050
4,050
2,210
1,105
50
1,770
3,980
0
0
0
1,100
1,100
94,700
11.837
12J-4
64,070
158, 770
5,430
4.073
75
89,800
95,230
31.200
4.680
15
58,800
90,000
2, 750
2.100
75
20,320
23,070
39.000
3,900
10
303.900
342,900
2,800
2,100
75
58.210
61,010
28,500
11.400
40
172,870
201, 370
325,400
74. 741
1,330.280
1, 655, 680
UNITED STATES AND CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES IN ACRES FOR CANTALOUPS,
HONEY DEWS, HONEY BALLS. WATERMELONS AND OTHER MELONS, AND STRAW-
BERRIES FOR FRESH MARKET, 1941
Cantaloups, honey dews, honey balls, etc..
38,420 1
3,680 !
16,000
3,842
3,312
1,600
10
90
10
87,490
207, 430
251, 630
125, 910
211,110
267,630
Total
58,100
8,754
1.45
546,550
«H,650
SUMMARY— SHOWING TOTAL ACREAGES FOR ALL TRUCK CROPS IN THE U. S
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REPORT
Processed vegetables
Fresh vegetables
136,100
325,400
60,881
74. 741
45
23
1, 431, 880
1, 330, 280
1. 567, 980
1. 655, 680
Total, vegetables
Melons, strawberries .. .
461,500
58,100
135, 622
8,754
30
15
2, 762. 160
546,550
3,223,660
604,650
Grand total
519,600
144,376
273,
3, 308, 710
3, 828, 310
1 Estimates, and therefore acreage arrived at in accordance with explanation in body of report.
XATIOXAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11003
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics. State
of California
Universitt of California,
Fairfield, Calif., February 18, 1942.
Mr. Roscoe E. Bell.
Bureau of Agricultural Economics,
. . : Mercantile Building, Berkeley, Calif.
Dear Mr. Bell: Your letter of February 12 regarding housing of evacuated
aliens was referred to the chairman and various members of the count}- farm
labor subcommittee. They have gathered the following information:
In the Suisun area, the two members of the committee believe that beginning
May 1. they could employ about 500 alien Japanese. They believe, however,
that these should be housed in a central camp, so they could be given close super-
vision, and so that other workers in the district would have the first chance at
available work. No definite arrangements have been made for location of a central
camp. Perhaps arrangements could be made to use a large unused packing house
for some of these men.
In the Vacaville area, they could employ 200 to 300 Japanese aliens. There is
some work available now. They prefer that these aliens be housed in a central
camp and guarded by Federal agents. They have a piece of land available with
water, but no buildings.
The committee reports the following from the Delta district :
In general, the buildings that are available are the asparagus cutter camps,
that are not in use. There are no heating or cooking stoves and usually the
bathing and sewage-disposal systems would be inadequate for permanent resi-
dence. However, with the expenditure of a nominal amount on each camp, they
could be made usable. There are a few exceptional camps.
Furthermore, if a central camp would be more practical a site could be gotten
from the Ryer-Xixon interests on Ryer Island free of charge, up to about 5 acres.
Also, the work on the individual camps could be done under the supervision of the
individual farmers and methods of payment for the work would be arranged.
The accommodations would also be only for single men with the possibility of one
family at each camp doing the cooking, etc., about the camp.
Our position on this island would make it very easy to guard. Offhand, it
seemed to be the consensus of those that I could contact that possibly a guard on
the bridge going into the Holland Land would answer the purpose with a possible
weekly check-up of all the individuals. In general, there seems to be no appre-
hension about taking care of the aliens after they have been okayed by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation.
In detail then, for Italian aliens, the set-up on Ryer could be as follows:
A. Guidi, 40 men in two camps.
L. Brooks, 26 men in two camps.
De Gandia, 70 men in three camps.
F. Gwerder, 20 men in one camp.
H. M. Karlstad, 15 men in one camp.
A. M. Jongeneel, 25 men in one camp (needs more than average fixing^.
Rio Farms, 20 men in one camp.
J. Gwerder, 20 men in one camp.
McGaughern, 20 men in two camps.
In addition to these 286 men, I believe another 40 could be placed with a little
more thorough investigation. Most of these men (all) could find seasonal em-
ployment on the island.
You know we have many camps scattered around the two Liberty farm islands
but they are all in a radius of about 3 miles and all inside the levees. At present,
there is only one entry at the north end of the Permanent District as the ferry is
closed due to the flood and will be for several months.
Liberty Farms Co. owns all the buildings and could be considered the farmers.
We have both Japanese and Italians on this island so either would be acceptable
but I believe in our case that Japanese would be preferred as they would better
fit into our program.
60396— 42— pt. 29-
11004 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Here are the camps on the Permanent District and the capacities:
Camp 2, 20 single men.
Camp 4, 15 single men.
Camp 5, 15 single men.
Camp 8, 10 single men.
Camp 9, 20 single men, plus camp place for up to 300 people if tents are sup-
plied. Water and toilets O. K.
Camp 1, family unit.
The following camps are on the bypass and won't be available for at least 6 weeks:
Camp 11, 20 single men and 1 family unit.
Camp 14, 25 single men and 2 family units.
Camp 15, 15 single men.
Camp 15}^, 30 single men.
Probably the California Packing Corporation could take care of 100 men
additional: Ed Emigh, 15 additional also.
The committee reports that aliens would not be acceptable on most of the
ranches in the Montezuma Hills. The exceptions are these: The Fontana Farms
Co. would like 10 single alien Italians or Germans. They have a camp available
for that number, with electricity, and should have work for them about May 1.
Mrs. Bertha Williams would like an alien German or Italian man and wife to live
and work at her farm. She has housing.
The committee reports for the Dixon District as follows: James Fulmer could
use 25 single alien Italians or Germans. He has a sugar beet camp to house them.
Roy Gill could use 6 married men and about 19 single men, all Italian or German
aliens. He has housing scattered around his various farms. Both these men
point out that they would reserve the right to fire these men if their work was
unsatisfactory and would expect to pay only the usual wages in the community.
As yet, no report has been received from the Wolfskill District. We expect
this report some time this evening and will mail to you in the morning.
At their last meeting, the United States Department of Agriculture War Board
discussed this matter and suggested that aliens brought to this county should be
under supervision at all times, either at central camps or on farms where the
operator agrees to furnish this supervision.
Sincerelv yours,
V. W. De Tak, County Agent.
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau,
Modesto, Calif., February 19, 1942.
(Re County housing facilities for alien labor.
Mr. Ray B. Wiser,
President, California Farm Bureau Federation,
Berkeley, Calif.
Dear Ray: Relative to your wire of February 18, I thought I would write
you rather than wire since there are so many angles to this problem.
I have been making a check-up for the past 2 weeks in our county on the
question of aliens and their labor situation, and find that it is an extremely difficult
problem to make any definite decision about.
I wrote Mr. Dave Davison that a great many of our farmers were very much
concerned about labor shortage, realizing that already our labor supply is becom-
ing a problem in California. With this in mind, and since there seems to be no
source of labor that can be brought into California, and since it is further apparent
that continued shortages on our labor supply will persist, many farmers who have
to hire most of their labor in the harvesting of their crops are very much worried
over the prospect of removing large numbers of aliens from the producing sections
of the State, realizing that this large shortage will become more embarrassing.
In discussing the question with farmers who have to hire to any extent, the
feeling seems to be that if it is at all possible, aliens should be concentrated in
camps in our producing sections where they could be made to work in the pro-
duction of food. For instance, it has been suggested that camps of 500 to 1,000
might be established in the delta regions on the islands which would perhaps
require a minimum of policing, where the aliens would employ themselves in
useful occupations, and under which condition they would be much more easily
cared for, and would be producing some of the food which the Federal Government
is so much in need of.
On the other hand, our townspeople, and likewise some of our farmers who are
not subject to employing labor, have a very decided opinion that all Japanese,
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11005
particularly, should be evacuated entirely from the State of California. We
do not hear a great deal of expression as to the Italian and German aliens in our
county, but the feeling is very widespread that all Japanese, whether foreign
or United States citizens should be hastily taken care of in some manner, whether
concentrated within the State or removed entirely from the State. There seems
to be a very decided feeling along this line.
It is my opinion that something should be done very speedily to change the
present alien situation, in order that public feeling should be allayed.
Our county is very limited in housing facilities for groups of people such as
these aliens would be; however, provision might be made to take care of small
numbers. Stanislaus County is not greatly burdened with many Japanese,
either foreign or United States citizens.
Hoping this may help to answer some of your questions, I am
Sincerelv yours,
John T. Halford,
Secretary County Farm Bureau.
Western Growers Protective Association,
Los Angeles, Calif.
The following recommendation was adopted by the board of directors of the
Western Growers Protective Association, at its regular stated directors' meeting
on February 8, 1942:
The Western Growers Protective Association, whose membership is comprised
of approximately 85 percent of the vegetable movement from California and
Arizona, feeling that its experience with Japanese labor — both alien and American
citizens of Japanese parentage — places it in a position to recognize the California
agricultural situation better than any other body, calls to your attention the
following facts :
California fresh vegetables and melons, as grown for shipment to the entire
United States, are grown by white growers in about 94 percent. The Western
Growers Protective Association hereby goes on record as stating that the flow of
California vegetables to the entire country would not be affected should either or
both the alien Japanese or the American citizens of Japanese parentage be re-
moved from the vegetable industry.
The Western Growers Protective Association and its members, through their
association with Japanese aliens and American citizens of Japanese parentage,
both as employers and farmers, feel that they are in a position to better know the
character and feelings of such Japanese than any other group of men. It is the
consensus of opinion of the Western Growers Protective Association and its
members that no individual alien Japanese, or that no individual American citizen
of Japanese parentage, can be judged as to his loyalty solely by past experience.
It is the opinion of said association and its members that a good proportion of
both alien Japanese and American citizens of Japanese parentage are loyal to che
United States of America, yet that some percentage of both aliens and citizens
of Japanese parentage may be more loyal to Japan. Consequently, said Western
Growers Protective Association and its members, realizing that both alien Jap-
anese and American citizens of Japanese parentage who are loyal to the United
States would be willing to endure any hardship to eliminate the possibility of any
disloyal action on the part of any of their group— petition that all alien Japanese
and American citizens of Japanese parentage be removed to a point where, in the
opinion of the Army and Navy, there may be no possibility of such disloyal action
affecting the security of the United States.
And, in conjunction with the recommendations of the Los Angeles County
Defense Committee, the Western Growers Protective Association concur in the
following recommendations of the said Los Angeles County Defense Committee:
That Japanese in the following classifications be moved to points in the Rocky
Mountain sugar-beet areas, or other areas deemed safe by the military authorities
where housing facilities are available, regardless of whether their labor can im-
mediately be used.
All Japanese who reside within 50 miles of the Pacific coast and Mexican border,
or who reside in other areas within a 10-mile radius of munition plants or military
camps; including —
(a) Alien Japanese of all ages.
(b) Nonalien Japanese under 18 years of age living with alien parents.
(c) All other Japanese who have American citizenship, this to be attempted at
first by an appeal that they remove themselves on their own volition. If this
11006 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
voluntary action is not immediate and fully effective the necessary Federal action
should be undertaken.
Federal Security Administration should be charged with the responsibility of
developing housing facilities. They should use wherever possible, the present
facilities pending construction of other housing units.
The United States Department of Agriculture should be charged with the respon-
sibility of utilizing this labor to the fullest extent in the newly located regions.
The services of the State department of agriculture and the county agricultural
commissioners be utilized to assist landlords and farm operators in finding new
farmers to take over leased lands for harvesting of crops now planted and planting
of new crops.
These recommendations are made with encouragement that action be complete
and immediate.
STATEMENT
A substantial part of the Japanese population in southern California is located
in rural areas. Farming operations particularly in the vegetable field are retarded
pending definite and detailed instructions as to their disposition. The Japanese
population is hesitating to prepare land and plant crops, fearing that they will
shortly be removed from their present properties and other farmers are not making
definite plans not knowing what the production from Japanese-tilled farms will be.
Vegetable production is on the "must list" of the Department of Agriculture
and must not only be maintained but increased during the current season.
It is fully recognized that there is at present some difficulty in connection with
obtaining farm labor, and while the removal of Japanese will further accentuate
this problem temporarily, it will give a base for developing labor plans which can
be used during the war emergency period.
This recommendation is based upon the fact that they would be completely
removed from coastal areas and that their labor could eventually be utilized to an
advantage. They could probably relieve other labor in California from the
necessity of migrating to those districts during the peak-load periods which are
the spring and fall months.
Land vacated by Japanese removed as hereinabove outlined would probably
amount to 15,000 acres in Los Angeles County. No official figures from other
counties are now available to this committee. It is believed, however, that the
total will exceed 40,000 acres in the counties from and including San Luis Obispo
southward, some of which is not being planted and will not be in all probability
if present conditions are continued. Under the supervision as outlined in the
above if handled promptly and before the season is further advanced the land can
be put to proper use and severe additional losses avoided. It may result in
changing of soire crops inasmuch as experienced labor would not be available to
produce such items as celery. Other crops required by the Department of
Agriculture would be substituted.
Associated Produce Dealers and Brokers of Los Angeles,
Los Angeles, Calif., February 18, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General, State of California,
San Francisco, Calif.
Attention Mr. Warren Olney.
Dear Sir: I have been asked to give you a summary of what might be ex*
pected to happen in the Los Angeles market with respect to feeding the metro-
politan area if all Japanese were removed from the producing, wholesaling, and
retailing of fresh fruits and vegetables. Incidentally, might I say this is now an
academic question, because if the proper authorities do not take prompt steps
to remove all Japanese, whether alien or citizens, from the coastal areas of this
State, it seems inevitable that they will be removed in the near future by the
public at large either through violence or insistent popular demand. I say this
because the general public are much more apprehensive of the continued presence
of Japanese running at large, with the most nominal of supervision, than the
people in this industry, who know the Japanese characteristics and traits much
more than the general public and on the basis of this information should be more
apprehensive than the general public.
There were in the 3 Los Angeles wholesale markets as of December 6, 1941,
167 wholesale fruit and vegetable merchants handling fresh fruits and vegetables
of which 29 were Japanese-owned, 94 were American-owned, and 44 owned by
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11007
Chinese and Koreans. There were, as of the same date, in the open-market
yards 232 permanent stall operators, who were conducting small wholesale busi-
nesses limited to merchandise grown within a radius of 90 miles of Los Angeles.
Of these 134 were Japanese, 81 were Americans, and 17 were Korean and Chi-
nese. As of December 6, 1941, practically all of the Japanese businesses were
owned and operated by alien Japanese with citizen Japanese employees and sub-
ordinates. Since the war many of the stall businesses and a few of the large
wholesale businesses have been 'sold or transferred by aliens to citizen Japanese.
The exact figures are unavailable as there has never been any occasion in the
past to make such studies, but it is probable that the Japanese wholesalers have
handled 75 percent of the green vegetables and not more than 10 percent of the
staple vegetables and fruits consumed in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. By
green vegetables is meant the leafy succulent vegetables excluding staples such
as potatoes, onions, squash, etc. Since the war began there has been a steady
decreased volume of business handled by the Japanese due primarily to the un-
willingness of the average housewife to buy from Japanese retailers. These Jap-
anese retailers have been the principal outlet for the Japanese wholesalers, since
over a period of years it is well-known that the Japanese invariably give business
preference to others of their own race. The next reason of importance for their
loss of business is the fact that the Japanese growers who in Los Angeles County
have produced in the past a large percentage of the green vegetables are not
replanting their fields as the season progresses. This was true before closed
areas were set up by the Federal Government and has become much more
pronounced since that time.
It is my considered opinion, based on 21 years of constant service in the Los
Angeles markets, first as representative of the United States Department of
Agriculture and for the past 14 years a^ manager of the Associated Produce Dealers
and Brokers of Los Angeles, a trade association composed of all wholesale mer-
chants in Los Angeles, of all nationalities, that the removal of all Japanese from
southern California will not cause any serious dislocation in the feeding of this
community.
There are more than 50 different vegetables sold commercially in our wholesale
markets throughout the year. With the removal of the Japanese there may be a
scarcity of nonessential vegetables such as celery root, escarole, chard, watercress,
and leeks. However, there are enough American growers already producing the
major protective crops such as carrots, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, potatoes,
onions, peas, beans, and even celery to take up the slack in the Los Angeles mar-
kets by slightly increasing their acreage already being planted for eastern ship-
ment. I have talked to many wholesale growers of vegetables for the local market
who have either gone out of business in the past 10 years or greatly reduced their
operations due to Japanese competition of a type which they could not meet and
who are willing to plant increased acreage especially for the local rrarket if they
have any assurance they would not have to meet the competition of the Japanese
family.
The Japanese have not made any great inroad in the production of large com-
mercial acreages of vegetables for carlot shipping to eastern markets because they
have to compete with the white grower on an equivalent basis. Jn other words,
the amount of Japanese family labor that can be used is negligible in acreages from
500 to 5,000. Large-scale Japanese farmers employ Mexican or Filipino labor the
same as the white grower and is on a comparable cost basis. Tn small acreages
planted primarily for local markets the Japanese grower has had an advantage
over the white grower that has pretty well driven the white grower out of small-
scale vegetable production in many parts of Los Angeles County. These farms
will average around 10 acres and the Japanese farmer can and does use his wife
and children for practically all of his labor requirements giving him a production
cost substantially below that of a small white farmer.
A comprehensive system of associations set up for these small Japanese farmers
has enabled them to* regulate market supplies and reduce prices at will, to the
point that the competing white grower has been forced out of production. How-
ever, there is a vast reserve of skilled white farmers who will resume the production
of vegetables whenever they have any idea that it can be done without going up
against this type of Japanese competition. This will not entail any serious rise in
prices, generally speaking, as the difference between the Japanese controlled whole-
sale price is only a few cents per package less than the white growers' actual cost
of production. However, if white growers are to take up the production of vege-
tables in place of Japanese quick action is imperative. The season is progressing
11008 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
and as stated above many Japanese growers are not replanting their fields as the
planting season comes along. If this problem is dallied around with many weeks
longer there will develop a shortage of green vegetables during the summer months
whether the Japanese are permitted to stay on the farm or whether they are
removed by either proper governmental authority or public sentiment.
Yours very truly,
Associated Produce Dealers and Brokers of Los Angeles,
By Homer A. Harris, Secretary-Manager.
Fresno County Farm Bureau,
Fresno, Calif., February 19, 1942.
Mr. Ray Wiser,
President, California Farm Bureau Federation,
Berkeley, Calif.
Dear Mr. Wiser: As to your first question of your telegram dated February
18, there is a Government camp at Firebaugh, Fresno County. I do not know
what the available space is there. My information is that the farmers do not
desire such a camp in Fresno County.
The other question, "Do farmers'in your county wish to provide employment
for such labor and to what extent?" My answer and information is No. How-
ever, we are requesting from this county that the Japanese who are now here
remain here under the proper constituted supervision, local, State, and Federal,
if necessary.
We believe that the Japanese who are now performing agricultural labor in
Fresno County should remain here for that purpose, but agriculture does not
favor any addition of Japanese from other areas.
Sincerely yours,
Fresno County Farm Bureau,
A. J. Quist, President.
Bakersfield, Calif., February 19, 1942.
Ray B. Wiser,
President, California State Farm Bureau Federation,
Berkeley, Calif.
Kern County Farm Bureau, board of supervisors, agricultural committee,
county defense council, and county-wide agricultural labor committee, all have
gone on record recommending that all Japs be removed from California and
placed under adequate guard at once and plans for utilizing their labor be made
later. Letter follows.
Frank Stockton,
President, Kern County Farm Bureau.
Hemet, Calif., February 20, 1942.
California Farm Bureau,
2161 Allston Way.
We absolutely object to Japanese being located anywhere in vicinitj' of Hemet
to be used as agriculture laborers.
Hemet Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Riverside, Calif., February 19, 1942.
California Farm Bureau Federation,
2161 Allston Way.
Advise assemble committee our emphatic objection to any Japanese being
located anywhere in Riverside County for use as farm labor.
Riverside County Chamber of Commerce.
El Centro, Calif., February 19, 1942.
Ray B. Wiser,
President, California Farm Bureau Federation.
Your wire secretary Imperial County Farm Bureau concerning evacuation
Japanese families to Imperial County called to attention of this office. Have
had serious trouble between Japanese and Filipinos in this county. Some Jap-
anese have been killed. Any evacuation of Japanese to, this county would be
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11009
grave mistake at this time as it would only tend to aggravate present tense situa-
tion. All Japanese have been evacuated from Baja, California, Republic of Mex-
ico, just across international boundary line from Imperial County to interior of
Mexico. Any proposition bringing additional Japanese into this area strictly
opposed by Mexican authorities. Evacuation of any Japanese citizen or alien to
this county would create a very serious and unsatisfactory situation. Making
every effort at this time to have the Federal Government evacuate all alien Jap-
anese from this county to some point of internment in the interior of the United
States. Many alien Japanese have already been arrested by Federal Bureau of
Investigation in this county and taken into internment centers. The bringing
of any additional Japanese to this county at present time would only tend to
aggravate and multiply present difficult law enforcement problems. For fore-
going reasons would be opposed to any attempt to bring any additional Japanese
into this territory.
Elmer W. Heald,
District Attorney, County of Imperial.
Visalia, Calif., February 20, 1942.
Ray B. Wiser,
President, California Farm Bureau Federation, Berkeley, Calif.
Under existing conditions as developed in the past few hours these alien Jap-
anese or dual citizens could not be moved into the county unless the United States
Armv has charge of them. There are camps available for Japs on the large
ranches but due to public opinion we do not believe that Tulare County needs
any more Japs unless as stated the Army has complete control over this situation.
At the present time there is not strict enough regulation on the enemy alien in
Tulare County especially the Jap dual citizen or alien.
Tulare County Farm Bureau,
J. E. Jordan, President.
TESTIMONY OF HON. EARL WARREN— Resumed
Attorney General Warren. Mr. Chairman, we feel in California
that it is a fortuitous circumstance that this committee is here at this
particular time. We believe that there has been no time in our entire
crisis when the need of clarification of the alien situation is as apparent
as it is today. There are some things transpiring in our State at the
present moment that are rather dangerous and we believe that there
is only one way that they can be prevented, and that is by a speedy
solution of the alien problem.
I had intended to present a prepared statement to the committee,
but I have been working so diligently with the law enforcement officers
since I received word from you in order to get the consensus of opinion
from them that it has been impossible for me to do so.
The Chairman. We will hold our record open for you to send in a
prepared statement within the next 10 days or 2 weeks. Will that
be plenty of time within which to prepare it?
Attorney General Warren. Thank you. I think that would be
more informative to the committee than what I have to say at the
present time.1
The Chairman. Yes.
Attorney General Warren. But had I prepared a statement prior
to late yesterday afternoon, I think that the necessity of saying many
of the things that I had intended to say have been obviated by reason
of the latest order of the President in relation to this matter. We
believe that the action that the President took yesterday was most
wise and that it at least points the way to a real solution of our
problem.
i This material was submitted later and is included in the witness' statement beginning on p. 10973.
11010 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The Chairman. If I may interrupt there, I might give you a little
background of that recommendation to the President. The con-
gressional delegations of Oregon, Washington, and California met
almost daily trying to decide what recommendations we would make
to the President on this alien problem. I have in mind Senators
Downey, Johnson, Congressman Welch, Congressman Rolph. I
mention them particularly because this is their district. They were
in constant attendance and took deep interest. So, as the attorney
general of the State of California, you know better than any of us
the legal complications involved striking at any portion of our Ameri-
can citizenship. That Executive order yesterday was the recommen-
dation, in almost the same words, of the Pacific coast delegation.
You may proceed now, Mr. Warren. I just wanted to give you a
little background on that.
Attorney General Warren. Yes. I am happy to have that; I had
heard that from the press. We were following your action very
closely and with great interest.
ALIEN ENEMIES AS PROBLEM FOR THE MILITARY
For some time I have been of the opinion that the solution of our
alien enemy problem with all its ramifications, which include the
descendants of aliens, is not only a Federal problem but is a military
problem. We believe that all of the decisions in that regard must be
made by the military command that is charged with the security of
this area. I am convinced that the fifth-column activities of our
enemy call for the participation of people who are in fact American
citizens, and that if we are to deal realistically with the problem we
must realize that we will be obliged in time of stress to deal with sub-
versive elements of our own citizenry.
If that be true, it creates almost an impossible situation for the
civil authorities because the civil authorities cannot take protective
measures against people of that character. We may suspect their
loyalty. We may even have some evidence or, perhaps, substantial
evidence of their disloyalty. But until we have the whole pattern of
the enemy plan, until we are able to go into court and beyond the
exclusion of a reasonable doubt establish the guilt of those elements
among our American citizens, there is no way that civil government
can cope with the situation.
On the other hand, we believe that in an area, such as in California,
which has been designated as a combat zone, when things have hap-
pened such as have happened here on the coast, something should be
done and done immediately. We believe that any delay in the adop-
tion of the necessary protective measures is to invite disaster. It
means that we, too, will have in California a Pearl Harbor incident.
I believe that up to the present and perhaps for a long time to come
the greatest danger to continental United States is that from well
organized sabotage and fifth-column activity.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SABOTAGE
California presents, perhaps, the most likely objective in the Nation
for such activities. There are many reasons whv that is true. First,
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11011
the size and number of our naval nad military establishments in
California would make it attractive to our enemies as a field of sabo-
tage. Our geographical position with relation to our enemy and to the
war in the Pacific is also a tremendous factor. The number and the
diversification of our war industries is extremely vital. The fire
hazards due to our climate, our forest areas, and the type of building
construction make us very susceptible to fire sabotage. Then the
tremendous number of aliens that we have resident here makes it
almost an impossible problem from the standpoint of law enforcement.
A wave of organized sabotage in California accompanied by an
actual air raid or even by a prolonged black-out could not oniy be
more destructive to life and property but could result in retarding the
entire war effort of tins Nation far more than the treacherous bomb-
ing of Pearl Harbor.
I hesitate to think what the result would be of the destruction of
any of our big airplane factories in this State. It will interest you
to know that some of our airplane factories in this State are entirely
surrounded by Japanese land ownership or occupancy. It is a situa-
tion that is fraught with the greatest danger and under no circum-
stances should it ever be permitted to exist.
I have some maps here that will show the specific instances of
that character. In order to advise the committee more accurately
on this subject I have asked the various district attorneys through-
out the State to submit maps to me showing every Japanese owner-
ship and occupancy in the State. Those maps tell a story, a story
that is not very heartening to anyone who has the responsibility of
protecting life and property either in time of peace or in war.
To assume that the enemy has not planned fifth column activities
for us in a wave of sabotage is simply to live in a fool's paradise.
These activities, whether you call them "fifth column activities" or
"sabotage" or "war behind the lines upon civilians," or whatever you
may call it, are just as much an integral part of Axis warfare as any
of their military and naval operations. When I say that I refer to
all of the Axis powers with which we are at war.
It has developed into a science and a technique that has been used
most effectively against every nation with which the Axis powers are at
war. It has been developed to a degree almost beyond the belief
of our American citizens. That is one of the reasons it is so difficult
for our people to become aroused and appreciate the danger of such
activities. Those activities are now being used actively in the war in
the Pacific, in every field of operations about which I have read. They
have unquestionably, gentlemen, planned such activities for California.
For us to believe to the contrary is just not realistic.
Unfortunately, however, many of our people and some of our
authorities and, I am afraid, many of our people in other parts of the
country are of the opinion that because we have had no sabotage and
no fifth column activities in this State since the beginning of the war,
that means that none have been planned for us. But I take the view
that that is the most ominous sign in our whole situation. It con-
vinces me more than perhaps any other factor that the sabotage that
we are to get, the fifth column activities that we are to get, are timed
11012 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
just like Pearl Harbor was timed and just like the invasion of France,
and of Denmark, and of Norway, and all of those other countries.
INVISIBLE DEADLINE FOR SABOTAGE
I believe that we are just being lulled into a false sense of security
and that the only reason we haven't had disaster in California is be-
cause it has been timed for a different date, and that when that time
comes if we don't do something about it it is going to mean disaster
both to California and to our Nation. Our day of reckoning is bound
to come in that regard. When, nobody knows, of course, but we are
approaching an invisible deadline.
The Chairman. On that point, when that came up in our committee
hearings there was not a single case of sabotage reported on the Pacific
coast, we heard the heads of the Navy and the Army, and they all
tell us that the Pacific coast can be attacked. The sabotage would
come coincident with that attack, would it not?
Attorney General Warren. Exactly.
The Chairman. They would be fools to tip their hands now,
wouldn't they?
Attorney General Warren. Exactly. If there were sporadic sabo-
tage at this time or if there had been for the last 2 months, the
people of California or the Federal authorities would be on the alert to
such an extent that they could not possibly have any real fifth column
activities when the M-day comes. And I think that that should
figure very largely in our conclusions on this subject.
Approaching an invisible deadline as we do, it seems to me that no
time can be wasted in making the protective measures that are essen-
tial to the security of this State. And when I say "this State" I
mean all of the coast, of course. I believe that Oregon and Wash-
ington are entitled to the same sort of consideration as the zone of
danger as California. Perhaps our danger is intensified by the num-
ber of our industries and the number of our aliens, but it is much
the same.
Gentlemen, it has become no longer a simple question of protecting
life and property in this State, because people can't fight in the dark
and you can't protect against things about which you don't know.
We have all been good soldiers out here and we played the game. We
have cooperated with the Federal authorities in every respect, and
individual agencies have cooperated with us. As Chief Dullea told
you, we work in complete harmony with the Federal authorities and
I think that we have accomplished something, but we haven't scratched
the surface and because of certain fundamental things.
In our civilian defense we are supposed as State and local officers
to protect the lives and the property of our people whether it is in
normal times or whether it is in times of great emergency. But when
this emergency comes along we are going to have to deal with enemy
aliens and those who are acting in concert with them.
civilian authorities instructed not to investigate subversive
activities
We don't know in this State who the enemy aliens are and it is not
permitted for us to know. In the first place, the directive of the
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11013
President (and I think wisely) at the outset of this situation placed the
internal security in the hands of a Federal agency, the F. B. I. All
local and State officers were instructed not to investigate subversive
activities, but immediately upon the receipt of any information to
turn it over to the F. B. I.
We have played the game in California. We have followed that
directive, and everything we have had we have turned over to them.
We have not made independent investigations concerning subversive
activities or espionage matters or things of that kind. As a result,
we don't have as local officers the pattern of the Axis plans for fifth
column activities and sabotage.
In addition to that, we are not permitted to have the names, even,
of the alien enemies in our midst. And at the present time every
police station in this State, every sheriff's office, every law-enforce-
ment agency can be flanked by aliens with weapons that we know
absolutely nothing about.
Gentlemen, I say to you that if we expect local law enforcement
officers to compete against a situation of that kind it is just like
putting a blindfold over a man's face and asking him to go out and
fight someone that he cannot see.
The Chairman. What is the objection to your not having that
information?
Attorney General Warren. I am afraid you will have to get that
from the Department of Justice. The only information I have is
what I gathered at the first Federal-State Conference that we had at
Washington in August 1940. At that time there was discussion as to
what should be done in these matters and it was thought that if local
authorities started independently to investigate things of that kind
they would develop perhaps into witch hunts in some instances. In
other instances local authorities might destroy the pattern that the
F. B. I. was working on. They might stumble into something that
should not be disclosed at the time and in various ways might cause
bungling in the counter-espionage work.
The Chairman. But we were not at war then.
INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION OF ALIENS NOT AVAILABLE TO LOCAL
AUTHORITIES
Attorney General Warren. We were not at war at that time.
Then the alien registration came along immediately after war was
declared, and the local authorities then wanted to know who the aliens
in their communities were, but they were not permitted to have their
names.
The registration, as you know, is through the Post Office Depart-
ment, and the Postal authorities have their instructions not to give
that information to the local authorities.
The Chairman. Is that same procedure applicable throughout the
United States?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir; it is. Recently they had a
second registration. It was thought at that time that it would be
done through law-enforcement officers because of the tremendous
problems that we have. But that registration also was made through
the Postal authorities, and we were denied the right to get any infor-
11014 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
mation concerning aliens, even to ask them a question after they had
registered with the Government.
We were investigating the alien land situation at the time and, of
course, we wanted to know who the alien Japanese were. We have
no way of knowing. We have almost 100,000 Japanese in California.
The Census records show that 33,000 of them are aliens and 66,000
are American-born. But we have no way on earth of knowing who
the 33,000 are and who the 66,000 are. Still we are obliged to protect
life and property against any activities in which they may engage
during the war.
We believe that that information should b'e made available to the
law-enforcement officers and that they never can be of substantial
help to any Federal agency that is charged with the solution of the
alien problem unless they do have it.
The Chairman. You see, that is the very object of these hearings.
I did not know that.
Attorney General Warren. I am sure that very, very few people in
the country realize it. Maybe some know about it, but they have
never thought of the significance of it. But if our civilian defense
effort is to be what our Government wants it to be, if we are to assume
our full responsibilities for protecting life and property in time of
emergency, then we must have some tools to work with. We have at
the present time absolutely none, and I say that without any reflection
upon any agency. They have all been helpful within the limits of
their instruction.
So that is one of the things that led us to the conclusion that it was
entirely a military problem and entirely a military decision as to what
we do with these aliens. The fact that so many of them are citizens
makes the situation far more dangerous.
POTENTIAL DANGER FROM AMERICAN-BORN JAPANESE
I want to say that the consensus of opinion among the law-enforce-
ment officers of this State is that there is more potential danger among
the group of Japanese who are born in this country than from the
alien Japanese who were born in Japan. That might seem an anomaly
to some people, but the fact is that, in the first place, there are twice
as many of them. There are 33,000 aliens and there are 66,000 born
in this country.
In the second place, most of the Japanese who were born in Japan
are over 55 years of age. There has been practically no migration to
this country since 1924. But in some instances the children of those
people have been sent to Japan for their education, either in whole or
in part, and while they are over there they are indoctrinated with the
idea of Japanese imperialism. They receive their religious instruction
which ties up their religion with their Emperor, and they come back
here imbued with the ideas and the policies of Imperial Japan.
While I do not cast a reflection on every Japanese who is born in
this country — of course we will have loyal ones — I do say that the
consensus of opinion is that taking the groups by and large there is
more potential danger to this State from the group that is bom here
than from the group that is born in Japan.
Mr. Arnold. Let me ask }^ou a question at this point.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11015
Attorney General Warren. Yes, Congressman.
Mr. Arnold. Do you have any way of knowing whether any one
of this group that you mention is loyal to this country or loyal to
Japan?
MANY AMERICAN-BORN JAPANESE EDUCATED IN JAPAN
Attorney General Warren. Congressman, there is no way that we
can establish that fact. We believe that when we are dealing with
the Caucasian race we have methods that will test the loyalty of them,
and we believe that we can, in dealing with the Germans and the
Italians, arrive at some fairly sound conclusions because of our knowl-
edge of the way they live in the community and have lived for many
years. But when we deal with the Japanese we are in an entirely
different field and we cannot form any opinion that we beli-eve to be
sound. Their method of living, their language, make for this diffi-
culty. Many of them who show you a birth certificate stating that
they were born in this State, perhaps, or born in Honolulu, can hardly
speak the English language because, although they were born here,
when they were 4 or 5 years of age they were sent over to Japan to be
educated and they stayed over there through their adolescent period
at least, and then they came back here thoroughly Japanese.
The Chairman. There are certain Japanese schools here, are there
not?
Attorney General Warren. Then we have the Japanese school
system here. There is no way that we know of of determining that
fact.
I had together about 10 days ago about 40 district attorneys and
about 40 sheriffs in the State to discuss this alien problem. I asked
all of them collectively at that time if in their experience any Japa-
nese, whether California-born or Japan-born, had ever given them
any information on subversive activities or any disloyalty to this
country. The answer was unanimously that no such information had
ever been given, to them.
Now, that is almost unbelievable. You see, when we deal with
the German aliens, when we deal with the Italian aliens, we have
many informants who are most anxious to help the local authorities
and the State and Federal authorities to solve this alien problem.
They come in voluntarily and give us information. We get none
from the other source.
Does that answer your question. Congressman?
Mr. Arnold. That answers it fully.
Attorney General Warren. There is one thing that concerns us at
the present time. As I say, we are very happy over the order of the
President yesterday. We believe that is the thing that should be
done, but that is only one-half of the problem, as we see it. It is one
thing to take these people out of the area and it is another thing to
do something with them after they get out. Even from the small
areas that they have left up to the present time there are many,
many Japanese who are now roaming around the State and roaming
around the Western States in a condition that will unquestionably
bring about race riots and prejudice and hysteria and excesses of all
kind.
11016 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
I hate to say it, but we have had some evidence of it in our State
in just the last 2 or 3 days. People do not want these Japanese just
loaded from one community to another, and as a practical matter it
might be a very bad thing to do because we might just be transposing
the danger from one place to another.
So it seems to me that the next thing the Government has to do
is to find a way of handling these aliens who are removed from any
vital zone.
In the county of Tulare at the present time and in the county of
San Benito and in other counties there are large numbers of the Jap-
anese moving in and sometimes the suggestion has come from the
place that they leave, that they ought to go to this other commu-
nity. But when they go there they find a hostile situation. We are
very much afraid that it will cause trouble unless there is a very
prompt solution of this problem.
VIGILANTISM
My own belief concerning vigilantism is that the people do not en-
gage in vigilante activities so long as they believe that their Govern-
ment through its agencies is taking care of their most serious prob-
lem. But when they get the idea that their problems are not under-
stood, when their Government is not doing for them the things that
they believe should be done, they start taking the law into their own
hands.
That is one reason why we are so happy that this committee is out
here today because we believe that it will help us solve this problem
quickly, which is just as important as to solve it permanently.
The Chairman. We are certainly in a position to get the word
right to the heads when we get back to Washington.
Attorne3r General Warren. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. We can give them the facts that you are just giv-
ing us. We are the parties that can transmit them. . We can get the
word there anyway.
Attorney General Warren. Yes. There has been a lot of talk of
how it would disturb the agricultural situation in the State to move
the Japanese. I think that is a very debatable question and I think
that the records of the Department of Agriculture or the Government
will show that it is not as great a problem as it is generally supposed
to be. We have seen some very fantastic figures as to what part the
Japanese labor plays in California agriculture. I think the facts will
not support those figures, and this is one thing that I think should be
borne in mind by your committee: That we have a great many large
Japanese agricultural operators in this State, and when they operate
on a large scale they use exactly the same kind of help that white
operators use. In other words, when their crops are to be harvested
they don't necessarily harvest them with Japanese. They harvest
them with Filipinos and Mexicans and even white people. There is
one thing this year that makes it even less desirable to have the
Japanese on the land, and that is the fact that the Filipinos and
the Mexicans have resolved that they will not harvest crops for
Japanese. So they might have their crops on the ground and still
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11017
they would not be harvested. If those people don't work for them,
I have an idea that probably white people won't work for them, either.
The Chairman. We are going to have a representative from the
Department of Agriculture to get those figures.
JAPANESE LAND OWNERSHIP
Attorney General Warren. Yes. I merely made that observation.
Now, gentlemen, I have some maps which show the character of the
Japanese land ownership and possessory interests in California. I
will submit them at the time I submit a formal statement on the sub-
ject. These maps show to the law enforcement officers that it is more
than just accident, that many of those ownerships are located where
they are. We base that assumption not only upon the fact that they
are located in certain places, but also on the time when the ownership
was acquired.
It seems strange to us that airplane manufacturing plants should be
entirely surrounded by Japanese land occupancies. It seems to us
that it is more than circumstance that after certain Government air
bases were established Japanese undertook farming operations in close
proximity to them. You can hardly grow a jackrabbit in some of the
places where they presume to be carrying on farming operations close
to an Armv bombing base.
Many of our vital facilities, and most of our highways are just
pocketed by Japanese ownerships that could be of untold danger to
us in time of stress.
So we believe, gentlemen, that it would be wise for the military to
take every protective measure that it believes is necessary to protect
this State and this Nation against the possible activities of these people.
Mr. Arnold. During the past years have the Japanese been shrewd
investors when it comes to buying property in cities? Could they
have bought this land near these airplane factories because of shrewd-
ness in their investment ability?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, that could be, Congressman.
Mr. Arnold. I mean, does the history of the past 50 years show
any shrewdness in that respect?
Attorney General Warren. The Japanese have been good farming
operators. They have competed on very favorable terms with our
white farmers.
Mr. Arnold. What I mean is, you say some of this farming land
surrounding factories is not very productive. It might increase in
value because of the large industry. Have they shown ability m the
past to invest where land values go up?
Attorney General W^arren. I have no knowledge of that, Congress-
man. I would be inclined to doubt it because of the limited right
they have to buy land in this State. You know, we have an alien
land law which prevents them from owning agricultural lands; but it
has been honored more in the breach than in the observance in recent
years because of the fact that they have placed the ownership m the
names of their California-born children. They have not been specu-
lators in lands as far as I know.
Mr. Arnold. One thing you are sure of— it just couldn t have
happened that way?
11018 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
PATTERN OF JAPANESE LAND OWNERSHIP
Attorney General Warren. We don't believe that it could in all
of these instances, and knowing what happened at Pearl Harbor and
other places we believe that there is a pattern to these land owner-
ships in California and possessory interests in California.
The Chairman. In the last few years have purchases by these
native-born Japanese increased in the surroundings close to these air-
craft factories?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. I was interested in your whole statement. As you
were discussing it, I thought of testimony that was given before the
House Military Affairs Committee, of which I am a member, by a
French officer who was in the French Army prior to, and at the time
of, the French capitulation. He told us of the difficulties that the
French had in their own villages ; that always their strategy was given
away; the enemy found out about it. Their final solution to the
problem was simply, when they started operating in a territory, to
evacuate everybody, citizens and all. Of course, that was the field
of battle.
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. Your thought is that this, too, is a possible combat
area?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. And those in charge of operations should have the
authority to evacuate all whom they feel should be evacuated for the
defense of the area?
Attorney General Warren. Precisely. And regardless of citizen-
ship or alienage.
Mr. Sparkman. And is it your understanding that the Executive
order of yesterday gave such authority to the military commander?
Attorney General Warren. That is the way I read the newspaper
report and that is the only thing that I have. The newspapers stated
that specifically.
Mr. Sparkman. I do want to add a word to what the chairman said.
I am sure you people out here know it, but your congressional delega-
tion in both Houses of Congress has been very much on the alert in
discussing and making plans for the defense of this area. A week,
10 days, or 2 weeks ago, this very recommendation was made to
the President and, as I read the order, it follows out almost word for
word the recommendation that was made by your congressional
delegation.
I have noticed suggestions in newspaper stories. I noticed a tele-
gram this morning with reference to the civil rights of these people.
What do you have to say about that?
Attorney General Warren. I believe, sir, that in time of war every
citizen must give up some of his normal rights.
evacuation as military problem
I believe that no good citizen should object to it. I do believe,
however, that it should be done by proper authority and not by
sporadic action on the part of agencies that do not function according
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11019
to the law. That is the reason that I believe that his is a military
problem and not a problem in civil government. We have had in-
stances in this State where extra-legal action has been taken with
regard to these very people, without regard to our statutes or our con-
stitution or the Constitution of the United States. Now, I think, that
is bad. .
Mr. Sparkman. May I say there, when you say "without regard
you don't consider this as being without regard of Constitution, be-
cause isn't it true that the Constitution makes provision for just such
things? . .
Attorney General Warren. You mean the action the President
took yesterday?
Mr. Sparkman. Yes.
Attorney General Warren. I think that is entirely in keeping with
it and that is why I commend it so highly. That is why I believe so
sincerely in it because it does transfer the solution of this problem
to the military authorities who are charged with the defense of this
area and, therefore, have the right morally and legally and every other
way to take any protective measures that are necessary to insure the
security of the area.
The Chairman. In other words, there are two alternatives — the
suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, or martial law. Is that
right?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. We are putting them all on the same footing.
I think, like you, that it is absolutely constitutional. But if we took
it direct, we would be in the courts for the duration of the war fighting
that thing out. Is that not so?
Attorney General Warren. Yes.
AUTHORITY FOR EXCLUSION OF PERSONS FROM MILITARY AREAS
The Chairman. Well, we haven't the time to fight it out in the
courts. That is the way we feel. Isn't that right? m
Attorney General Warren. Yes. There was a time in the Civil
War — I don't have the name of the case in mind at the moment, but
I have it available— where the War Department through the com-
mander of the Army, declared certain areas to be danger zones and
directed that only those who were given permits were entitled to enter
and move about.' Then Congress fortified that situation by declaring
it in a statute to be a danger zone. When it went to the Supreme
Court, the Supreme Court did not sustain the military commander
but it did sustain the action of Congress in declaring it to be a zone of
danger in which those things could be done by the military.
It may be in this situation that if there is any question about the
right of the military to do it, Congress could draw a line so far in from
the coast and say that, because of the world conditions and the things
that are confronting us, that constituted an area in which the military
could do certain things.
The Chairman. When you prepare your final paper, will you give
us that citation? That will be very valuable to us.
60396 — 42— pt. 29-
11020 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
ORDERLY MOVEMENT OF EVACUEES REQUIRED
Attorney General Warren. I will be very happy to do it.
Mr. Sparkman. General, you do believe that these people who are
evacuated ought to be moved with some system or some order?
Attorney General Warren. I believe it must be.
Mr. Sparkman. In other words, you don't believe that the order
should be simply given, "Get out," and then leave it to them to get
out?
Attorney General Warren. No, sir; I think that the Government
must provide some solution to that problem, because if we don't,
it is not only going to entail hardship on the people who are told to
move but it is going to entail hardship on every community to which
they go.
We have in California 109,000 enemy aliens. How many of those
will be moved out none of us knows, but assuming that a substantial
portion of them is moved out and just put on the road indiscrimi-
nately. It would be an unspeakable situation for our country.
There must be a solution for them. There must be some resettle-
ment program.
Mr. Sparkman. That, too, should be handled by the Army, in your
opinion?
Attorney General Warren. I believe that is a problem of civil gov-
ernment. I believe that the problem of the Army would be to say,
"You cannot come into this area because we don't believe that it is
consistent with the security of the area." But once out of the area,
it seems to me that it would be a problem of civil government to re-
locate and resettle those people, unless they were dangerous people
that the Army wanted to intern or otherwise keep under surveillance.
But if they were just doing it as a protective measure, not knowing
whether as individuals they were dangerous or not, it would seem to
me that it is more of a resettlement program than an Army problem.
Mr. Sparkman. You would divide the evacuees into two groups,
then: One would be those considered to be dangerous?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. The other group simply those who were not desir-
able in a particular defense area and yet not considered necessarily
dangerous?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir. I think we must.
In one situation the military would be in charge, and in the other
situation it would be the civil government.
The Chairman. Don't you see right away the problem is looming
before us as to where they are going to go as the evacuation increases
in the Pacific Coast States? It may run into hundreds of thousands of
people. So we will have to feel out — probably this committee will do
it — as to where they are going to go; that is, what States, whether
Nebraska , Kansas, and so on. For instance, if it were the other way
around, and if you evacuated three or four hundred thousand into
California, I don't know how we would take care of them here,
don't you see.1
Attorney General Warren. That is correct. And even in Cali-
fornia, that is a problem. A community of Japanese moved out of
i See pp. 27-30, House Report 1911, preliminary report by this committee.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11021
one city in our State and just moved over a little range of hills and
started moving into another community. There was a tremendous
uproar there and it hasn't subsided yet. Every time you move them
en masse you create big problems not only for them but for the
communities to which they go.
REVIEW OF HARDSHIP CASES
Mr. Sparkman. In the mayor's statement he made some mention,
I believe, of the hardship cases that might arise.
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. Would you agree with his panel to the effect that
there should be some tribunal that could review hardship cases and
perhaps give permits or licenses to reenter?
Attorney General Warren. Well, Congressman, I don't believe
that there should be any civil panel that would review the action of
the military commander taken as a protective measure.
Mr. Sparkman. I didn't say "civil tribunal." I simply said "a
tribunal."
Attorney General Warren. I believe this: That the Army is in
the very nature of things not equipped to know or to find out by itself
who is loyal and who is not loyal among all of these hundreds of thou-
sands of aliens that we have. I believe that it calls for the assistance
of all the local authorities. For instance, when we are dealing with
Italians in San Francisco, most of them came here years ago. They
have been in established lines of business, and I believe by their con-
duct through the years the local authorities could come pretty close
to telling the Army who at least would unquestionably be loyal. I
think that the Army would probably call upon the local authorities
and set up some agency for advising them and helping them on that
subject. But I wouldn't have any council to which a man could
appeal from the decision of the military commander in a situation
like this.
Mr. Sparkman. I didn't intend to imply that. The point I was
trying to get is this. I agree with you that final decisions should rest
with those who are charged with responsibility for defending the
area. That, of course, is the military.
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. The point I was trying to get at is this: Do you
think that there ought to be flexibility in the order so as to permit
those people whom the military command believed to be hardship
cases and worthy cases to allow them to reenter under a permit or a
license?
Attorney General Warren. I do without question. There are
thousands of people who are in this State who are nationals of coun-
tries with which we are at war, who would be just as loyal to this
country as you and I. I think they can be ascertained.
identification cards
Mr. Sparkman. Would you operate that through a system of
identification cards or permits?
Attorney General Warren. After it was determined which was
which?
11022 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Sparkman. Yes.
Attorney General Warren. I would. Yes, sir. I am of the opin-
ion that in these areas that are vital everybody ought to operate
under a permit. I see no reason why I shouldn't have a permit to go
into a vital military area or to move around, and I think about the
only way that you can make it effective in an area is to give every-
body a license or a permit, because if you just give the aliens a license
or a permit all they have to do is to lose their permit or fail to bring
it with them and they are in the same position as the rest of us. But
if every man has to have a permit to move around in that area, whether
he is a citizen or whether he is an alien, and he is called upon to pro-
duce his permit, it will show at a glance what his status is and whether
he is violating the orders of the military in the area.
The Chairman. Of course, you are right about that. Now even
Congressmen going down to the War and Navy Departments in
Washington have to register.
Attorney General Warren. Certainly.
The Chairman. We have to get a permit. What's wrong about
that? There is nothing wrong about it.
Attorney General Warren. We don't consider that an invasion
of our civil rights.
The Chairman. Not at all.
Mr. Sparkman. And if you or I went over to Hamilton Field and
tried to go in, we would certainly have to make some showing. I have
no reluctance to carry my permit for entering the public buildings in
the Nation's Capital.
Attorney General Warren. That's right.
Mr. Sparkman. And no other person should feel any infringement
on his civil rights, you feel, if he should have to carry a permit to go
about in strategic areas?
Attorney General Warren. Positively. And I think that every
loyal citizen should welcome such a system.
care op property of evacuees
Mr. Sparkman. What about the care of these alien properties?
Attorney General Warren. I am afraid that that is a situation
that has not been adequately taken care of up to the present time.
There is no Alien Property Custodian in these parts.
Mr. Sparkman. I believe the first evacuation is coming next week,
is it not?
Attorney General Warren. The 24th; yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. That is a limited evacuation, is it not?
Attorney General Warren. Well, it prohibits alien enemies from
being in certain very small zones, and then there are other restricted
areas in which they operate under a curfew regulation.
Mr. Sparkman. I presume there are enemy aliens who own property
within those areas from which they are to be prohibited?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. You say there is no provision so far as you know
for taking care of the aliens' property?
Attorney General Warren. I said there was no Alien Property
Custodian appointed for this area. The Federal Reserve bank has
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11023
been the agency of the Treasury Department handling the Trading
with the Enemy Act, and they may have some prerogatives in that
regard, I can't say. But I believe that there has been no procedure
set up here for handling of enemy property such as you have men-
tioned.
The Chairman. General, there is a little uncertainty as to the
jurisdiction. We hope to get ironed out very soon who shall have
the jurisdiction, the Treasury, the Army or someone else.
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. That is the hold-up in the matter.
Mr. Sparkman. What is going to happen to perishable goods that
are owned by these people?
Attorney General Warren. When they move out?
Mr. Sparkman. Yes.
Attorney General Warren. I suppose until there is some plan for
taking care of it, it is very likely to result in waste.
EXPLOITATION OF ENEMY ALIENS
Mr. Sparkman. Has there come to your attention any buying of
this property for very low prices, speculating in it?
Attorney General Warren. The statement was made to me a few
days ago that in areas like the city of Alameda, where aliens are not
permitted to be, there was considerable selling of household effects at
a great sacrifice. Now, it was a member of a governmental agency
who told me that, but I did not investigate it to see how widespread it
was or just what the facts were.
Mr. Sparkman. Is it your feeling that there should be an office of
the Alien Property Custodian established in this region?
Attorney General Warren. Yes, sir; I think so without question.
I don't believe that people should be permitted to exploit even our
enemy aliens. I think there should be some Federal agency that
would supervise those matters to see that no one is taken advantage
of by designing people.
Mr. Sparkman. That is all.
The Chairman. Mr. Warren, on behalf of the committee we want
to thank you. You have certainly made a very valuable contribu-
tion to our hearings here, and we are very grateful to you. We shall
hold the record open for you so you can send us what you think
should be included in addition to what you have said today.
Attorney General Warren. Thank you very much, gentlemen of
the committee. I want to say to you personally, Mr. Chairman,
that it is a great pleasure to see you back here in California. I
might say to you gentlemen, he is my Congressman.
The Chairman. We will take a 5-minute recess.
(Whereupon a short recess was taken.)
The Chairman. Will the committee please come to order?
Mr. Neustadt, will you take that seat there, please?
This committee is very pleased to have you with us again. You
always give us a very valuable contribution and I know that you will
help us out on this occasion.1 I wish you would give your name,
please, to the reporter and your official designation.
> See pp. 4947-4962, pt. 12, San Diego hearings.
11024 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
TESTIMONY OF RICHARD H. NEUSTADT, REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD, AND REGIONAL DIRECTOR, OFFICE
OF DEFENSE, HEALTH, AND WELFARE SERVICES, SAN FRAN-
CISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Neustadt. I am the regional director of the Social Security
Board and also the regional director of the Office of Defense, Health,
and Welfare Services.
The Chairman. Over what States do you have jurisdiction?
Mr. Neustadt. In the Social Security Board it is just the four
States of California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. In this
particular assignment of help to the western command, I follow the
western command's eight-State region.
The Chairman. Congressman Arnold, will you interrogate Mr.
Neustadt, please?
Mr. Arnold. Mr. Neustadt, the committee understands that the
Federal Security Agency has been handling certain problems con-
nected with the evacuation of enemy aliens. In the following ques-
tions we will use the term "alien" to designate aliens of Axis countries.
Wherever your answers are also relative to alien citizens of American
parentage, will you so indicate?
In my first questions I shall interrogate you with regard to the
work of your office prior to the President's Executive order of yester-
day. Is the committee correct in understanding that aliens to be
evacuated from prohibited areas are registered with the Social Security
Board's local offices?
PLACE OF FEDERAL SECURITY AGENCY IN EVACUATION
Mr. Neustadt. May I make clear that, in the first place, there is
nothing mandatory about that. We are charged with the task, on
behalf of the Department of Justice, of facilitating the transfer of
enemy aliens from the prohibited areas to what are called the restricted
areas. There is no compulsion on the part of those people to come to
our office. We are a service agency acting on behalf of the Depart-
ment of Justice.
Do I make myself clear, Congressman?
The Chairman. What do you do for money, Mr. Neustadt?
Mr. Neustadt. The President allocated $500,000 to Governor
McNutt as Administrator, and he, in turn, vested the power in me
to spend that money as it was needed. The determination of need
and the allocation of funds is done in the usual way upon the request
of the individual.
Right there, if you care, I might interject the fact that of approxi-
mately 6,500 enemy aliens who have come to our offices voluntarily —
6,500, out of the expected nine to ten thousand who are involved in
this transfer — most of them have come for information, information
with respect to whether their residence is in the prohibited zone or
whether where they contemplate moving to is in another prohibited
zone or in a restricted area. Of those, only 140 have asked for financial
assistance of any kind.
However, that small number is not to be taken as a measure of
their need. Rather, it is to be taken as a measure of their pride and
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11025
their desire to understand the reason for this order and their desire
to be as cooperative with the Government as possible. In other
words, we know of many cases who will need money, who have strained
every resource to move out of the prohibited area, but they prefer to
exhaust their own resources before asking for any aid of any kind.
Mr. Arnold. Then the registration with your agency is optional.
Are these people required to register elsewhere?
REGISTRATION OF ENEMY ALIENS
Mr. Neustadt. If I may follow the course of the order, all "alien
enemies," as we now call them, were required to register with the
Department of Justice through the post office the last week of January.
Then the Department of Justice decreed certain areas prohibited.
Those who were living within those prohibited areas had to move.
Under the regulations of the Department of Justice they were entirely
free to move outside of the prohibited areas anywhere they wanted as
individuals. If they moved into the B, or restricted, area they were
subject to the regulations of the Department of Justice, which meant
the constant carrying of their certificates, observance of the curfew,
and the restriction not to move beyond 5 miles of their residence ex-
cept to go to work or to school. So that movement was entirely
voluntary on their part except that they could not stay within the
prohibited areas except at the risk of being arrested.
Mr. Arnold. Is it true that under present evacuation plans evacuees
ordinarily bear the expense of this movement?
Mr. Neustadt. At the present time that is true, certainly.
Mr. Arnold. How is their nonmovable property disposed of?
Mr. Neustadt. Unfortunately, no provision has been made, and
many of them are just sacrificing it.
Mr. Arnold. You have knowledge that many are sacrificing their
property?
Mr. Neustadt. I can't give you statistics, but we certainly have
knowledge of many agriculturalists, and also others, who are sacri-
ficing such little property as they have. There has been no provision
for any custodianship of any kind.
Mr. Arnold. Does your office render purely informational service
or does it provide assistance in cash at times to aliens who lack
resources in moving?
ASSISTANCE TO EVACUEES
Mr. Neustadt. We have provided cash and kind, mainly cash, to
those who have asked for it. We are continuing to do so. The
needs are mounting, so that we expect by the 24th there will be many
more than this 140 asking for financial assistance. We can continue
to take care of those with this money so long as this money lasts,
provided the order continues. We are not sure whether or not the
order of the President last night cancels our rights to give aid to
people who have not yet asked it. We know we can continue to aid
so long as the money lasts for those who have already applied.
The Chairman. Mr. Neustadt, is there any limitation on the
amount of money to give to the individual cases?
11026 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Neustadt. What we are doing, Congressman, is to take the
most generous standard of aid given by the State. In other words,
we are not giving these people more than we would give other people,
but we are trying to give them a liberal, decent, minimum basis.
The budget guide we are using here is the same guide as California
uses for aid to those with dependent children. If the case is that of
a single man, the same aid is given as that for old-age assistance.
Mr. Arnold. Do you know whether the Employment Service is
accepting aliens for registration and referrals in the normal course of
its operations?
Mr. Neustadt. Most assuredly they are. The Employment Office
is where we have put up these centers. The United States Employ-
ment Service is part of those agencies.
Mr. Arnold. What type of employers are accepting these referrals?
Mr. Neustadt. At the moment, due to the hysteria, a great many
employers are not accepting them. Indeed, they are discharging
those that they have in spite of the President's desire. That is not
animosity on the part of the employers as much as uncertainty. They
have not known whether to continue to employ these people. But I
would say all kinds of employers are employing aliens just as much
as anyone else, provided they are not working within a prohibited
area.
Mr. Arnold. Would you be able to provide the committee with a
tabular summary of the data on alien activities handled through your
office?
Mr. Neustadt. Yes. I already have.
Mr. Arnold. That will become a part of the record of this case.
(The statement referred to above and supplementary exhibits are
as follows:)
STATEMENT BY RICHARD H. NEUSTADT, REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD, AND REGIONAL DIRECTOR, OFFICE
OF DEFENSE, HEALTH, AND WELFARE SERVICES, SAN FRANCISCO,
CALIF.
I. General Information
AUTHORITY UNDER WHICH PROGRAM OPERATES
Upon the request of and on behalf of the United States Attorney General, on
January 31, 1942, Mr. Paul V. McNutt, Federal Security Administrator and
Director of Defense, Health, and Welfare Services, accepted the responsibility
of facilitating the transfer of alien enemies from areas designated by the Attorney
General and to relocate and reestablish such aliens in appropriate places and in
appropriate activities.
Under authority of regulation 9 of the Presidential proclamation of December
7 and 8, 1941, the Secretary of War recommended that certain areas be designated
by the Attorney General of the United States as prohibited areas from which all
alien enemies be absolutely excluded. Eighty-eight areas in California have as of
this time been so designated.
REASON FOR REQUESTING ASSISTANCE OF FEDERAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR
The Department of Justice offered the following as the reasons why the Federal
Security Administrator's assistance was requested:
1. Because the Department of Justice is not itself equipped to resettle these
enemy aliens. .
2. Because resettlement involves processes which are basically associated with
the social services, including investigation of the needs and means of the aliens
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11027
affected, helping them to obtain appropriate employment, and otherwise assisting
those who are not able to resettle and reestablish themselves in other locations.
3. Because the operating units of the Federal Security Agency already include
many of the Federal services which are involved in such an undertaking.
4. Because, as Director of the Office of Defense, Health, and Welfare Services,
the Federal Security Administrator had been designated to coordinate health
and welfare services of all departments and agencies of the Federal Government,
and of other agencies, public and private, to meet the needs of States and local
communities arising from the defense program and make available to States and
localities the services of specialists to assist in the planning and execution of State
and local programs in the field of health, welfare, and related activities.
FEDERAL SECURITY AGENCY REGIONAL ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE
PROGRAM
The Federal Coordinator of the Office of Defense, Health, and Welfare Services
has designated the director of region XII of the Social Security Board and regional
coordinator of defense, health, and welfare services as the person responsible for
developing and putting into effect plans for the relocation and reestablishment
of this alien group. Plans formulated so far include the offering of the following
types of service: Registration and referral for employment, the issuance of unem-
ployment compensation to those eligible for it, and the offering of social and finan-
cial assistance. The first two services will be offered through the regularly estab-
lished Federal employment offices, and other assistance will be offered by a social
assistance staff located in the employment offices, operating under the general
supervision of the regional representative of the Bureau of Public Assistance.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance and other serv-
ices, on an emergency basis, to enemy aliens and their families whose normal liv-
ing arrangements have been disrupted as a result of residence in areas now pro-
hibited to them. Forms of assistance offered include- — ■
1. Information, or referral to the proper source for information, needed by aliens
in order that they may conform to existing regulations.
2. Services in connection with resolving problems of housing, moving, emer-
gency medical care, and related contingencies.
3. Financial assistance on an emergency basis to cover immediate expenses
directly attributable to moving from prohibited areas, and for which the alien
has no immediately available resources.
Wherever available without delay, resources of existing social agencies and
other organizations shall be used to secure forms of assistance needed by clients.
II. Organization of Social Assistance Staff
PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PROGRAM
The regional representative of public assistance, acting in her capacity as a
member of the Coordinator's cabinet on evacuation of enemy aliens, is responsible
for the administration of the assistance program to this group of persons. All
of the social service staff of the program are under her general supervision, and
through the regional coordinator she will make joint plans with the regional repre-
sentative of employment security with respect to the work.
In discharging these responsibilities, the regional representative of public assist-
ance will function in the areas of general administration, policy determination, and
clearance with other Federal agencies. More immediate supervision of the staff
is assigned to one of the assistant regional representatives of public assistance.
CENTRAL OFFICE, SUPERVISORY AREAS, AND UNIT OFFICES
The regional office of the Social Security Board, 785 Market Street, will be
considered the central office. To facilitate the offering of services to the alien
group, it is contemplated that the region will be divided into four supervisory
areas — Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Nevada, and Southern
California. Within each area there may be a number of unit offices, some cover-
ing portions of a county, some covering one county only and others covering
more than one county. The size of the staff in each unit office will vary. The
11028 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
larger offices may be staffed by a unit supervisor, a case supervisor, and a staff
of intake interviewers and social workers. In some unit offices the functions of
the unit supervisor and case supervisor may be combined, and in others the func-
tions of all four groups of staff may be performed by one person. All selection
and assignment of staff will be made through the central office.
Intake and information centers within the area covered by a unit office will be
located in the offices of the United States Employment Service.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAFF
The unit supervisor will be responsible for the work performed within the unit
and more specifically will be responsible for setting up the office, putting into
effect procedures that will assure smooth functioning of the office, and for secur-
ing information with respect to, and mobilizing community resources.
The case supervisor will supervise the work of the intake interviewers and
social workers, will interpret to staff rules, regulations and policies, will review
recommendations of intake interviewers and social workers, and will offer guid-
ance and assistance to this staff in performing its functions.
The intake interviewers will, in general, perform the following activities:
(a) To interview persons referred to the office, (b) to give information or refer to
the proper source for information, (c) collect and record all significant financial
and social data, (d) determine disposition to be made of case, (e) develop and
execute assistance plan if such is needed, (/) plan additional investigation if
indicated, (g) arrange for utilization of any available service which may assist
in meeting problems directly connected with resettlement.
FIELD STAFF
A field staff working out of the central office in San Francisco will offer con-
sultant service to the staff in unit employment security offices and will act as
liaison officers between the central office and the unit offices. Plans call for one
field staff member for each supervisory area. This field staff will continue to
perform its other usual activities in addition to the duties outlined above.
III. Case Procedures
FIRST INTERVIEW
Interviewer (local Division of Social Assistance representative).
Persons seeking assistance of any nature are seen by the social-assistance in-
terviewer. These persons may come directly to the interviewer or may be
referred by the employment interviewer or by other agencies.
Purpose of interview.
The purpose of this interview is to determine the nature of the individual's
problem, and other problems which may arise as a result of his situation, and to
determine what can be done under the policies of the division to assist in the
solution of his problem. This interview should result in a definite decision as to
whether it will be a "minor service case" or a "major service case." (See Defi-
nitions, sec. Ill— 6.)
Information to be obtained.
The first step in the interview is to secure from the applicant his own state-
ment of the problem which has brought him to the office and the assistance he
believes he needs. Financial and social factors should be learned so that an as-
sistance plan can be formulated. In all instances, the inquiry card (FSA-dsa-1)
is completed. If it is determined that a major service case classification will be
made, the record card (FSA-dsa-2) is completed in this interview, if possible.
Information to be given clients.
If only information has been requested, and the need for further assistance
does not appear probable, it should be ascertained that the individual's questions
have been answered as completely as possible, and that he has a clear under-
standing of the information given him.
If any further contacts are necessary after the first interview, as definite a
statement as possible should be made to the client including (a) what assistance
he may be able to secure, on the basis of the information he has given, and (b)
what arrangements will be made by the worker to follow up the first interview.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11029
Those seeking information regarding any questions of United States citizenship
are to be referred to the nearest office of the Bureau of Immigration and Natu-
ralization of the Department of Justice. A list of offices of this Bureau will
be provided.
If employment is needed, or an individual may be eligible for unemployment
compensation benefits, he is to be referred to the United States Employment
Service staff in the office in which the Division of Social Assistance representative
is located.
MECHANICAL PROCEDURES
Definitions.
1. "Minor service case" means a case in which all necessary action is taken on
the day of the initial interview, and no further contact is anticipated. It may
not, therefore, remain active beyond the date of that interview. It may be
reopened and changed to a major service case by preparing a case record, con-
taining a record card (FSA-dsa-2), and assigning a case number. A copy of the
record card is transmitted to the central office without an injury card being
attached.
2. "Major service case" means a case in which contacts will continue beyond
the date of initial interview and for which a record card has therefore been pre-
pared and a case number assigned.
S. "Active case" means either a major or minor service case in which all
necessary action for closing the case has not been completed.
4. "Closed case" means a case in which all action has been completed and it is
reasonably certain that no further contacts with the client will occur. Cases
will not be closed because individuals move from the vicinity of the local United
States Employment Service office. During the emergency period, major service
cases will not be closed in most instances.
Minor service case procedures.
One copy of completed inquiry card (FSA-dsa-1) is filed alphabetically in the
central file containing these forms following completion of the inquiry. One
copy of the form is forwarded to the central office not later than the close of
business on the date of the initial interview. Enter a check in the box opposite
"Inquiry completed * * * this " prior to filing and transmittal of the form.
Major service case procedures.
Filing and transmittal of the inquiry card is identical with that for minor service
cases, except that a check is entered in the box opposite record card made, and
the case number is entered in the proper space. In addition, a completed copy
of record card (FSA-dsa-2) is filed with other case material in a case folder,
on the tab of which is placed the client's name and case number. A copy of
the record card, attached to the central office copy of the inquiry card, is trans-
mitted to the central office not later than the date prepared, in as complete form
as possible.
Assignment of case number.
Each local office has been assigned an identifying number in accordance with
the attached list. This number will be used as a prefix number in connection
with numbering of all cases. Example: Berkeley office is No. 2. Case No. 10
in Berkeley office will be marked 2-10. This prefix and case number will be used
on all forms where case number is requested.
The local office number should be used on all forms to designate the office.
Use the office number in place of the name of the office as heretofore.
The Division of Social Assistance representative in the local office will prepare
a simple case number register, consisting of a notebook in which are listed num-
bers 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. The name of the household head in major service cases will
be entered in ink to correspond with each number. The number corresponding
with his name is the family case number for all purposes of recording, and this
must be entered on the record card before it is transmitted to the central office.
It must also be entered on both copies of the inquiry card.
Procedures for closed cases.
A minor service case automatically becomes a closed case at the close of date the
interview is held. The inquiry card (FSA-dsa-1) is filed in the master index file,
after indicating on it the disposition.
When a major service case is to be closed, a notice of case change is prepared in
duplicate, one copy of which is placed in the case record, the other being trans-
11030 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
mitted to the central office. The case record is then filed in a location known as
the closed case file.
Case records, files, and transmittals.
1. Case records will contain all case forms in the United States Employment
Service office except inquiry cards, which are separately filed. Brief narrative
entries, chronologically identified, will when necessary be entered on the reverse of
the record card and on additional pages. The narrative will contain case plans
and activities of the worker and the client in solving difficulties. Records are not
to be removed from the local office. Local representatives of the Division of
Social Assistance are not authorized to release any information contained in
records to individuals or organizations unless cooperatively engaged in working
on behalf of the client.
2. Files. — A master file containing all inquiry cards will be maintained alpha-
betically in the local United States Employment Service office. A copy of each
daily transmittal will be filed chronologically in a folder. An active case record
file and a closed case record file will be maintained in local offices. Case records
will be filed numerically in these files.
3. Transmittals.— A daily transmittal (FSA-dsa-5) will be prepared in duplicate
on each day on which forms are to be transmitted to the central office. This
transmittal is to contain only the total number of each type of case form being
forwarded on that day. One copy is retained in the local office, one going to the
central office on the date for which it is prepared, accompanied by the forms listed
on it. No forms are to be transmitted without being accompanied by this form.
LIST OF U. S. EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICES TO WHICH SOCIAL WORKERS
HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED, CALIFORNIA
Numbers indicate the Division of Social Assistance number for each location; these are not the numbers
already in use by each United States Employment Service office. The numbers given here will be used
as prefix for case numbers originating in these offices]
No.
1. Alameda, 1536 Park Street. Phone: Lakehurst 2-7300.
2. Berkeley, 2459-63 Shattuck Avenue. Phone: Thorn wall 1389.
4. Eureka, 239 G Street. Phone: 624.
5. Fresno, 2146 Inyo Street. Phone: 36184.
7. Inglewood, 319 East Hillcrest Boulevard.
8. Long Beach, 416 Pine Avenue.
9. Los Angeles, 623 East Eighth Street. Phone: Ri. 4181.
10. Monterey, 266 Pearl Street.
11. Oakland, 115 Twelfth Street. Phone: Glencourt 3782.
12. Pittsburg, 480 Black Diamond. Phone: Pittsburg 413.
13. Richmond, 601 Nevin Avenue.
14. San Diego, 1165 Front Street.
15. San Francisco, 1690 Mission Street. Phone: Hemlock 3800.
16. San Jose, 393 South Second Street. Phone: Columbia 4646.
17. San Luis Obispo, 967 Osos Street.
18. San Mateo, 15 B Street.
19. San Pedro, 250 West 17th Street.
20. San Rafael, 1557 Fourth Street. Phone: S. R. 1637.
28. Santa Cruz, 23 Front Street. Phone: Calif. 555.
21. Santa Monica, 1558 Fifth Street.
22. Santa Rosa, 501 Third Street.
23. Stockton, 201 North San Joaquin Street.
24. Ukiah, 20 Smith Street.
25. Vallejo, 515 Marin Street.
29. Watsonville, 21 West Lake Avenue.
FORMULATION OF A SOCIAL PLAN
Responsibility of social-assistance worker.
The primary responsibility of the social-assistance worker is to assist the
applicant in making a social plan, the need for which has arisen because of a re-
quired move in connection with Department of Justice orders. Such a plan must
have a verified factual basis and should contain assurances that the applicant
will be able to reestablish himself after relocation. This plan should take into
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11031
consideration employment opportunities and therefore should be made in coopera-
tion with the employment service.
Referral for employment interview.
If an applicant is unemployed he should be referred immediately to the em-
ployment interviewer for job registration if he has not already registered. Gen-
erally, the registration for a job should precede the discussion with the social
worker of the plan for relocation.
Home visit.
A home visit should be made whenever possible in every case when financial
assistance is requested. The primary purpose of the visit is to verify the present
residence in a prohibited area inasmuch as assistance is granted only to meet needs
arising as a result of Department of Justice orders concerning prohibited areas.
Additional verification of need and information necessary for the formulation of
a social plan should also be procured at the time of the home visit.
Relocation and resettlement plan.
Insofar as possible, families should be relocated within the county of residence
when the worker does not have full assurance that the family will be able to man-
age independently in another county. This should be done even though such a
move may represent a temporary relocation which will necessitate a second
move later on. The important thing to remember is that prohibited areas must
be cleared by specified dates, and that there may not be sufficient time to work
out with the individual or family a complete plan for relocation and resettlement
before the deadline date for evacuation from the prohibited area.
If the individual or family requests assistance in moving out of the county of
residence, one of two facts must be known — that there is a job or other employ-
ment opportunity available in the county of new residence and/or that there is
other evidence of support in such a county. There may be some instances in
which, because of the extent of the prohibited area, a move outside the county of
residence is necessary even though there is no evidence of support in the county of
new residence. It is not anticipated that the number of such cases will be large,
and any such plans should be approved by a representative of the Social Security
Board office.
Generally, plans for moving out of the State should not be made. Any such
contemplated plans are to be submitted for approval to the central office with full
information as to the reason for the plan and with some indication as to how the
validity of such a plan may be verified.
Verifications.
The following are the facts that should be verified and the methods of verifica-
tion to be used:
(a) Residence in a prohibited area. — To be verified by a home visit, unless the
worker, usually in a small community, has other assurances that the present
residence of the individual or family is as stated by him.
(b) Need. — To be verified by a discussion with the family of its financial con-
dition, and where necessary and feasible, by references, clearance with present or
past employer and with banks.
In connection with need, it should be borne in mind that there are varying
degrees of need. A family with income, able to meet all normal and usual require-
ments, may not be able to meet the additional expense of moving and/or expenses
incident to moving, and in such situations, assistance may be granted to meet these
extra expenses.
(c) Moving costs. — If the family plans to move by common carrier and to
transport household effects by a transfer or express company, the cost is to be
verified by a telephone call to the companies concerned.
If the family plans to move through the services of friends, which services are
to be reimbursed, the cost is to be verified by discussion with the family and/or
friends of the estimated cost, and by checking the reasonableness of such esti-
mated mileage cost with automobile associations, gas and oil companies, etc.
(d) Employment in a county of nonresidence. — To be verified by clearance with
the United States employment office in which social worker is located, with
United States employment office in county of nonresidence or with prospective
employer. The clearances with employment offices and employers in other
counties may be made by wire or telephone. These wires and/or telephone calls
may be charged to the employment service office. (See next item.)
11032 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
(e) Other evidence of support in county of nonresidence. — If a family claims sup-
port by relatives or friends in another county this claim should be verified through
the county welfare department of the county of nonresidence. In securing such
verification, a wire or telephone call may be made to such county department
requesting that a visit be made for the purpose of ascertaining the authenticity
of the new address and the claim that continued support is available. The reason
for the request should be made clear by indicating that it is in connection with
evacuation of aliens.
Such wires or letters should be addressed to the director of the county welfare
department and should be signed by the social worker as a representative of the
Federal Security Agency. These wires and/or telephone calls may be charged
to the Employment Security Office. The form of the wire is as follows:
Name.
Director, County Welfare Department.
Address.
Re enemy alien evacuation. John Doe and family of six children have re-
quested assistance in moving to 201 Main Street, X County. Claim that John
Brown brother will support family in his home. Will you please visit Brown
family and advise us by wire or phone of correct address and authenticity of Doe
family claim.
Jane Smith/ Worker, Social Security Board.
(/) Employment and! or other evidence of support in another State. — Full informa-
tion with respect to the reason for such a contemplated move, the address to
which the family wishes to move, the addresses and names of persons in the other
State who know the family, should be transmitted to the central office by wire,
letter, or telephone for clearance with the other State. Such wires and/or tele-
phone calls may be sent collect to the Social Security Board office, 785 Market
Street, San Francisco.
IV. Determination of Assistance Payments
ELIGIBILITY
Assistance payments are designed to provide for specified emergency needs
arising from removal of aliens and their dependents from prohibited areas. As-
sistance may be in cash, kind or congregate care, and may include transportation
of aliens and their dependents to approved destination, transportation of such
household and personal effects as are immediately essential to maintenance, and
assistance not to exceed the assistance standards of the California aid to dependent
children program (Budget guide is in appendix) .
Funds allocated to the Federal Security Agency for this program are intended
to provide assistance to aliens whose need arises directly and immediately as a
result of the actions of the Department of Justice in prohibiting the presence of
enemy aliens in certain areas and restricting or curtailing their activities in other
areas. In other words, the funds have been allocated to meet temporary and
emergency needs essential to relocation and resettlement resulting from Depart-
ment of Justice actions, and in no sense are they intended to provide for another
category of assistance.
If the applicant is able to provide for the specific requirements allowed in this
program, or if his needs are not the result of the above-mentioned actions of the
Department of Justice, he is not eligible for financial assistance. In other words,
eligibility for this assistance does not depend solely on the fact that the applicant
is an alien of an enemy nationality, but rather upon this fact plus the fact that
his needs are a result of Department of Justice orders. Where current grants of
other forms of public assistance, received by aliens living in prohibited areas, do
not cover the extra expense of moving, and/or expenses incident to moving, sup-
plementary assistance to cover moving costs may be given from this program. If
moving plans are made for such persons, they should not interfere with this other
regular assistance. In general, it is required that all immediately available costs
or other resources be used for meeting the needs.
Eligibility for assistance and the amount to be issued are determined by (a)
evaluating a specified group of needs and (b) determining what resources are avail-
able to the applicant for meeting them. If the total under (b) is less than that
under (a) that amount is the amount of the assistance payment.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11033
PERSONS TO BE INCLUDED IN ASSISTANCE PLAN
1. The base of assistance plan, wherever possible, is the portion of the normally
constituted family group which remains intact during the following resettlement.
(Example: An employed adult son who is a citizen will remain with his family
after it moves. He would be included in the need section of the assistance plan,
and his immediately available resources would be included in the resources
section.)
2. If only a portion of the family moves from a prohibited area (i. e., an alien
grandfather, or an entire family except for self-supporting citizen members) the
assistance includes the portion of the family which moves, and resources of those
remaining in the prohibited area are considered in the amount which is above
and beyond normal expenses of those who remain.
3. If, in separations occurring in normal family groups, members of the family
dependent upon enemy aliens but separated from them for some reason are
included in separate assistance plans and given separate assistance payments.
4. Unattached enemy aliens.
ASSISTANCE PLAN
The assistance plan to be followed is the State of California aid to dependent
children assistance plan (budget guide included in appendix). Assistance plans
are to be made for a 2-week period.
1. Requirements.
Amounts provided in all budgets for requirements are determined as follows:
(a) Food. — One-half of monthly allowance as listed in the quantity-cost budget
for each member of the household, for the county in which the family resides.
Percentage increases and decreases by size of family provided in the budget are
to be followed.
(b) Housing. — Actual rental with a maximum, unless clearly unfeasible as
listed in the standard budget. No allowance for housing if living in own home
or in the home of friends or relatives permanently residing in the locality.
(c) Utilities. — Light and fuel for heat and cooking are allowed on the basis of
actual cost, with no restrictions as to the type of utility used. The standard
utilities allowance provided in the State department of social welfare standard
budget is the maximum as a general policy, and is the amount allowed if the cost
is not known.
(d) Moving. — Actual cost with a maximum amount. When arrangements are
made by the applicant without any expenditure, no amount will be included in the
plan as estimated.
(e) Transportation. — Actual amount involved in going to work, looking for
work, or properly located housing or securing medical care.
(/) Medical care. — Where no medical facilities are available and health problems
of a nature requiring immediate medical care, medicine, diets, or nursing service,
these will be allowed on the basis of verified need and verified costs (following the
receipt of services and medicine by the recipient).
(g) Clothing. — Will be allowed only when the need arises directly from condi-
tions involved in resettlement.
(h) Other. — Any special needs can be authorized only when approval has been
given by the area supervisor.
2. Resources.
All resources, including real and personal property, must be listed and described
showing location, value, encumbrances, and any other significant information.
Total family income showing nature and source must be recorded. This is to
include any contribution and benefits.
In computing needs immediately available resources (assets in usable liquid
form) and income are to be deducted from estimated requirements.
Expenditures necessary to the maintenance of existing investments are not
considered immediately available for purposes of this program.
If free housing and/ or utilities are available through funds or relatives, they
will not be considered as requirements so therefore the means through which they
are provided need not be considered resources.
Income will be computed as net income which is the difference between total
income secured and all direct cost incurred in obtaining it.
11034 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
After determination of the need for financial assistance, same will be granted by
the social worker through the medium of the disbursing order Form FSA-dsa-3.
(Detailed instructions in appendix.)
The disbursing order provides for granting assistance in cash, and/or in kind
and services. The disbursing order is prepared by the worker in four copies,
which are utilized and routed as described below.
(a) Cash grant of assistance. — If a cash grant of assistance is to be provided to the
client, the social worker sends the original (white) copy and the yellow copy of the
disbursing order-, properly filled out, to the local certifying officer, and the check,
in the amount indicated, will be mailed by the certifying officer directly to the
client's address. Cash grants cannot be promised clients earlier than 2 days
after the disbursing order is written by the worker. If this is too much of a
delay, other provisions should be made. (See below.)
Social workers in the Los Angeles area, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo will
direct the white and yellow copies of the disbursing order for cash to the local
certifying officer, Mr. Emory H. Johnson, room 446, United States Post Office and
Courthouse Building, Los Angeles. In all other offices and areas these copies
will be directed to the regional office, Social Security Board, 785 Market Street,
San Francisco, Calif.
The green copy of the disbursing order is mailed at the end of the day to the
regional office together with Forms FSA-dsa-1 and FSA-dsa-2 via the transmittal
sheet.
The pink copy is attached to the case record.
(b) Assistance in kind and/ or in services requiring payment. — If assistance is pro-
vided by payment of rent, payment for medical services, clothing, transportation
of household goods, or any type of merchandise or service in which a third person
(the vendor) is involved, the worker gives the original (white) copy and the
yellow copy to the client. The client presents the disbursing order for delivery of
the e;oods or services in lieu of payment.
Wherever possible the transportation of household goods should be arranged
to be paid for by the client out of the cash grant. If necessary, a disbursing
order should be issued on the draying or moving concern, same as on any other
vendor.
The green copy of the disbursing order is again mailed at the end of the day
to the regional office.
The pink copy is attached to the case record.
(c) Assistance in form of transportation by rail or bus. — Unless it seems more
desirable to cover the cost of transportation in the client's cash grant, all trans-
portation expenses will be provided through the medium of the regular Govern-
ment request. The workers are supplied with books of Government requests
for transportation. These must be treated by the worker as though actual cash
were disbursed.
If a Government request for transportation is issued to the client, the worker
will indicate on the disbursing order the number of the request, on what com-
pany or railroad, and the amount represented. The value will have to be ob-
tained, prior to issuance of the request, from the railroad or bus company
involved. Prepare only one request for transportation of a family group. See
detail instructions for use of Government requests for transportation in the
appendix.
The worker will obtain the client's signature in original on the white copy of
the disbursing order and in carbon on the three remaining copies when she
delivers the travel request to the client.
In these transactions the worker will retain the white copies of the disbursing
order in a separate personal file as a receipt to account for the requests issued to
clients.
The yellow and green copies of the order are mailed at the end of the day to
the regional office.
The pink copy is attached to the case record.
V. Limitations on Aliens of Enemy Nationalities Imposed by the
Department of Justice
use of information in this section
The conduct of aliens of enemy nationalities is the responsibility of the United
States Department of Justice. Aliens of enemy nationalities will have many
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11035
questions regarding the effect of restrictions imposed by the Department of
Justice. This statement of information and interpretation has been prepared to
aid in answering many of these questions, and has been cleared with the Depart-
ment of Justice. The statement is purely informational, and replies to any ques-
tion of conduct, location, and activities of an alien of enemy nationality must be
given with that understanding.
GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS JN WHICH ACTIVITIES OF ALIENS OF ENEMY NATIONALITIES
ARE SPECIALLY CURTAILED OR LIMITED
There are two categories of restricted areas:
Category A. — Those areas within or through which no alien of enemy nation-
ality may be permitted under any circumstances.
Category B. — Those areas through or within which enemies of alien nationalities
may be permitted on pass or permit.
In your kits are lists describing prohibited and restricted areas in California,
as designated by the Attorney General, upon recommendation from the Army
and the Navy.
These lists also set forth the effective date for the restrictions for each of the
areas.
General public notices have been given through the press and by radio announce-
ment to the effect that aliens of enemy nationality must move from prohibited
areas prior to the effective dates. No individual notices have been given to the
particular aliens affected.
INTERPRETATION OF LIMITS OF AREAS
(a) In the official descriptions of the class A areas, it is frequently stated which
side of a street or highway constitutes the boundary line of the prohibited area.
This is for the purpose of determining whether the street or highway is included
in or excluded from the prohibited area.
1. Where the boundary line is on the side of the street or highway across from
or opposite to the prohibited area, the street or highway is included in the pro-
hibited area. Aliens of enemy nationalities are denied all use of such streets or
highways. Further, they must vacate and will thereafter be denied access to
buildings and other structures on both sides of such prohibited streets or highways.
2. Where the boundary line is on the same side of the street or highway as the
prohibited area, the said street or highway is excluded from the prohibited area.
In such case aliens of enemy nationalities may use and travel over the said street
or highway. They may remain in and have access to the buildings and other
structures on the free or open side of the street or highway, but must vacate and
will thereafter be denied access to the buildings and other structures on the closed
side of the street which is within the prohibited area.
For example, the boundary of prohibited area No. 19 within the city of San
Francisco is described in part as follows:
"* * * thence west along the south line of North Point Street to the west
line of Van Ness Avenue, thence south to the north line of Bay Street, thence
west along the said north line of Bay Street to the east line of Webster Street,
* * *" etc.
In this instance the prohibited area lies north of the above boundary line.
Hence North Point Street is closed to all enemy alien travel and must be evacuated
on both sides since the boundary is on the south line of said street. On the other
hand, Bay Street is open to enemy alien travel since the boundary line is on the
north side of said street.
(b) The official descriptions of other class A prohibited areas simply refer to
a street or highway being the boundary line. Thus, prohibited area No. 13 is
described in part as follows:
"* * * commencing at the west end of Berkeley Municipal Fishing Pier.
The line runs then east along said pier to University Avenue, then east along
University Avenue to Grove Street, then north along Grove Street to Arlington
Avenue, then continues along Arlington Avenue * * *" etc.
In such cases the streets named as the boundaries are not within the prohibited
areas. Aliens of enemy nationalities may use and travel over these boundary
streets. They may have access to and remain in buildings and other structures
on the free and open side of such streets, but must vacate and will thereafter be
denied access to buildings and other structures on the closed side of the street
which is within the prohibited area.
60396— 42— pt. 29 6
11036 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS ON ACTIVITIES OF ALIENS OF ENEMY NATIONALITIES
The activities of all aliens of enemy nationalities (i. e., citizens or subjects of
Germany, Italy, or Japan) are subject to restrictions throughout the entire
United States.' In addition, special restrictions on their activities have been
imposed in the two general classifications of areas described in section V-2.
Explanation of the special restrictions applicable in these two types of areas is
set forth in the ensuing pages.
All aliens within the United States were lequired to register under the Alien
Registration Act of 1940. Since the outbreak of war a special registration of
aliens of enemy nationalities was conducted commencing Monday, February 2
and closing on Monday, February 9. In this resigtration aliens of enemy nation-
alities applied for certificates of identification, which will be issued to them.
Enemy aliens permanently confined to their homes were not required to register.
Persons temporarily confined were required to complete a special form which was
obtained for them at the post office registration center. Within 5 days after they
are no longer bedridden these persons must register.
You are being supplied with Form AR-AE-26, Summary of proclamations of
the President of the United States, etc., which under items 1 and 2 describes the
persons who have been required to apply for these certificates of identification.
A copy of this summary was supplied to each registrant. Any persons who have
any questions as to registration requirements should be referred to the nearest
office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. A list of these offices is
included in vour set of instructions.
The fact must be borne in mind at all times that the administration of all
regulations pertaining to the conduct of enemy aliens has been entrusted to the
Department of Justice, and that authoritative answers to questions as to the
administration and interpretation of the regulations may be made only by repre-
sentatives of that Department. For the present, when questions arise for which
you do not have clear and explicit instructions, you must refer such questions
immediately to the regional office of the Social Security Board in San Francisco.
Accordingly, you will not make any contacts in this regard with other Government
agencies.
GENERAL REGULATIONS REGARDING TRAVEL BY ALIENS OF ENEMY NATIONALITIES
General comments. — The regulations of the Department of Justice pertaining to
travel by aliens of enemy nationalities generally have been summarized in printed
Form AR-AE-26, paragraph 11, as follows:
"No alien of enemy nationality shall travel or move from place to place without
having obtained permission of the United States attorney for the judicial district
in which he resides with the exception that such permission is not required for
travel within the urban or rural community in which the alien resides, for com-
muting to business or for travel to places of worship or school, or to transact busi-
ness with public officials. Such permission may be granted by the United States
attorney in accordance with the provisions of the Attorney General's revised
regulations."
Until further modified, the foregoing regulations will continue to apply through-
out the entire State of California, with two important exceptions, viz, (a) they
do not apply in prohibited areas on and after the effective date of the prohibitions
applicable to each such area (after such effective date an alien of enemy nationality
may not live or work or travel or be within a prohibited area for any reason what-
soever), and (b) after February 24, 1942, further restrictions on travel of aliens
of enemy nationalities will apply in the restricted areas designated in the orders
of the Attornev General.
Restrictions applicable in restricted areas. — Aliens of enemy nationalities residing
and employed within class B areas may remain therein, provided they obey all
regulations. The more important of these are as follows:
A. They must remain in their residences from 9 p. m. to 6 a. m.
(In special cases United States attorneys are authorized to grant exceptions
upon proper application to them. This application must be made in writing.
Such exceptions will be granted only for compelling reasons and after investiga-
tion.)
B. They mav travel between their residences and their places of business or
employment. Except when they are at work or going to and from work, they
must at all times be within 5 miles of their residences. This means that they may
be employed at distances of more than 5 miles from their residences and may
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11037
travel to and from work. For any other purpose, however, they may not travel
more than 5 miles from their residences.
(In special cases, United States attornevs are authorized to grant exceptions
upon applications made in writing. Exceptions will be granted only in compelling
cases and after suitable investigation.)
C. Exceptions when finally granted must be endorsed on the alien's certificate
of identification by the United States attorney.
D. Aliens of enemy nationalities must obey such further regulations as may
hereafter be promulgated.
Any alien of enemy nationality is liable to internment for the duration of the
war for any infraction of regulations. Aliens not interned but deemed by the
authorities to be undesirable are subject to removal from the limits of class B
areas by revocation of permission granted. Revocation of the permission shall
be endorsed on the alien's identification certificate by the United States attorney.
Provisions applicable in prohibited areas.- — Since aliens of enemy nationalities are
subject to summary apprehension and internment if they violate the restrictions
relating to prohibited areas, it is important that all questions regarding the boun-
daries of these areas be referred immediately to the regional office of the Social
Security Board, which will undertake to secure an authoritative answer. Under
no circumstances should you assume responsibility for answering such a doubtful
question.
No aliens of enemy nationalities may be permitted within or through a pro-
hibited area under any circumstances on and after the effective date of the restric-
tions. Consequently, the alien may neither work nor reside or enter upon such
an area for any purpose. An incapacitated alien of enemy nationality may not
remain in a prohibited area even though his abode is with a citizen family. Such
an alien must leave a prohibited area, regardless of his or her marital status or
family responsibility. An alien of enemy nationality may have his business, if
located within a prohibited area, operated by a citizen, but the alien may not
enter the area at any time. Under existing regulations, his interest in his busi-
ness is not otherwise impaired.
The Department of Justice has advised that no exceptions will be made to these
prohibitions.
TRAVEL BY ALIENS OF ENEMY NATIONALITIES IN CHANGING RESIDENCES TO COMPLY
WITH ORDERS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
(For more complete detail on this subject, see "Regulations Governing Travel by Enemy Aliens" in
Appendix)
In order to meet the special situation presented by the orders of the Attorney
General designating certain areas as prohibited to such aliens, and requiring their
removal thereform, the United States attorneys for both the northern and south-
ern districts of California have adopted the following regulations and procedures
respecting the travel of enemy aliens involved in their evacuation from prohibited
areas. These are:
1. Change of residence to place within same community.
If residence is changed from one place to another within the same urban or rural
community, no prior permission to travel for this purpose need be secured. How-
ever, promptly after arrival at the new residence, the enemy alien must give written
notice of the change of residence to the United States attorney for the judicial
district in which the alien formerly resided. In addition, the enemy alien must
mail (a) a similar notice to the local office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
nearest his former residence, and (6) a notice of the change of residence to the
Alien Registration Division of the Immigration and Naturalization Service,
Washington, D. C.
8. Change of residence to place outside rural or urban community.
In order to lawfully travel from a prohibited area to a new place of residence
in a nonprohibited area which place is outside the urban or rural community of
present residence, the enemy alien must secure prior permission from the United
States Attorney for the judicial district in which he has been residing. If time
will allow, and the distance is not so great as to cause inconvenience or impede
evacuation from the prohibited areas, alien enemies needing permission to travel
to a new place of residence under the above regulations should be sent to the
nearest United States attorney's office to secure such permission prior to de-
parture. However, whenever it appears advisable to do so, in the interests of
11038 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
expediting evacuation from prohibited areas prior to the effective date of the
Attorney General's orders, a permit to travel may be issued by the employment
office manager, if he has been expressly designated by letter from the regional
director to exercise such authority. In all cases in which a travel permit is issued
by either the United States attorney or an authorized person in the local employ-
ment office, the enemy alien should be advised that upon arrival at the new place
of residence, notices of the change of residence should be promptly mailed by him
to (a) the United States attorney of the district where the alien formerly resided,
(b) the local office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation nearest his former
residence, and (c) the Registration Division of the Immigration and Naturalization
Service in Washington, D. C. Forms of notices to these agencies should be sup-
plied to the alien, as explained in the preceding paragraph 1 of these instructions.
Since enemy aliens who fail to comply with the regulations are subject to summary
apprehension and internment, it is important that they observe the regulations.
3. Instructions governing issuance of travel permits.
Certain of the Employment Office managers, expressly designated by a letter
from the regional director, are authorizde to issue travel permits to enemy
aliens, but only for the purpose of traveling from a prohibited area to a nonpro-
hibited area for the purpose of effecting a permanent change of residence. This
means that permits can only be issued to facilitate evacuation from prohibited
areas. They cannot be issued for any other purpose. The phrase "permanent
change of residence" refers to a change of residence of indefinite duration. It does
not mean that the permittee must intend to remain at the new address forever.
No one, except a person expressly designated by letter from the regional director,
has authority to sign these permits, and he cannot delegate his authority to any
other person.
4. Travel by enemy aliens seeking employment.
The existing regulations authorize limited travel by enemy aliens for specified
purposes and within fixed limits (i. e., the limits of the urban or rural community
of residence, and after February 24, 1942, in restricted areas — class B, within
5 miles of such residence). Travel for other purposes or beyond these limits is
not authorized unless the enemy alien has first obtained the permission of the
United States attorney for the judicial district in which he resides.
The authority delegated to the Federal Security Agency by the United States
attorneys in California, which has been assigned to certain of the employment
office managers, to issue travel permits is strictly limited to granting permits, in
accordance with the instructions set forth above, only (1) to aliens living in the
prohibited areas, (2) for the exclusive purpose of traveling to effectuate a per-
manent change of residence to some nonprohibited area. It does not include
authority to grant such permits to any other class of enemy aliens or for any other
travel purpose. Specifically, permits cannot be granted by employment office
managers to any enemy alien for the purpose of traveling in search of employment.
All enemy aliens seeking travel permits for such a purpose should be advised to
apply to the nearest United States attorney.
PROPEETT TRANSACTIONS OF ALIENS OF ENEMY NATIONALITIES
1. Japanese nationals, domiciled and residing only in the United States at all
times on and since June 17, 1940, and who have not acted or purported to act
directly or indirectly for the benefit of any enemy country, may transact business'
concerning their property under General License 68A, issued by the United States
Treasury Department.
Japanese nationals having property interests of $1,000 or more in value must
file report TFR 300, series J, with the Federal Reserve bank on or before February
28, 1942. Such nationals must not by any transaction, either directly or indirectly,
substantially diminish or imperil or otherwise prejudicially affect their assets or
financial position.
2. German and Italian nationals, domiciled and residing only in the United
States at all times on or since June 1, 1940, may deal freely with their property.
(Executive Order No. 8389, as amended, and General License 42, United States
Treasury Department.)
3. Aliens of .enemy nationalities are prohibited from having in their possession,
custody, or control or from using or operating certain prohibited articles. These
prohibited articles include among other things, radio transmitters, short-wave
radio receiving sets, cameras and firearms.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11039
Aliens of enemy nationalities having questions relating to property and business
transactions should be referred to the nearest bank which is a member of the
Federal Reserve System.
4. The United States attorney for the judicial district in which an alien of
enemy nationality resides may, under certain specified conditions, grant per-
mission to an alien of enemy nationality to use or operate or possess short-wave
radios, cameras, or other prohibited articles. To obtain information as to the
circumstances under which such permission will be granted, an alien of enemy
nationality should consult the Attorney General's revised regulations. If he
needs further information, he should consult the United States attorney nearest
his residence.
Exhibit A. — Summary of Proclamations of the President of the United
States of December 7 and 8, 1941, and January 14, 1942, and of Regu-
lations of the Attorney General Thereunder 1942, Prescribing the
Conduct To Be Observed by Aliens of Enemy Nationalities
The proclamations of the President of December 7 and 8, 1941, direct the
conduct to be observed by aliens of enemy nationalities in the United States
who have not been naturalized as citizens of the United States. The proclama-
tion of the President of January 14, 1942, requires that aliens of enemy nationali-
ties shall apply for certificates of identification in the manner required by the
regulations of the Attorney General. Under the authority of the proclama-
tions the Attorney General has issued revised regulations governing the
possession of radios, cameras, firearms, and other prohibited articles and the
travel of alien enemies, and regulations requiring applications for certificates of
identification at specified times. It is their duty to become acquainted with
these regulations and to become familiar with any other regulations which are
hereafter issued. For convenience and merely as a guide, a summary of these
regulations follows but the summary does not take the place of the regulations.
1. The aliens of enemy nationalities required to apply for certifications of
identification and to observe the regulations include all persons of the age of 14
years or over who are German, Italian, or Japanese citizens or subjects or who
are stateless but who at the time at which they became stateless were German,
Italian, or Japanese citizens or subjects.
2. Persons not required to apply for certificates of identification or to comply
with the revised regulations include German, Italian, and Japanese citizens or
subjects who became citizens or subjects of any nation other than Germany,
Italy, or Japan, before December 7, 1941, in the case of former Japanese citizens
or subjects, and before December 8, 1941, in the case of former German or Italian
citizens or subjects, and also Austrians, Austrian-Hungarians, and Koreans who
registered as such under the Alien Registration Act of 1940.
3. Aliens of enemv nationalities are required to preserve the peace toward the
United States and refrain from any hostility to the United States or from in any
way aiding the enemies of the United States.
4. Aliens of enemy nationalities are prohibited from having in their possession,
custody, or control or from using or operating certain prohibited articles. These
prohibited articles include among other things, radio transmitters, short-wave
radio receiving sets, cameras, and firearms.
5. The United States attorney for the judicial district in which an alien enemy
resides may, under certain specified conditions, grant permission to an alien of
enemy nationality to use or operate or possess short-wave radios, cameras, or
other prohibited articles. To obtain information as to the circumstances under
which such permission will be granted, an alien of enemy nationality should
consult the Attorney General's revised regulations and if he needs further infor-
mation he should consult the United States attorney.
6. Aliens of enemy nationalities are forbidden to make any flight in any type
of airplane or aircraft and are forbidden from entering or being found in or upon
any highway, waterway, airway, railway, subway, public utility or building not
open and- accessible to the public generally and not generally used by the public.
All aliens of enemy nationalities are forbidden to enter or leave the United States
except under the regulations in the proclamation of the President of November
14, 1941, and all the regulations promulgated thereunder.
7. No alien of enemy nationality shall be found within any area which shall be
designated by the Attorney General as an area within which alien enemies shall
not be found and no alien enemies shall reside within an area which shall be
11040 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
designated by the Attorney General as an area within which alien enemies shall
not reside.
8. No alien of enemy nationality shall change his place of abode or residence or
his place of employment or of occupation without having at least one week before
such a change filed with the United States attorney for the judicial district in
which he then resides, a written notice of intention to change his place of residence.
9. No alien of enemy nationality shall assume or use any other than his legal
name except as authorized by or under law.
10. Whenever an alien of enemy nationality who is a holder of a certificate of
identification changes his name, residence, address, or place of employment, a
written notice shall immediately be given to the Alien Registration Division of the
Immigration and Naturalization Service and the local office of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation shown in the holder's certificate of identification.
11. No alien of enemy nationality shall travel or move from place to place
without having obtained permission of the United States attorney for the judicial
district in which he resides with the exception that such permission is not required
for travel within the urban or rural community in which the alien resides, for
commuting to business or for travel to places of worship or school, or to transact
business with public officials. Such permission may be granted by the United
States attorney in accordance with the provisions of the Attorney General's
revised regulations.
12. An alien of enemy nationality who fails to comply with the provisions of
the proclamations and regulations prescribing the conduct to be observed by alien
enemies, is subject to apprehension, detention, and internment for the duration
of the war.
Francis Biddle,
Attorney General.
Exhibit B. — Letter From Attorney General Biddle to Hon. Paul V*
McNutt, Asking Him to Undertake the Task of Facilitating the
Evacuation of Enemy Aliens From Restricted Areas
Department of Justice,
Office of Attorney General,
Washington, D. C, January SI, 1942.
Hon. Paul V. McNutt,
Administrator, Federal Security Agency, Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. McNutt: Under authority of regulation 9 of the Presidential proc-
lamation of December 7 and 8, 1941, the Secretary of War has recommended that
certain areas be designated by me as prohibited are?,s from which all alien enemies
are absolutely excluded. Over 40 areas in California have already been so desig-
nated, in which a sizable but as yet undetermined number of aliens either live
or work. Other larger areas along the west coast are to be designated as restricted
and these restrictions make it difficult to resettle in these locations the persons
removed from the prohibited areas.
The Department of Justice is not itself equipped to resettle these alien enemies.
Resettlement involves processes which are basically associated with the social
services, including investigation of the needs and means of the aliens affected,
helping them to obtain appropriate employment, and otherwise assisting those
who are not able to resettle and reestablish themselves in other locations.
The operating units of the Federal Security Agency already include many of
the Federal services which are involved in such an undertaking. As Director of
the Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services you have been designated to
coordinate health and welfare services of all departments and agencies of the Fed-
eral Government, and of other agencies, public and private, to meet the needs of
States and local communities arising from the defense program and make avail-
able to States and localities the services of specialists to assist in the planning and
execution of State and local programs in the field of health, welfare, and related
activities.
I am, therefore, requesting you, as Federal Security Administrator and as Direc-
tor of Defense Health and Welfare Services, to undertake, on behalf of the Depart-
ment of Justice, the task of facilitating the transfer of alien enemies from areas
designated by me and to relocate and reestablish such aliens in appropriate places
and in appropriate activities. If you see fit to accept this responsibility on behalf
of the Attorney General, you will of course call upon the services of other Federal
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11041
agencies which can contribute to the effectiveness of this migration; my own
Department stands ready to assist you with its services and authority in any
operations which you find necessary in carrying forward this assignment. We
will cooperate with you in making available the lists of names and addresses of
the persons who are affected by the removal orders which I issue and any other
appropriate information on file in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Alien
Enemy Control Unit, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, or other
branches of this Department. My agents in the field will similarly make avail-
able such information to your designated representatives.
No money is now available for me to transfer to your Agency to accomplish this
migration. If you are willing to undertake it, I will request the President, through
the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, to make available to you as Federal
Security Administrator, from the emergency fund of the President, such moneys
as are necessary, for the purposes I have outlined, pending any congressional
appropriation that may prove necessary.
Many of the alien enemies affected by these plans are now performing functions
which contribute directly to the success of our American war effort. The proper
reestablishment of these dislocated aliens is important to certain types of labor
supply and to the maintenance of our agricultural output. For these reasons it
is in the interest of the United States that this operation be carried out with the
smallest possible loss of human resources.
Sincerely yours,
Francis Biddle,
Attorney General.
Exhibit C. — Statement to the Personnel of the Social Security Board
in the Area of the Western Command by Richard M. Neustadt, Regional
Director
February 6, 1942.
Both by law and by Executive order of the President of the United States, the
responsibility for the custody, surveillance and care of all alien enemies is vested
in the Department of Justice. On January 31 the Attorney General assigned to
Governor McNutt, in his dual capacity as Administrator of the Federal Security
Agency and Director of the Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services, "the
task of facilitating the transfer of alien enemies designated by me and to relocate
and reestablish such aliens in appropriate places and appropriate activities."
Governor McNutt in turn has called upon me to represent him in carrying out this
responsibility in the area of the western command.
We have decided to utilize the offices of the United States Employment Service
as the information and service centers for such alien enemies who will be forced to
move out of the prohibited areas (also designated as A areas), either into restricted
areas (also referred to as B areas) or in the unrestricted areas. After the 24th of
February in California, and after such date as yet undetermined in other States,
no alien enemy can either live or work or be in any prohibited or A areas (official
fists of which will be forwarded shortly) . At these offices alien enemies who need
help in finding work or in relocating and sustaining their families will be accorded
courteous and friendly treatment by the assigned representatives of the employ-
ment office and of the Division of Social Assistance who will be stationed therein.
These representatives of the division of social assistance will be Federal employees,
and will have the authority to requisition on me for whatever travel allowances or
cash aid may be required, and it will be granted upon my certification to the San
Francisco Disbursement Office of the United States Treasury Department.
The line of administrative authority will follow the regular channels of the
United States Employment Service and of the division of social assistance being
set up in this office. The division of social assistance is under the regional rep-
resentative of the Bureau of Public Assistance and functions through specially
designated representatives in the State and in the local offices. In addition to
their regular functions, some offices of the United States Employment Service
will be utilized as temporary offices of the local representatives of the division
of social assistance. More detailed instruction will be issued through these
administrative channels within the next few days.
Through initial and unfortunately premature and overly generalized publicity,
it is probable that alien enemies or representatives of agencies interested in them
will call at any of the offices of Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, United States
Employment Service, or county-welfare departments. Pending clarification^of
11042 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
the announcement which will direct such people to the proper local office of the
United States Employment Service, you are asked to see to it that all such in-
quirers are given courteous treatment and referred to the nearest United States
Employment Service office in which a representative of the division of social as-
sistance will furnish them concrete advice. (List of these offices is attached.)
It is highly important that these people be treated with dignity and with courtesy.
They should be made to feel that while because of war it is necessary to move
them out of the prohibited areas and to prevent their working therein, the United
States Government wishes to help them avoid unnecessary hardships in such
transfer.
No contact should be made locally with the Department of Justice or the
western command.
Sincerely yours,
Richard M. Neustadt, Regional Director.
Exhibit D. — Statement by the President of the United States
January 2, 1942.
I am deeply concerned over the increasing number of reports of employers
discharging workers who happen to be aliens or even foreign-born citizens. This
is a very serious matter. It is one thing to safeguard American industry, and
particularly defense industry, against sabotage; but it is very much another to
throw out of work honest and loyal people who, except for the accident of birth,
are sincerely patriotic.
Such a policy is as stupid as it is unjust, and on both counts it plays into the
hands of the enemies of American democracy. By discharging loyal, efficient
workers simply because they were born abroad or because they have "foreign-
sounding" names or by refusing to employ such men and women, employers
are engendering the very distrust and disunity on which our enemies are counting
to defeat us.
Remember the Nazi technique: "Pit race against race, religion against religion,
prejudice against prejudice. Divide and conquer."
We must not let that happen here. We must not forget what we are defending:
Liberty, decency, justice. We cannot afford the economic waste of services of
all loyal and patriotic citizens and noncitizens in defending our land and liberties.
I urge all private employers to adopt a sane policy regarding aliens and foreign-
born citizens and to remember that the sons of the "foreigners" they discharged
may be among those who fought and are fighting so valiantly at Pearl Harbor
or in the Philippines.
There is no law providing against employment of aliens except in special
defense work of a secret nature, and even in such work the employer may hire
an alien with the permission of the Army or Navy, depending on the contract.
Exhibit E — Letter from Hon. Paul V. McNutt to Richard Neustadt
Assigning Responsibility of Coordinating and Planning Activities
Relevant to the Problems of Evacuations on the West Coast
Federal Security Agency,
Office of the Administrator,
Washington, February 4> 1942.
Dear Mr. Neustadt: The Department of Justice has requested the Federal
Security Agency to assume responsibility for the resettlement of alien enemies
from areas designated by that agency as prohibited areas. The following excerpts
are quoted from the letter which I received from the Attorney General dated
January 31, 1942.
"The Department of Justice is not itself equipped to resettle these alien enemies.
Resettlement involves processes which are basically associated with the social
services, including investigation of the needs and means of the aliens affected,
helping them to obtain appropriate employment, and otherwise assisting those who
are not able to resettle and reestablish themselves in other locations.
"The operating units of the Federal Security Agency already include many of
the Federal services which are involved in such an undertaking. As Director of
the Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services you have been designated to
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11043
coordinate health and welfare services of all departments and agencies of the
Federal Government, and of other agencies, public and private, to meet the
needs of States and local communities arising from the defense program and to
make available to States and localities the services of specialists to assist in the
planning and execution of State and local programs in the fields of health, welfare,
and related activities.
"I am therefore requesting you as Federal Security Administrator and as
Director of Defense Health and Welfare Services, to undertake, on behalf of the
Department of Justice the task of facilitating the transfer of alien enemies from
areas designated by me and to relocate and reestablish such aliens in appropriate
places and in appropriate activities. If you see fit to accept this responsibility
on behalf of the Attorney General, you will of course call upon the services of
other Federal agencies which can contribute to the effectiveness of this migration;
my own Department stands ready to assist you with its services and authority
in any operations which you find necessary in carrying forward this assignment.
We will cooperate with you in making available the lists of names and addresses
of the persons who are affected by the removal orders which I issue and any other
appropriate information on file in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Alien
Enemy Control Unit, the Immigration and Naturalization Serfice, or other
branches of this Department. My agents in the field will similarly make available
such information to your designated representatives."
In your capacity as Regional Director of the Office of Defense Health and
Welfare Services I wish you to accept responsibility for the coordination and
planning of all the necessary activities and services which will be involved in
meeting this problem. This will include both the relationships with the various
agencies of the Federal Government whose programs may be utilized in connec-
tion with the resettlement of these alien enemies, and the relationships with
State and local agencies whose cooperation should be secured in carrying out this
responsibility.
I wish you to assume this responsibility for the entire Ninth Corps Area, and
I am advising Mr. Heber Harper of region XI accordingly. You will, of course,
work closely with Mr. Harper in connection with problems involving States
within his region.
I am sure that I need not point ou*t to you the importance of our dealing with
this matter on a basis which is both consistent with the needs of national security
and with the principles of human welfare.
Sincerely yours,
Paul V. McNutt, Administrator.
Exhibit F. — Statement by Attorney General Francis Biddle Concerning
the Employment of Aliens in Private Industry
December 28, 1941.
Two weeks ago the Department of Justice issued an appeal to State and local
law-enforcement agencies and to the general public to help guard at home the
freedoms our country is now fighting to defend by protecting the civil liberties of
our loyal noncitizen population. There was a heartening response to this appeal —
a minimum of hysteria and of the antagonism toward noncitizens as a class which
marred our wartime record of 2 decades ago, and a willingness to leave to the
qualified Federal authority the problem of dealing with whatever disloyal or
treacherous elements, citizen and alien alike, which may still exist.
There still remains, however, a serious problem in adjusting our sights to our
one great objective; it is the problem of discrimination against aliens in private
employment.
No more short-sighted, wasteful or un-American policy could possibly be
adopted at this time than that of barring noncitizens from legitimate private
employment. In the first place, it is a most effective method of creating disunity,
of breaking faith with people who have come to America as a haven of liberty and
fair play. It is a complete disavowal of our American institutions, our freedoms,
and the principles upon which our democracy was founded.
I am sorry to say that numerous instances have come to the attention of the
Department of Justice of employers discharging workers because of some vague
suspicion that they may be disloyal aliens, and even because they have foreign-
sounding names. I should like to remind such employers that of our total
noncitizen population of about 5,000,000, fewer than 3,000 — 6 out of 10,000—
11044 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
have been regarded as dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.
Those have been taken into custody by the Federal authorities.
I should also like to point out to these employers that many of the "foreigners"
they have discharged now have sons serving in our Army and Navy. Among
those who died fighting off the treacherous attacks upon Manila and Pearl Harbor
were men named Wagner and Petersen and Monzo and Rossini and Mueller and
Rasmussen.
To bar aliens from employment is both short-sighted and wasteful. Our coun-
try needs the skills and services of every able-bodied and loyal person, citizen or
alien, and to deprive it of such services is an economic waste and a stupid error.
There appears to be some confusion, in this connection, as to the policy of the
Federal Government and as to the requirements of Federal statutes concerning
the employment of aliens. As to the first, it is the stated policy of the Federal
Government that there shall be no discrimination in the employment of workers in
defense industries because of race, creed, color, or national origin.
As to the law, there is only one restriction: In the case of secret, confidential
or restricted Government contracts, and in the case of contracts for aircraft parts
or accessories the employer must secure permission from the head of the Federal
Department concerned for the employment of aliens. The War and Navy De-
partments have established regular procedures for handling such applications and
have passed upon thousands of them. It should be noted that the percentage of
cases in which permission has not been granted to employ aliens even on such
confidential work is negligible.
There are no other Federal laws restricting the employment of aliens by pri-
vate employers in national defense industries, and there are no Federal laws what-
soever restricting the employment of foreign-born American citizens of any par-
ticular national origin.
There is no reason in the world why loyal persons, either aliens or Americans
of foreign birth, should not be employed by American industry; and there is no
possible justification for discharging such employees. The Federal Government
condemns such discrimination and urges all employers not to adopt such a policy.
War threatens all civil rights; and although we have fought wars before, and
our personal freedoms have survived, there have been periods of gross abuse,
when hysteria and hate and fear ran high, and when minorities were unlawfully
and cruelly abused. Every man who cares about freedom, about a government
by law — and all freedom is based on fair administration of the law — must fight
for it for the other man with whom he disagrees, for the right of the minority, for
the chance for the underprivileged with the same passion of insistence as he claims
for his own rights. If we care about democracy, we must care about it as a
reality for others as well as for ourselves: yes, for aliens, for Germans, for Italians,
for Japanese, for those who are with us as those who are against us: For the Bill
of Rights protects not only American citizens but all human beings who live on
our American soil, under our American flag. The rights of Anglo-Saxons, of
Jews, of Catholics, of Negroes, of Slavs, Indians — all are alike before the law.
And this we must remember and sustain— that is if we really love justice, and
really hate the bayonet and the whip and the gun, and the whole Gestapo method
as a way of handling human beings.
Exhibit G. — Communications Dealing with Japanese Problem
San Francisco, February 11, 1942.'
Richard Neustadt,
Social Security Board.
Following telegram just received: "Your letter February 7, 1942, addressed to
Isaac Schlatter, chairman board of supervisors of this county has been called to
our attention. This letter proposes to evacuate alien Japanese and citizen Japan-
ese from Los Angeles area to Imperial county. Have had serious difficulties be-
tween Japanese and Filipinos in this county and situation serious some Japanese
have been killed. Any evacuation of Japanese to this county would be serious
and grave mistake at this time as it would only tend to aggravate the present tense
situation. All Japanese aliens have been evacuated from Baja California Republic
of Mexico to the State of Chihuahua. The Mexican officials much concerned
over the possibility of more Japanese being brought into Imperial County Cal-
ifornia just across international border. As law-enforcement officers strenuously
oppose the bringing of any more Japanese into this county and have also advised
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11045
the board of supervisors such action would Only tend to aggravate and multiply
law enforcement problems. Considerable effort now being made to have the
United States Government evacuate all alien Japanese from this county action
proposed in letter would jeopardize this program. Elmer W. Heald, district
attorney; R. W. Ware, sheriff, County of Imperial."
Martha A. Chickerixg,
Director State Department of Social Welfare.
Los Angeles, Calif.
February 5, 1942.
Re Disposition of Japanese.
Hon. Culbert L. Olsen,
Governor of California, Sacramento, Calif.
Dear Sir: Just a suggestion which might be helpful in the matter of locating
the Japs in a safe and perhaps a helpful place.
There is a considerable body of desert land that could be watered and leveled
cheaply in the eastern part of" Imperial County, beginning north and east of the
Southern Pacific station Knob and extending west to the sand hills and south to
the All- American Canal, all of which is Government land, except a portion of one
township owned by private citizens, who, no doubt, would be willing to let the
Government use it'for the duration. I have 160 acres of this township and would
be willing to let the Government use it for the duration without rent. I feel sure
the other owners would do the same. My land lies across Highway SO, 12 miles
west of Yuma, just east of Springers Service Station.
With plenty of cheap electricity generated at nearby dams, there could be a
pumping plant installed at the nearest point on the canal to the northeast, or
highest corner, of this land. The cost would not be great, the land is almost level,
hence little cost to prepare for irrigation. Of course, the Japs would do the work.
Also west of the sand hills there is much more land that could be put into culti-
vation ; while it is not so level, the water lift would be less.
This seems like a good way to develop our desert and a good place for the
Japs, Germs, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
Hugh M. Gallagher.
Los Angeles, Calif.,
February 7, 1942.
Federal Security Agency,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen: I though you might be interested in knowing good location
where the aliens would not be mixed with other people and where the land and
water could be supplied at a small cost. This land mentioned is all desert, very
nearly level, and the water cost would not be great, it being so near to the Ail-
American Canal. (See copy of letter enclosed.)
The people of the West, the ones that have given this matter any serious thought,
know that Japan began sending its people to this coast and other Pacific lands to
act in this, present, long planned for cri.sis, they come with instructions not
onlv to be loyal to Japan but to rear their children to be loyal; they send them to
the" hundreds of Jap schools scattered throughout the Pacific coast (one two
blocks from me), and we know what they are taught. If you are sent to Japan
to work and you had children born there, would you expect them to be loyal to
Japan? No; absolutely no. Neither can we expect a Jap to be loyal to the white
race that he has eternally, for generations, been taught to despise. Nope, just
because a Jap is born here does not make him white, loyal, trustworthy, or even
a citizen in the true sense of the meaning.
The people of the West know that if and when the Japs attack us that all these
Japs will turn on us and with the knowledge they have gained all these years
will be put to a great advantage. They are so bold that they even write letters
to authorities asking for detail information of our water system, location of dams,
and all details. Also of the detail of many other things, such as gasoline refineries,
location, amounts, and, so on, too much to give in a letter. I might mention
that Japs are employed in our power system, water works, in fact about every
political branch of our Government. I have a son taking a flying course at
Phoenix, Ariz., and there is a Jap servicing planes, Sky Harbor Airport. For-
tunately for the Jap, he does not service the planes in my boy's class, but some-
11046 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
body's boy, some one's son, has to fly a plane that a Japanese American citizen
is servicing. It only takes a drop of acid, a loose nut, or a little sugar to destroy
life and plane.
America should wake up.
Respectfully yours,
Hugh M. Gallaher.
Federal Security Agency,
Social Security Board,
Washington, February 17, 1942.
Mr. Hugh M. Gallaher,
Los Angeles, Calif.
Dear Mr. Gallaher: Your letter of the 7th, addressed to the Federal Security
Agency in Washington, enclosing a copy of your letter of the 5th to Governor
Olson, has been referred to me.
As you know, the responsibility for the care, surveillance and, custody of
enemy aliens is vested exclusively in the United States Department of Justice.
They have established certain specific areas from which such people are pro-
hibited. Furthermore, the Department of Justice has asked this agency to aid
such families in the actual process of resettling outside of the prohibited areas.
We are doing this through the facilities of the United States Employment Service
and other Bureaus of this Agency on an individual basis. We hope to be of such
help that all the families that must move at this time, under the orders of the
Department of Justice, wil1 have so moved without undue hardship by the
effective date of the order, which in most instances is February 24.
If the need develops for handling these people on a mass basis involving the
use of large acreage, I shall be very glad to see to it that your proposal is given
consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Richard M. Neustadt,
Regional Director.
Cutler, Calif., February 19, 1942.
Richard M. Neustadt,
Office of Defense, Health, and Welfare Services,
Social Security Bureau, San Francisco, Calif.
We the citizens' committee of Orosi Township, after a discussion held last
night, demand that some action be taken at once regarding the Japanese situation
in this vicinity. Further, we demand that all Japanese that are now here and
those that are being moved in here be removed not only for our safety but also
for their safety. We fear that unless immediate action is taken the situation may
get out of hand. Urgent action must be taken.
Orosi Citizens' Committee,
Wendell G. Travioli, Chairman.
San Francisco, Calif.,
February 19, 1942.
Mr. Wendell G. Travioli,
Chairman, Orosi Citizens' Committee,
Orosi, Calif.
Reurtel 19th, please be advised that Department of Justice is vested exclusively
with authority to handle all problems pertaining to alien enemies. It is their
exclusive duty to determine what areas these poeple will be prohibited from living
and working 'in, and they do so at the request of the United States Army and
Navy. At request of Department of Justice, this Agency is facilitating removal
of these aliens and their families from prohibited areas to those called restricted
areas or free areas. General De Witt, commanding western command, has
reported to the Attorney General the following which has been decreed by Attorney
General: "That restricted areas, or B areas, are those areas through which or in
which alien enemies may be permitted on pass or permit." May I remind you
further that these people are entitled to full protection of law as long as they are
outside of the prohibited areas and obey the regulations of the Department of
Justice. Are you fully conscious of the fact that the alien enemy regulations affect
the Italians and Germans as well as Japanese. These matters must be left to the
Federal Government, and it is the duty of all Americans and all local law enforce-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11047
ment agencies to observe the law and keep the peace. If you desire to testify-
before the congressional committee Saturday at their meeting here, they certainly
will be glad to hear from you.
Richard M. Neustadt.
Exhibit H. — Some Employment Possibilities for Japanese
INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION TO RICHARD M. NEUSTADT, REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
FEDERAL SECURITY AGENCY, SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD, FROM JAMES G. BRYANT,
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
March 12, 1942.
FARM LABOR DEMAND FOR JAPANESE EVACUEES
The Amalgamated Sugar Co., with headquarters in Ogden, Utah, with sugar
refineries in Nyssa, Oreg., and a new plant being built in Nampa, Idaho, expect
to have under contract 30,000 acres of sugar beets in the Boise Valley, with the
total labor requirement of 3,000 workers needed, beginning work about May 1,
and 25,000 acres of sugar beets at Twin Falls, total requirement of 2,500 workers.
Mr. Benning, general manager, indicates that in these two operations his company
could use 1,600 Japanese.
Housing. — There are 4 Civilian Conservation Corps camps, approximately 200-
man capacity, located in Harper, Vale, Nyssa, and Ontario, and 2 other usable
Civilian Conservation Corps camps at Rupert and Malta.
There are also two large permanent Farm Security Administration camps at
Caldwell and Twin Falls, Idaho. Mobile Farm Security Administration camps
also operate in the area.
The Amalgamated Sugar Co. has company camps at Nyssa, Oreg., and Twin
Falls and Paul, Idaho. These camps would accommodate 90 single workers and
the company has recently purchased 50 additional tents.
Season of employment. — The blocking and thinning operation will last from 6
weeks to 2 months, followed by hoeing and irrigation operations, and then the
harvest during October and November.
The area in which the sugar-beet acreage occurs grows a wide variety of other
crops requiring labor so that it is practicable to conclude that workers arriving
in this area in the spring could be employed throughout the entire summer season.
OTHER SUGAR-BEET COMPANIES
"The other sugar companies operating in the area of the western command will
likely need Japanese labor, if it can be made available, as follows:
Great Western Sugar Company — operations in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming,
and Montana; 250,000 acres sugar beets, using 25,000 workers.
Spreckles Sugar Co. — California, 100,000 acres sugar beets, using 10,000
workers.
American Crystal — Cahfornia, western Montana, and Colorado; 50,000 acres
sugar beets, using 5,000 workers.
Holly — California, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana; 75,000 acres sugar
beets, using 7,500 workers.
Utah-Idaho — Utah, Idaho, and Montana; 100,000 acres sugar beets, using
10,000 workers.
The above are rough estimates, indicative of acreages and labor requirements.
I have been personally contacted by Spreckles and Great Western, evidencing
their interest in the use of Japanese help this year.
Mr. Benning, of Amalgamated Sugar Co., tells me that a definite statement by
the Army and the United States Employment Service, indicating that Japanese
workers will be made available for sugar-beet operations, will definitely result in
an increased planting of sugar beets and consequential production of sugar in the
area of the western command.
Mr. Robert K. Malcolm, Dixon, Calif., whose farming interests are located on
Liberty Island in the Sacramento Valley, and who at present has his land leased to
4 Japanese families, comprising 20 people, and farming 800 acres devoted to
asparagus, onions, tomatoes, and corn, is anxious to continue the use of these
farm families and could use 15 Japanese men at once and would need 50 more
within 3 or 4 weeks. The operations have formerly been handled by Japanese
and Filipinos. Wages set for cutting pay $1.50 for 100 pounds but will pay what-
ever is the going wage, probably 45 cents an hour. Housing: Mr. Malcolm has
11048 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
housing for the number of workers indicated and could probably accommodate
several more families with his present housing. He is concerned particularly in
determining whether or not he can arrange to keep the present farm families as
tenants and whether or not he can use Japanese help during the current asparagus
harvest.
The B. E. Maling Co. at Hillsboro, Oreg., have under contract 1,000 acres of
strawberries, owned and operated by Japanese in Washington County, in Oregon,
in prohibited area zone 1-A. The company has advanced considerable funds for
growing the strawberries and have chattel mortgages on the crop. Harvest of the
crop will occur during June.
Mr. Henderson, manager for the Maling Co., is interested in knowing whether
or not the Japanese will be permitted to remain on their land until the crop is
harvested, and whether or not it will be possible to use Japanese labor of the
vicinity in which the harvest operates.
Mr. Joe Brooks, representing California Asparagus Growers, Walnut Grove,
Calif., represents the interest of his association in using Japanese labor during the
asparagus harvest and has suggested the use of 81 cabins used by Libby, McNeill
& Libby on the site of an old cannery along the Sacramento River near Ryder.
If the Japanese can be used in the asparagus harvest in the vicinity of Stockton,
Mr. Brooks will be glad to take up the matter of such control measures as might
be required by the Army in the assignment and use of these workers through the
United States Employment Service.
The Jesse Valley Peat Products Co. at Likely, Calif., have indicated that they
would like to use a crew of about 50 Japanese workers. They indicate they have
an ideal place as the peat moss beds or deposit are about 20 miles from the nearest
town, in an isolated type of area.
Mr. Henderson, representative potato grower, of Klamath Falls, Oreg., sug-
gests the use of Japanese labor in the potato and sugar-beet harvest for October
and November.
Mr. Lloyd Hughes, Yakima, Wash., indicates the willingness of the hop
growers to use Japanese labor during the spring training and fall harvest of hops
in the Yakima Valley. Adequate housing, is available. Mr. Hughes also
indicates that, if labor was available, he would be willing to lease land to Japanese
to grow tomatoes and hire them to do the work, if the Government wants the
tomatoes.
The above illustrations are typical of many inquiries that have been coming to
the Farm Placement Service since the possibility of evacuation of Japanese has
become public information.
Many of these large growers have indicated that they would be glad to appear
before the Army and present definite detailed propositions for employment and
housing of the Japanese labor if this labor is available for seasonal agricultural
work.
TESTIMONY OF RICHARD H. NEUSTADT— Resumed
Mr. Arnold. What agencies, local, State, or national, are render-
ing welfare services in the evacuating of aliens?
Mr. Neustadt. There are no local agencies that I know of that
are playing any part in it. The State Welfare Department has loaned
to us about 20 of their workers. The county welfare departments in
three cases have loaned us staff services. We are taking those social
workers and assigning them to the employment offices. People come
in to register for work, to file unemployment compensation claims,
and to seek information, advice, and assistance. In the case of the
State department, due to State law we have had to take that staff
over on the Federal pay roll. The Farm Security Administration
has helped materially. The C. C. C. and the other Federal agencies
having facilities have helped us examine those facilities to determine
whether they could be used for this purpose.
We have endeavored not to have any mass evacuation, insofar as
possible under the present rules of the Department of Justice. We
have sought from the State as a possible last resort, if we needed it,
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11049
the right to use the barracks of what was formerly the S. R. A., the
State Relief Administration, now under the control of the State
Department of Finance.
But because of this new order of the President we are abandoning
any idea of using such large-scale camps.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PAYMENTS TO EVACUEES
Mr. Arnold. Is the Social Security Board permitting the payment
of unemployment compensation to unemployed aliens who are other-
wise eligible for benefits?
Mr. Neustadt. Most certainly.
Mr. Arnold. Is it discretionary with the State to make such
payments?
Mr. Neustadt. I wouldn't think so under the standards of the
Social Security Act. They would have to pay them to all alike.
Mr. Arnold. What is the situation regarding other social-security
benefits?
Mr. Neustadt. They may receive any benefits to which they are
entitled under the law. The unemployment compensation is the one
that would affect the most. When you come to public assistance
grants, of course that varies State by State. In California, for ex-
ample, the Old Age Assistance Act of California, or the Old Age
Security Act, as they call it, bars any grants to anybody but citizens.
In the dependent children grant that is not true, but unfortunately in
this State their law bars or narrows the definition of the right to grant
benefits to children except for clear cases of half-orphans, and their
interpretation of that is much narrower. They will not give grants to
a family, for example, if the location of the man is known. Therefore,
it is doubtful whether they could give under their State law grants
to these cases even if the man were interned. WTe could give grants
out of this particular new Federal fund, or this temporary Federal
fund, of course.
Mr. Arnold. It is true, of course, that all aliens are at the present
time barred from W. P. A. employment. Do you know whether
American citizens, naturalized or born of parents who are aliens,
encounter special difficulties in obtaining W. P. A. work?
Mr. Neustadt. I never heard of any.
Mr. Arnold. We have heard numerous reports that citizens in
various parts of the State have threatened to take matters into their
own hands if the State or National Government does not act. What
is your opinion of this situation?
need for prompt federal action
Mr. Neustadt. There have been certain direct instances, all of
which I have turned over to the attorney general, Mr. Earl Warren,
and he is looking into them. We hear a good many others that are
rumors. We have never been able to track them down. We have
had two or three direct, straightforward statements giving names and
instances, and those have been -forwarded to the attorney general
promptly and he has taken action.
11050 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
I think a great many of the rumors are well founded and that there
would be a great deal of this local trouble
Mr. Arnold. If the Federal Government does not act promptly?
Mr. Neustadt. That's right. If we don't get a thoroughly con-
sidered and accepted plan. It must be thoroughly considered, thor-
oughly accepted, and thoroughly respected, and the average individ-
ual or the local law-enforcement officer must somehow be induced to
accept the responsibility as that of the Federal Government and not
take the law into his own hands.
Mr. Arnold. Apparently the President's Executive order of yester-
day places full control over the evacuation problem in the hands of
the War Department. Do you know what measures the War De-
partment expects to use in the evacuation of citizens and aliens?
Mr. Neustadt. No, sir. .
Mr. Arnold. Do you know whether the War Department plans
to call on the Federal Security Agency to assist in the evacuation?
Mr. Neustadt. No, sir.
Mr. Arnold. That is, you don't know?
Mr. Neustadt. I don't know.
The Chairman. We are going to ask General DeWitt this after-
noon about that.
Mr. Neustadt. That is fine. He has promised to let me know.
Mr. Arnold. Has there been any discussion of the type of work
which the people evacuated will do in their new locations? If so,
would you tell us in some detail of these discussions?
employment of aliens
Mr. Neustadt. There has been a great deal of discussion. There
are somewhere between nine and ten thousand enemy aliens involved
in or living in the present prohibited areas. We have seen about
6,500 of them, that is, up to the day before yesterday — I don't know
of yesterday's count — so that I think by the 23d or the 24th we will
have seen practically all of them. There is a great deal of discussion
in California which assumes that these people are primarily agricul-
tural workers. That is an incorrect assumption. I have no statistics
but we do know that a great many of these people are not agricultural
workers.
If you think of the Italians, they are primarily vineyardists and
fishermen. While they undoubtedly as a people know and love the
land, they are not agricultural workers by most recent, long-time
employment.
With respect to the Japanese, I again cannot give you the figures.
A great many of them are on the land, but there are also a great many
urban people following the usual vocations in the city.
Of course, the Germans involved are for the most part clerical and
professional people; very few agriculturalists.
We have had a good many proposals made to us by large-scale agri-
cultural companies of their need for alien enemies to work on their
land. The total, I think, runs to 22,000. That is the number they
say they want. But that is for short-time occupation, several months,
perhaps, and it does not start now. The only crop that is up now is
asparagus. They will take enemy aliens there and several of them are
now being placed.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11051
The canneries undoubtedly will take a great many of them during
the canning season. In fact, the picture is one of both wanting their
cake and wanting to eat it too. The same people who are protesting
and demanding that all these people be driven out of the State also
want all of them to work in the fields and in the canneries. They will
talk to you about the agricultural shortage. At the same time they
will talk to you about driving all these people out of the State.
Mr. Arnold. What Federal agencies are best equipped to handle
the evacuation of aliens and citizens?
Mr. Neustadt. In vast numbers?
Mr. Arnold. Yes.
Mr. Neustadt. None.
Mr. Arnold. No Federal agencies are equipped?
Mr. Neustadt. At this time? No. You could theoretically work
it out with the Farm Security.
Mr. Arnold. Farm Security might be better?
housing problems
Mr. Neustadt. But it wouldn't mean anything. The problem of
housing would have to be faced and faced realistically. None of the
camps are big enough now to handle it. Certainly none have staff
big enough to handle it. Farm Security has had more knowledge
and experience than anyone else. Of course, the C. C. C. has had
a great deal of experience. But when you think of where their camps
are and the fact that they are set up only for boys, not for families,
the problem is aggravated.
We have had the authority from Washington to open up Indian
schools in Oklahoma, but they would require certainly a new set-up,
a new staff, and they are not built for this purpose. Nor would you
want, I assume, to have these people kept in utter idleness. In
addition to housing, you have to think of work opportunities.
Mr. Arnold. Then it is your considered opinion that no Federal
agency is now equipped to handle the problem. Apparently some
Federal agency or agencies will have to become equipped speedily?
Mr. Neustadt. Well, I want to say this. I can't speak for all the
Federal agencies, but from my knowledge of them they could impro-
vise a sketchy, inadequate form of handling these people. It would
be done kindly but not well. A combination of such agencies or even
any one that you selected, especially if authorized to handle it and
given additional finance to handle it, certainly could get itself in shape
to do so. The task is not an impossible one, but it has to be defined
in clear-cut lines and it has to be thought through. I am begging
for the "thought through" process.
FEW RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT OF EVACUEES
Mr. Arnold. What types of work do you think these evacuees
should be employed in?
Mr. Neustadt. Any kind of work that they can do, and that
runs the whole gamut. The only prohibition on the use of alien
enemies in plants now is in parts of plants using confidential informa-
tion and in airplane factories. The President has issued a proclama-
tion asking all employers, even those on defense work not involving
00306 — 12— pt. 29 7
11052 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
secret or confidential plans, to employ them. And that should be
carried out. They can work anywhere.
Mr. Arnold. In their present skills?
Mr. Neustadt. In their present skills. Now, you do catch, of
course, a very unfortunate group of Italian fishermen. Their skill is
fishing. They are not so young. Whether they could be retrained
is a question. There is much doubt in my mind. Obviously, if you
take the prohibited area away from them, there "ain't no place to
fish."
Mr. Arnold. Should evacuation be wholesale, or should a flexible
policy be established by which exceptions could be made of enemy
aliens or citizens whose loyalty the Army or Navy or other officials
will vouch for?
Mr. Neustadt. I have a fairly definite answer to that as a recom-
mendation. Would you mind my reading it?
Mr. Arnold. I would be glad to have you read it.
SUGGESTS A "SURGICAL" EVACUATION
Mr. Neustadt. I would say, if you are talking in large numbers,
larger than this 10,000 that you would have to have a mass evacuation.
May I say that the most unfortunate part of this whole thing is the
uncertainty that has been bred in the minds of those people who are
going to be evacuated. The kindest thing you could do would be
"surgical." Make up your mind that you are going to evacuate these
people and evacuate them, then start over again. You cannot expect
people to keep their poise, to put it mildly, if they are ordered to
move out of one area into another today, and then fear that tomorrow
they are going to have to move again. Nor can they afford to do it.
So that I say, let's think clean and cut clean. I plead for surgery.
More in answer to your question, may I say that the declaration of
areas should take into full consideration the possibility of effective
portions of the population finding other residences as well as other
work. I want to emphasize that. You have a housing problem on
your hands anywhere in California or in the West, and I don't doubt
in the East, too.
Whenever possible, and where no other resources are available,
public housing on as decent a scale as possible should be provided.
ALIENS WHO SHOULD NOT BE EVACUATED
Some legal way should be found to narrow the classification of
enemy aliens so as to eliminate, if possible, these groups:
(a) Those known by Federal authorities to have come to this
country because our enemy countries have canceled their citizenship
but who have not been here long enough to acquire American citizen-
ship. There are a great many such, primarily perhaps among the
Germans, the refugees from Hitler, but also among other races as
well.
(b) Those who because of circumstances of long residence in this
country, age, infirmity, having sons in the armed forces or otherwise,
satisfy Federal investigators as to their loyalty to the United States.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11053
(c) Those who are elderly or mature individuals, such as a wife or
a mother, where all of the other members of the family are citizens
and where there is clear record that failure to obtain citizenship is
caused by reasons other than disloyalty to this country or loyalty to
other countries with which we are at war.
I do not want to cite individual cases unless you are interested m
them, but the hardships over and above the economic hardships of
moving that are caused by disruption of family life could catch any
sob sister's interest, if you want them. I don't want to put this on
the sentimental side, but what we are doing by a mass evacuation is
catching a great many innocents as well as any who might be subjected
to suspicion. And I plead against that as an individual American
citizen. Certainly some scheme should be improvised so that those
who are obviously by record known to be not only innocent but
incapable of harm", because of age or infirmity or other reasons, should
be exempt.
I certainly think that we can give you instances of an old Italian
family, or others as well, with sons in the Army. What you are doing
is moving the mother. That isn't what you intended or the President
intended or the Attorney General intended, and I don't think it is
what the Army will intend.
Mr. Arnold. What would you say with respect to the Japanese?
Mr. Neustadt. I would say the same thing as far as I know, but I
am not a detective or law-enforcement officer. Personally I feel the
same way about the Japanese as I feel toward anybody else. They
are obviously subject to more suspicion because the war, on this coast
at least, is with Japan. Also because the Japanese, not being entitled
to citizenship in California or the rest of the country, are subject to
suspicion. Also because there is, unfortunately, a race prejudice
against the Japanese that has been long existent. But there are cases
of Japanese families in which the one you are moving is the mother,
and the son is in the Army.
Mr. Arnold. That is all I have. If you have further material that
you wish to insert in our record it will remain open for 10 days or 2
weeks and you may have that opportunity.
Mr. Neustadt. I have, I think, given everything I have that exists
in the form of a report.
The Chairman. Mr. Neustadt, my reaction to the testimony that
I have heard this morning is not very favorable. I think there is a
deplorable situation on the Pacific coast here regarding evacuation
and I think Congress is going to know about it in our report.
Mr. Neustadt. Surely.
The Chairman. But we can't pin any blame onto any particular
agency. It has come upon us all at once, but that shouldn't stop us
now preparing and doing something about it.
Mr. Neustadt. That is correct.
The Chairman. It is possible that the entire Pacific coast may be
evacuated. They tell me back in Washington that it is not only pos-
sible but probable that the Pacific coast will be bombed. That has
come to me from men who are supposed to know. So the evacuation
may run into hundreds of thousands of people.
Mr. Neustadt. That is right.
11054 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
TASK TOO GREAT FOR SINGLE FEDERAL AGENCY
The Chairman. The first thing we should have — and I am surprised
that we haven't it as yet — is a regional office for the Alien Property
Custodian. That should be done first.
Mr. Neustadt. That is one of the most deplorable features of it.
The Chairman. Do you think that the Social Security alone, if
given the money, could handle the evacuation ; that is, taking care of
these people?
Mr. Neustadt. No; I do not. I am grateful for the fact that the
Army is going to handle it.
The Chairman. Now, the Army is interested primarily in the
national defense.
Mr. Neustadt. That's right. That is, primarily.
The Chairman. And the Army is in no position to go into these
hardship cases, so far as that is concerned, to see where they should
go. They have got to get them out of here, and they have got to get
them out in a hurry.
Mr. Neustadt. That's right.
The Chairman. But the thought occurred to me — you gave a hint
of it — that a combination of agencies, the Farm Security, the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, your agency, might be the solution. Then if we
have a man like you at the head of it, or some control at the head of it,
I think it could be attended to.
Mr. Neustadt. Thank you very much for that, Congressman.
May I say this? As far as the combination of Federal agencies is
concerned, there is through the Office of Defense Health and Welfare
Services, which is an office set up by the President with Governor
McNutt as the director, a coordination of some 32 Federal departments
having anything to do with health, welfare, education, nutrition, and
recreation.
Out on the coast here we have a very fine coordinating council of
those 32 agencies. I am the chairman. I don't know that you need
any more legal coordination than you already have.
What I was saying was in no way a criticism of anybody. If you
are going to have such a mass evacuation, and only the Army can
know how large that should be and what areas it should be and should
direct that, then I would plead that that be done surgically and those
people be removed to a prepared camp. Right away. Under Army
supervision, plus any civilian supervision they desire. And then we
can begin to go back and let out those people who can prove their
loyalty.
The Chairman. Mr. Neustadt, from the Mississippi on west you
know our country about as well as anyone I personally know. Where
are these people going to go?
NOBODY WANTS EVACUEES
Mr. Neustadt. That has haunted me night and day, sir. I have
seen resolutions of the governors, the chambers of commerce, and all
the hospitality centers west of the Rocky Mountain States. They
don't want them either.
May I say that all they are talking about is Japanese. We have had
telegrams from all the towns in California protesting. One of them
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11055
bothered me a bit because the signer had a very Italian-sounding
name. He demanded that all those of Japanese origin, the citizens
and aliens, should be evacuated. I don't think he realized that if this
were done governmentally, he also might join the evacuees.
The Chairman. You can't put them in Nevada, you can't put them
in Arizona very well. You haven't the housing.
Mr. Neustadt. No, sir.
The Chairman. And you haven't the soil.
Mr. Neustadt. No, sir.
The Chairman. All right. Supposing you picked out Nebraska,
just as a hypothetical case, and Nebraska didn't want them?
Mr. Neustadt. I think what you have to do is to face it. If you
are going to have mass evacuation of a hundred thousand or more,
prepare camps for them and put them there. Have as fine a camp as
you can and under regular Army routine and discipline. And set up
your courts and, as you get jobs for them, let them come back. The
Employment Service, although the shortage of labor is very real in
our defense plants, could not take these people and put them in in a
week's time with all the uncertainties there are. And they have got
to go Tuesday. Ten thousand. And whenever the Army speaks it
will be "that" Tuesday. We are not equipped to do that. All the
Federal Government agencies and civilian agencies that I know of are
set up, planned, and directed to work on the basis of individuals.
But when you are talking in terms of a hundred thousand, you had
better plan that and do it and then go back on the individual basis.
The Chairman. Yes; Mr. Neustadt.
Mr. Neustadt. None of these States will object, by the way, I am
sure, to a camp supervised by the Army.
FIRST EVACUATION ORDER
The Chairman. The evacuation order goes into effect on Tuesday;
does it not?
Mr. Neustadt. Yes; the 24th.
The Chairman. There will be about 10,000 evacuated; is that right?
Mr. Neustadt. I can't tell you exactly how many. The first date
was the 15th, and they will all be out of those prohibited areas on the
24th.
The Chairman. All right. The responsibility of the Army is to get
them out of the areas?
Mr. Neustadt. That is the responsibility of the Department of
Justice.
The Chairman. Oh, they get them out?
Mr. Neustadt. We facilitate. We were asked on behalf of the
Department of Justice to facilitate the removal. We are just a service
agency. We have done the interviewing of these people. We have
done the advising of where they cannot be and where they can be.
We have at the request of the Department of Justice issued travel
permits and we know they will be gone. We don't expect to find very
many in the prohibited areas. There may be a few who can't find
housing.
The Chairman. So the mechanics are simply this. The Army
fixed the strategic areas?
11056 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Neustadt. The Army asked the Department of Justice to
decide on the areas up until the time the new order becomes effective.
The Department of Justice decrees those areas. Now, of course, in
the new order of the President that is all swept away and the Army
decrees.
Mr. Arnold. Let me ask, they don't need to move any further
than the border line of the prohibited area; is that correct?
Mr. Neustadt. As far as the law goes, General DeWitt himself has
issued a letter saying that they may go anywhere outside the pro-
hibited area. They are doubling up with their relatives and friends.
Certainly, that is all they can do. That is all we could have done in
the same circumstances.
The Chairman. Supposing you haven't got relatives or friends?
Mr. Neustadt. Well, we have had all kinds of help from all kinds
of agencies trying to dig out places they could rent. The difficulty
of that is the fact that the particular areas, like the East Bay from
Pittsburg right straight down to Alameda, include all the low-cost
housing area in the prohibited zone. I am still afraid that there will
be some people wanting to move on the 23d for whom no housing will
actually be available.
The Chairman. Is there anything else you desire to add, Mr.
Neustadt?
IMMEDIATE NEED FOR PROPERTY CUSTODIAN
Mr. Neustadt. I would like to plead again, if there is any way by
law, that some way be found to have a custodian of property right
now, and not wait for the appointment of any custodian. There
must be some way whereby Congress could designate Federal Reserve
banks or someone else to be custodian of these small properties. It
should have been done 2 weeks ago.
The Chairman. I understand that jurisdiction lies within the
Treasury Department.
Mr. Neustadt. Well, I don't know.
The Chairman. We phoned to Washington yesterday.
Mr. Neustadt. We cannot make up the loss, and it is not only the
loss to the small individual shopkeeper or rancher, but it is the loss
to the crops. I am sure Mr. Thompson of the Department of Agri-
culture will tell you that a great many of the crops that are badly
needed for lend-lease and for victory have already been planted,
and there is involved a serious loss because of a fear and uncertainty
of what is going to happen. I know you know that situation.
The Chairman. We had hardly arrived here, Mr. Neustadt, when
we were impressed with the absence of any agency or official who
could take care of alien property. So we immediately phoned to
Washington and we probably will have more information today.
But that must be attended to, even before we turn in our report, if
possible.
Mr. Neustadt. Certainly. You might be interested in this sum-
mary of the people who have not been able to completely help them-
selves. Of the 6,500 who have come in, 4,100 have sat down long
enough to tell us their problems and how they are solving them
themselves. The others just came in and got information and they
have gone on their way.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11057
Of these families 2,300 had already moved or found their own
homes; 1,300 others said they could find housing for themselves;
500 must be helped to find homes. This was a report as of Thursday.
Of these, at least 100 will have to be given some emergency care.
I might add there that agencies like the Friends Service Committee,
the Quakers, Japanese-American Citizens League, German societies
and Italian societies are all pitching in to help on that emergency
care type of thing.
You might also be interested in one or two stories, if you so desire.
I don't know whether you do or not and I don't want to indulge
in them if you don't wish them.
The Chairman. Go right ahead.
Mr. Neustadt. We engaged Mr. Ottorino Ronchi, former professor
of Italian at the University of California, and editor of La Voce del
Popolo, for the specific purpose of going around to the Italian groups,
particularly in the Pittsburg-Vallejo area, both of which are prohib-
ited now, and down to the Monterey-Santa Cruz area where the
fishing groups are. Mr. Ronchi was engaged to go down and circulate
among the Italian people, who are not very well organized among
themselves and do not read the American press or listen to the radio
and very often don't even read their own press, just to see if they
knew that they had to move. Mr. Ronchi would be glad, I am sure,
to give you one or two instances.
TESTIMONY OF OTTORINO RONCHI, FORMER PROFESSOR OF
ITALIAN AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AND FORMER EDITOR
OF LA VOCE DEL POPOLO, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Ronchi. I just got back from Monterey. In Monterey the
situation is very drastic. They are all fishermen, oh, from 100 to 175,
and have to leave. So I interviewed many people. Among them I
interviewed a woman about 60 years old. She was a widow. Her
son was killed at Pearl Harbor and the next day the other son enlisted.
Now she is alone. She is not an American citizen. She has no
property and she will have to go away from Monterey. So I asked her
about how she felt.
"Well," she said, "I wish I had a couple of more children. I will
send them to fight. My interest is in America."
There is another case of a young woman, about 25 or 26, I think,
married to a soldier. She has two children. They have to move.
And those people, they have no money, they have no place to go.
We try at the employment office. Its staff works very hard. They
are very human, they try very hard, and they have tried to find work
for the evacuees in Salinas, Santa Clara Valley, but with little success.
In Pittsburg you find very many families where they have one or
two sons in the Army and they have to move. Also in Monterey,
the Government took the boats of the fishermen. And now they have
no money, they have not been able to fish and they could not do any-
thing else; only fishing, you know. They try to find jobs. They
try to go ahead in that. But I think the next 2 or 3 months they will
have a tragic situation. They will not know what to do, and the
different counties of the State and Federal Government will have to
support them and there will be a tremendous disruption of life.
11058 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Suppose you have a mother who is not an American citizen, the
father is a citizen and the children are American citizens. The mother
will have to go away and leave the father there, or vice versa, you see.
So something must be done for those people there.
You see, I must have talked with more than 1,000 people, you
know, from Martinez down to Monterey. They have no American
citizenship in their pockets, but America is in their hearts.
The Chairman. You have to think along a little bit further in the
future. Some day this war is going to be over. You say that this
Italian mother had one son killed at Pearl Harbor?
Mr. Ronchi. Yes.
The Chairman. One son killed at Pearl Harbor, another son
enlisted.
Mr. Ronchi. Right away. Volunteered.
The Chairman. But when the future comes I don't know how that
enlisted boy will feel if his mother doesn't have some sort of care.
Mr. Neustadt. That's right.
Mr. Ronchi. That's human. That's the human side of the
question.
TESTIMONY OF RICHARD H. NEUSTADT— Resumed
Mr. Neustadt. I don't think any of us think of that mother as
an alien enemy. I think that is a point to make. One can't question
the loyalty of the son, but I also want to point out that one can't
question the loyalty of that mother.
Mr. Sparkman. Under the terms of the Executive order of yes-
terday do you understand that the military commander would have
the right to give her leave to work?
Mr. Neustadt. He would have complete right to do anything he
likes. He could make exceptions or not, as he saw fit.
Mr. Sparkman. Don't you assume that cases such as these out-
standing hardship cases will be dealt with?
Mr. Neustadt. I certainly would gladly assume so, but I thought
one way of helping that assumption is just to say it to you. That's all.
The Chairman. And your point is also that there should be some
agency on top of that problem now?
Mr. Neustadt. And it should be the Army.
The Chairman. And it should be the Army. Thank you very
much, gentlemen. We appreciate your coming here.
The committee will stand adjourned until 2 o'clock this afternoon.
(Whereupon, at 12:15 p. m. the committee recessed until 2 p. m.)
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION
saturday, february 21, 1942
afternoon session
House of Representatives,
Select Committee Investigating
National Defense Migration,
Washington, D. C.
The committee met at 2 p. m. in the Post Office Building, San
Francisco, Calif., Hon. John H. Tolan (chairman) presiding.
Present were Representatives John H. Tolan (chairman), of Cali-
fornia; Laurence F. Arnold, of Illinois; and John J. Sparkman, of
Alabama.
Also present: Dr. Robert K. Lamb, staff director; John W. Abbott,
chief field investigator; Leonard A. Thomas, counsel; and F. P.
Weber, economist.
The Chairman. The committee will please come to order.
Mr. Sparkman, I understood you had something to offer for the
record.
Mr. Sparkman. Mr. Chairman, I thought it might be well for the
sake of the record to insert a copy of the President's Executive order.
We have referred to it quite frequently this morning. Here is a reprint
of it taken from today's paper and I would like to offer that at this
time to be inserted in the record.
The Chairman. Do you want to read it?
Mr. Sparkman. Well, I don't believe I will take the time to
read it, but I would like to call attention to the fact, since something
was said about it this morning, that the Executive 'order that the
President issued yesterday provides that the Secretary of War in
removing any of these people shall furnish transportation, food,
shelter, and other accommodations that may be necessary. Further-
more, it provides, I believe [examining Executive order] that he can
call upon any of the other executive departments, independent
establishments, and Federal agencies to assist the Secretary of War
and the military commanders in carrying out the provisions of the
Executive order.
Another thing I think might be of interest. Mr. Neustadt was
telling us about that particular case down at Monterey, the widow
who had the son that was killed at Pearl Harbor, and another son who
is now an enlisted man in the United States Navy. Just a short time
before that a telegram had been laid before us from the Secretary of
the Navy urging upon the proper officials that attention be paid and
consideration be given to that particular case.
It seems to me that it might be well to bear in mind that the armed
services have already shown that they do intend to take into considera-
tion individual cases.
11059
11060 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The Chairman. And that they are on the alert on the hardship
cases.
Mr. Sparkman. I offer this Executive order for the record.
(Executive order referred to above is as follows:)
Executive Okder
authorizing the secretary of war to prescribe military areas
Whereas the successful prosecution of the war requires every possible protec-
tion against espionage and against sabotage to national defense material, national
defense premises, and national defense utilities as defined in section 4, act of
April 20, 1918, 40 Stat. 533, as amended by the act of November 30, 1940, 54
Stat. 1220, and the act of August 21, 1941, 55 Stat. 655 (U. S. C, title 50, sec.
104):
Now, therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the
United States, and Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I hereby author-
ize and direct the Secretary of War, and the military commanders who he may
from time to time designate, whenever he or any designated commander deems
such action necessary or desirable, to prescribe military areas in such places and
of such extent as he or the appropriate military commander may determine, from
which any or all persons may be excluded, and with respect to which, the right
of any person to enter, remain in, or leave shall be subject to whatever restric-
tions the Secretary of War or the appropriate military commander may impose
in his discretion. The Secretary of War is hereby authorized to provide for
residents of any such area who are excluded therefrom, such transportation, food,
shelter, and other accommodations as may be necessary, in the judgment of the
Secretary of War or the said military commander, and until other arrangements
are made, to accomplish the purpose of this order. The designation of military
areas in any region or locality shall supersede designations of prohibited and
restricted areas by the Attorney General under the proclamations of December
7 and 8, 1941, and shall supersede the responsibility and authority of the Attorney
General under the said proclamations in respect of such prohibited and restricted
areas.
I hereby further authorize and direct the Secretary of War and the said military
commanders to take such other steps as he or the appropriate military commander
may deem advisable to enforce compliance with the restrictions applicable to each
military area hereinabove authorized to be designated, including the use of Federal
troops and other Federal agencies, with authority to accept assistance of State
and local agencies.
I hereby further authorize and direct all executive departments, independent
sstablishments and other Federal agencies, to assist the Secretary of War or the
faid military commanders in carrying out this Executive order, including the
lurnishing of medical aid, hospitalization, food, clothing, transportation, use of
and, shelter, and other supplies, equipment, utilities, facilities, and services.
This order shall not be construed as modifying or limiting in any way the
authority heretofore granted under Executive order No. 8972, dated December
12, 1941, nor shall it be construed as limiting or modifying the duty and responsi-
bility of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with respect to the investigation of
alleged acts of sabotage or the duty and responsibility of the Attorney General
and the Department of Justice under the Proclamations of December 7 and 8,
1941, prescribing regulations for the conduct and control of alien enemies, except
as such duty and responsibility is superseded by the designation of military areas
hereunder.
The White House,
February 19, 1942.
The Chairman. Mr. McCormick and Mr. Travoli would like to
testify.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11061
TESTIMONY OF LEROY McCORMICK, ASSISTANT DISTRICT
ATTORNEY, TULARE COUNTY, CALIF.
The Chairman. What is your full name, Mr. McCormick?
Mr. McCormick. Leroy McCormick.
The Chairman. You are an attorney?
Mr. McCormick. I am assistant district attorney, of Tulare
County.
This is Mr. Wendell G. Travoli [indicating], who represents the
citizens committee from that county.
The Chairman. We understand you gentlemen desire to be heard.
We haven't any set questions so suppose we proceed this way, in-
formally, and you go ahead and make a statement concerning the
things that you think would be interesting to the committee and
valuable to us when we report to Congress.
Proceed, Air. McCormick.
Mr. McCormick. We come from the central portion of the State.
Our county is largely agricultural and we have many Japanese in the
county.
The Chairman. Is that Congressman Elliott's district?
Mr. McCormick. Yes, we are in Mr. Elliott's district.
Mr. Sparkman. His whole county.
Mr. McCormick. We know him very well.
You have had this morning reports from many of the attorneys and
other fact-finding men. I would prefer now to let Mr. Travoli, who
represents the citizens, speak. I know Air. Travoli, and what he
says can be depended upon 100 percent.
Mr. Travoli.
TESTIMONY OF WENDELL G. TRAVOLI, REPRESENTING THE
TULARE COUNTY CITIZENS COMMITTEE, TULARE COUNTY,
CALIF.
Mr. Travoli. I wish to state that there is a mass movement of
Japanese into Tulare County. We have sent quite a few telegrams
and have received replies, one in particular from Air. Neustadt
stating that he knew of no mass movement to our county.
From my own local township, I have a statement here by the con-
stable that, if you so desire, I will read.
The Chairman. Go right ahead.
Mr. Travoli [reading]:
Orosi, Calif., February 20, 1942.
To Whom It May Concern:
Within the last week I have checked six Japanese families into the Orosi
township. Many more have no doubt come in without bothering to be checked.
The number of strange Japanese cars and faces is increasing daily.
In addition to those already here, there has been a request by the Japanese
minister and other local Japanese residents to locate homes for 40 more families.
The situation from a law and order viewpoint is serious.
Floyd H. Clapp,
Constable, Orosi Toimship.
11062 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Yesterday, the district attorney received a telegram from the south-
ern part of the State asking if he could place 200 Japanese families
from the Palo Verde Hills district. He replied that he could not.
We were supposed to have a letter from him today but it failed to
come in the mail, but that can be checked.
It was discussed over the phone with Mr. McCormick and you can
consult Walter Haight to verify the statement.
We have had a lot of Japanese in the community. They have been
there for a long time. I have been a resident of the community for
15 years and there were lots of them when I came there. Some of the
old residents have been there 30 years and there were lots of them
there when they came. We have had no particular trouble with the
local residents but more are moving in all the time and the feeling is
very high in the Orosi district.
The Los Angeles group figure that they are a menace to them and
they send them to us. They have stated several times in Los Angeles
that they are a menace to their power facilities. We have two big
lines, the Edison lines from Big Creek that run to Los Angeles. They
go on the east side of Tulare County from one end to the other, and a
third line from the Big Creek area. The Huntington Lake area is in
the hills 6 miles east of the double line.
DANGERS FROM SABOTAGE
I have pictures here of that big double line that goes through the
community. There is a picture of the line with Japanese camps with
hot caps and everything underneath them. Here is a picture of a
Japanese camp that shows the double power line standing right behind
the buildings. Here is a picture of our local Orosi substation and the
Japanese holdings that are immediately diagonally across the road.
There has been no trouble with the local residents but if these
aliens are undesirable to Los Angeles and are a menace to their power
lines we feel that they are still a menace to the Los Angeles power
lines as they are living underneath them. Those big steels are put
together with bolts. They are not even riveted. If they don't
want to use dynamite or a cutting torch to drop one they can do it
with an ordinary wrench.
The third line that is in the hills — I have no picture of that — is not
patrolled at all. Even these others are not patrolled to anybody's
knowledge. Run through open hills and cattle country and can be
destroyed, and there would be no way to check it at all.
The Chairman. How many resident Japanese have you in Tulare
County, approximately?
Mr. Travoli. The district attorney might be able to answer that.
Mr. McCormick. About 2,000.
The Chairman. Do the native-born children own some land there?
Mr. Travoli. Plenty of it.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Travoli. During the hard times when good, hard-working
white people went broke in the Orosi community the Japanese did not.
The Chairman. Yes.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11063
Mr. Travoli. We gathered from that that they must have had aid
from the outside. How else they could have made it nobody in that
community could figure out. The white people went broke and they
didn't. They have acquired more land continuously.
The Chairman. And the land they acquired, some of it is in prox-
imity to these power lines, you say?
Mr. Travoli. Yes, sir. I know some of that land. I think all of
that is owned by the Japanese. I know that several places are.
The Chairman. Where are these incoming Japanese going to be
located?
Mr. Travoli. They just drop in any place.
The Chairman. With other Japanese?
MOVEMENT INTO TULARE COUNTY
Mr. Travoli. Yes, in vacant houses. There was one Japanese
family from Inglewood that tried to rent a place. The people found
out they were from Inglewood and they refused to let them move in.
They are camping everywhere.
I was out with the constable yesterday morning interviewing one of
the Japanese boys who he figured was reliable for information. I was
in company with the constable. We drove into his place and asked
him how many new families had moved in close to him.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Travoli. He talked a little to one of the other boys and he
said "three." So immediately Floyd Clapp said "Well, who moved
into a certain place over there?" "Oh, I forget; one move in there;
that makes four."
He asked him if there were any more. "No, I don't think so."
"Well, who moved in over here?"
"I forget that fellow; that makes five."
Before we got through with him he remembered six.
The Chairman. In other words, the thought you are trying to get
over to this committee is simply this: The Government should not
only be concerned with getting them out of a certain area but they
should be concerned with where they are going?
Mr. Travoli. Yes, sir; I certainly do.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Travoli. A lot of the fellows that have been answering your
telephone calls say there is no mass movement.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Travoli. That is one thing I wish to put over, that there is a
mass movement to Tulare County.
The Chairman. Yes.
organization of home guard
Mr. Travoli. Now, as far as law and order goes everything is in
hand. We have a constable and he is a deputy that serves 400 square
miles in that township of Orosi. It runs way back into the hills. He
is very much excited. This citizens group bunch of us went down and
talked it over with the sheriff and the district attorney and with their
advice we organized an Orosi Home Guard to serve within that town-
11064 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
ship. There are approximately 70 members in that home guard. I
know of two others that are organizing and a couple of others are being
organized. We are not organizing against law and order. We are
organizing to make sure that the situation does not get out of hand.
I am also a deputy fire warden in Tulare County. I have the
authority to speak for the county. As you can notice in those
pictures those places join our foothill area.
That, gentlemen, is the foothill area that lays immediately below
General Grant National Park and Sequoia National Park. There is
about 10 miles of that grass area, then you run into a bunch of
brushland, then you run into the redwood timber. There is no use
going into that redwood timber. Everybody knows it is the most
valuable timber in the whole world. Those trees have taken 5,000
years to grow. They can be destroyed very easily. There are three
roads outside of our local township alone that lead into those moun-
tains; those roads are not guarded at any time day or night. Japanese
fellows go up and down those roads as they please. There have been
reports of many going up nights. The constable has tried to catch
them. He has never been able to ascertain for a fact if they have
gone. The roads are not guarded.
Mr. Sparkman. Let me ask you this. You speak wholly of Jap-
anese. What about Germans and Italians?
Mr. Travoli. That is another question. I am glad you brought it
up. Mr. Neustadt called me on that, too. There is not a German or
Italian alien within Orosi township to my knowledge or the assistant
district attorney's knowledge.
Mr. Sparkman. You mean not even living there, nor moving in?
Mr. Travoli. No, sir; not to our knowledge.
Mr. Sparkman. What about these Japanese that are moving in?
What portion of them are aliens and what portion native born?
Mr. Travoli. Well, there are a few kids coming in that are going
into our schools. There are families coming in, maybe, families with
two or three children; some with one.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you think most of the adults are aliens or are
they native born?
ATTITUDE OF TOWNSPEOPLE TOWARD NATIVE JAPANESE
Mr. Travoli. I think the constable would say they are mostly
natives. The ones I saw personally were. I haven't seen them all.
Mr. Sparkman. What about the 5,000 that live in that county?
Are most of those natives of this country or are a good many of them
aliens?
Mr. Travoli. Well, there are a few older aliens but I would say
the biggest majority are native-born Japanese, educated in our own
high schools, and they are the most feared of any of the Japanese
residents of our county.
The fire hazard in our territory is the main thing. I don't believe
there will be any trouble if those fellows stay there and mind their
own business and don't get out of hand because we have a good tight
organization under the sheriff and the district attorney's orders and
our constable. I don't believe there will be any violence unless they
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11065
stay there until the country is dry enough to burn and I am afraid,
gentlemen, there will be trouble then.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you think the Government ought to put these
evacuees into concentration camps?
Mr. Travoli. I think they are in a more dangerous place where
they are than if they were on the coast because of that timber and the
watershed of that county.
Mr. Sparkman. Well, I am still trying to get this. Do you think
the Government ought to move them further east or do you think
they ought to put them into concentration camps?
INDIAN RESERVATION LAND OPEN FOR RESETTLEMENT
Mr. Travoli. They definitely should be moved. If you are asking
me where I think they should be moved, I would say that I agree
with Mayor Bowron, of Los Angeles, on the 182,000 acres of irrigable
Indian reservation land at Parker. That is now uninhabited accord-
ing to his piece in the paper.
Mr. Sparkman. Where is Parker?
Mr. Travoli. Parker is on the Arizona side of California.
Mr. Sparkman. In Arizona?
Mr. Travoli. It is one side or the other. I wouldn't definitely
state which side right now.
Mr. Sparkman. Well, how far is that from the forests on the other
side of the mountain?
Mr. Travoli. A long way, gentlemen; a long way.
The hills on the Death Valley side are not timber. There is no
fire hazard on that side of the mountains, that is, that far over.
The Chairman. It appears to me one of the solutions is that the
Americans should come home. The Japs should go back to their
home. That would solve part of it, wouldn't it?
Mr. Travoli. Definitely. I probably could make some state-
ments on what I think about the exchange of prisoners or tlie exchange
of our citizens but, maybe, this is not the time and place.
The Chairman. Yes; probably not.
Where are these Japanese coming from? Los Angeles County?
Mr. Travoli. The constable checked in one family, that I know of
personally, from San Luis Obispo. Their traveling orders were from
the sheriff of San Luis Obispo County. The designation was Dinuba,
which is east 6 miles of Orosi, in a different township. They came to
Orosi. We sent them back to Dinuba and they immediately came
back to Orosi.
The Chairman. The more you think about it the more you will
come to the conclusion, I am quite sure, that when evacuation takes
place there should be some orderly procedure as to where they are
going to go, not hit and miss, scattered throughout the different
counties and States. Isn't that true?
Mr. Travoli. Positively.
The Chairman. We have got to get at that.
Mr. Travoli. I believe in law and order. I am an Army man,
served during the World War. I believe in law and order a hundred
percent.
11066 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The Chairman. In other words, suppose all these evacuees made
up their mind to go to Tulare County. You couldn't handle them.
Mr. Travoli. That is the situation now. Even if our district at-
torney were to tell these 200 families from the Palo Verde hills they
could not come, they could still come. There is no way to stop them.
FIRE HAZARD IN TULARE COUNTY
But it is the fire hazard that is the dangerous situation to Tulare
County. That is the biggest menace.
Some of you eastern fellows that have never fought fires through
those hills can't appreciate this danger. You can start a fire from a
cigarette. I can show you territories. One started last year right
below my place. It burned half a section on a Sunday afternoon
before it could be put out. That grass land does burn.
The Chairman. Well, anyway, it appears to me that the problem
is so big that the Government must tackle it just to determine where
these people are going to go.
Mr. Travoli. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. When they are sent into other States they lose
then residence here and they don't acquire it in the others. They
are not entitled to go on relief. It possesses possibilities that need
attention because we are going to run right up against that very
critical problem of the different States not wanting these people and
different counties not wanting them. _
Mr. Travoli. It is the same situation as police floating undesirable
citizens out of one city on to the next city to take care of them. If
we float them off the coast they come back to us; if we float them
somewhere else they come back to us.
I think Mayor Bowron's solution of that Indian reservation is the
best solution I have read.
The situation that I speak of in Orosi Township extends through
five or six townships, all along the east side of Tulare County. It is
all bad fire-hazard country and those three power lines run parallel
to those lulls, the entire length of the county, about 60 miles.
The Chairman. I know your Congressman, Congressman Elliott,
very well. He is deeply concerned about this. He has been very
much on the alert about it and he presented the matter probably a
little bit more emphatically than you are right now.
Mr. Travoli. I am acquainted with Mr. Elliott.
The Chairman. If the condition gets worse or changes in any way,
feel free to send the committee an additional statement. We will
have our records open for 10 days or 2 weeks for you.
Mr. McCormick. Yes. I was going to ask permission to do that,
Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. McCormick. We have a number of people in the county who
wanted to express their views. We knew you couldn't hear them
today. I was requested to ask permission if I couldn't reduce some
of these statements to affidavit form and send them direct to you.
The Chairman. I will tell you, you send it to us and tell us what
these people told you. We will put it in the record just as if they had
testified.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11067
FARM LABOR SITUATION IN COUNTY
Mr. Sparkman. Let me ask you this: Is there any likelihood of
farm labor shortage in Tulare County this year?
Mr. Travoli. Positively not.
Mr. Sparkman. Don't you depend to a large extent on migratory
farm workers?
Mr. Travoli. There is quite a bit of Mexican labor through there.
As far as this cry goes on shortage of vegetables, people are thinking
about the penny and letting the dollar run away from them. What
little our vegetables amount to compared to the damage that could
be done in case of a raid on the coast, and if the people there wanted
to go to town, which they may not — there may not be any raids there —
there may not be any cause for alarm — but what the vegetable
industry of Tulare does wouldn't be a drop in the bucket compared to
a disastrous fire through our foothills.
Mr. Sparkman. Suppose the Government took a great many of
these evacuees who were agricultural workers back here on the coast
and by maintaining them as registered groups, and keeping close
supervision over them, put them to work in the various agricultural
sections, do you think that might be practical?
Mr. Travoli. Yes, sir; I do, and that is one reason that I agree
with Mayor Bowron on that Indian-reservation land. I have never
been on that particular piece of land, but I have been up and down the
Colorado River.
WANTS JAPANESE REMOVED FROM STATE
Mr. Sparkman. That is purely a resettlement proposition, as I
understand. I am talking about using them to make up for the
shortage in migratory farm labor which we are likely to have this
year in various sections of the United States.
Mr. Travoli. Oh, you mean outside of tins State?
Mr. Sparkman. I don't know.
Mr. Travoli. Well, I am not in favor of letting them stay in this
State.
Mr. Sparkman. You would take them completely outside of
California?
Mr. Travoli. Oh, positively; unless you want to put them in a
camp and I don't believe that would work out extra good. It would
take lots of guards and they, themselves, probably would rather go to
areas not quite as restricted as a camp. I wouldn't advise a camp
when I know there are other places to put them.
Mr. Sparkman. That is all.
The Chairman. We have heard from Washington the importance
of the Japanese in growing and producing vegetable crops in Cali-
fornia.
Now, the attorney general of California, Mr. Warren, tins morning
said that the Japanese employ Filipinos, Mexicans, and whites just
like the white grower does, and we heard in Washington, repeatedly,
the importance of keeping the Japanese growing vegetables.
Now, I have some figures. I don't know who gave them to me.
I guess they are all right. They are taken from the United States
Department of Agriculture.
60396— 42— pt. 29 8
11068 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Only 1 percent of all the vegetables produced in the United States
for processing, canning, freezing, excluding canned tomatoes, is grown
or controlled by Japanese growers in California.
Authority for this statement is taken from the United States
Department of Agriculture, Board of Acreage Production of Com-
mercial Truck Crops of the United States for 1941, released December
1941.
Only 3K percent of all truck crops grown in the United States are
produced in California. Japanese here include both aliens and
American citizens.
Only 4% percent of all the vegetables produced in the United States
for processing, canning, freezing, and so forth, excluding canned
tomatoes, are grown in California.
Only 8% percent of all the vegetables produced in the United States
for processing, including canned tomatoes, are grown in California.
So, you see, it isn't quite as critical as depicted to us. Is that right?
Mr. Travoli. That is correct. It is not nearly as critical as some
people make believe it is.
MEXICAN FARM LABOR SUGGESTED
Right now on the farms that are in those pictures some of the older
aliens might still do a little work. As for the young Japanese who
have graduated from our high schools, they don't do what you
call stoop labor. They hire Mexicans. They used to hire a lot of
Filipinos but they had a few Filipino insurrections around there.
They have kind of laid off the Filipino. The Filipino isn't quite so
anxious to work for them. The Japanese don't want them either.
They hire a lot of Mexicans. The California labor situation, if we
need migratory labor, can be helped by loyal Mexicans.
The Chairman. Well, I think you will still agree with me that
something orderly should be done about not only the evacuees but
where they are going, whether they are the Japanese or the Italians
or the Germans or what?
Mr. Travoli. Yes, sir; I do.
The Chairman. At least, we can't kick human beings around no
matter who they are.
Mr. Travoli. No, sir.
The Chairman. We have got to get on the job and see what is the
best thing to do for them.
Mr. Travoli. I am not in favor of abusing any of them. I am in
favor of getting them out of Tulare before the last of May. The first
of June the fire season is very, very acute in Tulare County.
The Chairman. Thank you very much, gentlemen. We appre-
ciate you coining here.
Mt. Fouke.
TESTIMONY OF ROBERT H. FOUKE, REPRESENTING THE CALI-
FORNIA JOINT IMMIGRATION COMMITTEE, SAN FRANCISCO,
CALIF.
The Chairman. State your name and capacity, for the reporter.
Mr. Fouke. Robert H. Fouke. I am appearing as a member of and
representing the California Joint Immigration Committee, which
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11069
committee has been established for many years, and is composed of
the American Legion of the State of California, the State federation
of labor, the Native Sons of the Golden West, and the California State
Grange, as well as individual members who include former State
Attorney General U. S. Webb and Mr. J. McClatchy.
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, the California
Joint Immigration Committee has studied the problem of the Japanese
as well as other Asiatics, for, perhaps, the last 20 to 30 years, hence,
is familiar with the problem. (See Exhibits A and B.) We were
largely instrumental in the passage of the 1913 Alien Land Act. At
that time the committee was known as the Japanese Exclusion League,
subsequently being termed, as it is today, the California Joint Immi-
gration Committee. And it was instrumental, in 1924, in securing
the adoption of the present immigration law which now excludes any
Asiatics from a quota, as such, as distinguished from the quota of
100 that is accorded to all nations if there are people therein eligible
for citizenship. In correlation with our century-old policy adopted
in 1790, that law prohibits the naturalization of any person unless
they were a member of the white race. With one modification, cover-
ing the question of those of African descent and nativity, that policy
has been adhered to throughout these years.
The things that have happened in recent months are events that
we predicted would occur or were likely to occur. That is history, of
course, and the committee would not wish, probably, to go into the
academic problems leading up to that particular situation. Rather,
I judge from the testimony that you have heard thus far, that you are
concerned with the immediate problem and what can be done in con-
nection with that immediate problem in order to handle it expedi-
tiously, with due regard for the rights of all parties, be they alien,
alien enemies or citizens of the United States.
And it was with that thought in mind that I requested your con-
sent for the chairman of our committee to appear here. In his ab-
sence, may I at this time request, the opportunity of submitting in
document form additional data for the committee to be incorporated
in your report to Congress.
In that connection I would like to call your attention specifically to a
report of the California Joint Immigration Committee issued on May
27, 1936, entitled "The Dangers Created by Japanese Dual Citizen-
ship" (see Exhibit C) which is really the basic problem that we have
now. It is because of that particular problem that the committee has
recently passed a resolution (see Exhibit D), a copy of which will be
made available to your committee, to the effect that we believe that
the military authorities should be entrusted with the responsibility
and supervision and the right to declare what may constitute a com-
bat area, landward to such distance from the coast as may be deemed
advisable, or setting up various areas within the State adjacent to any
defense areas or communities, large populated communities or else-
where, wherein no persons, be they citizens or aliens, would be per-
mitted unless it has been first established that their presence there
was desirable or not inimical to the welfare of the country.
11070 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
JAPANESE DUAL CITIZENSHIP
And in that connection, in order that the committee may realize the
seriousness of the problem that we have, as has been testified to, there
are in the neighborhood of 100,000 Japanese in the State of California,
a large number of whom are in possession of dual citizenship, under a
law of December 1, 1924, that Japan passed called the New Xational-
itv Law.
'Under that law Japanese born in the United States after that date
automatically lost Japanese citizenship unless within 14 days they
were registered at the Japanese consulate. The law further provided
that those who registered, as well as those born here before December
1924. could renounce Japanese citizenship by declaration at the
Japanese consulate after reaching their twentieth year.
The records that we have accumulated during the years (see Ex-
hibit E) show that the Japanese so born do not repatriate themselves
by renouncing their Japanese citizenship other than to the extent of
about one-third, the remainder retaining their citizenship. In fact,
there are many who are citizens of the United States who have returned
to Japan, to be educated in the Japanese schools, and for all intents
and purposes, and practically speaking, are Japanese. Some have
been, of course, impressed info service in the Japanese Army, United
States citizens who are fighting the country of which they are also
citizens.
POSITION OF KIBEI SHIMIN
Likewise, through the years there have been what are known as
Kibei Shimin, meaning those who are the sons or daughters of a United
States citizen, one who was born in the L'nited States of Japanese fore-
bears who have returned to Japan. There are instances where, if the
parent was a United States citizen, even if they were born in Japan,
they would be entitled, under our immigration laws, to be considered
as a citizen of the United States, provided before reaching the age of
18 thev have come here, probably at the age of 14, to be educated
and continue forth and declare themselves a United States citizen.
In this eroup there are many thousands. The exact number we are
not in a position to say. But we do know, according to the Japan
foreign office announcement, that there were about 50,000 of these
Kibei Shimin. Many thousands of them returned to the State of
California and to Hawaii and there they became a part of and par-
tiallv responsible for the conditions that existed at the time that the
1924 Exclusion Act was passed. Those particular individuals, being
foreign in ideas and background and purposes and so forth, have cre-
ated^ very bad situation so far as the native-born American-Japanese
citizen is concerned, who was born here and educated here, because
by their actions and conduct they have indicated their lack of loyalty
to this country. There may be Japanese who are loyal to this country,
yet there is no wav of proving that loyalty.
Admiral Yates Sterling, retired admiral of the United States Navy,
in an article in the Liberty magazine of June 17, 1919, in speaking
about Hawaii, doubted whether there were any Japanese whose
lovaltv could be counted upon in the event of an emergency.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11071
All of this leads to the conclusion of our committee, that all aliens
or citizens whose loyalty to this country may be in doubt should be
evacuated immediately from the combat areas.
LAND OWNERSHIP BY JAPANESE
In the State of California most of the Japanese who migrated here
went into our farming communities, and, in effect, took over the larger
portion of the farming land. This resulted eventually in the passage
of the Alien Land Act of 1913. It was because of that that there is
a popular concept that the Japanese are controlling the agricultural
production of the State of California, or other areas, whereas the testi-
mony here indicates otherwise.
As has been pointed out, it is true many of them have acquired and
now hold property in the names of their children as American citizens.
There is some doubt as to the legality of it, but nevertheless they have
been operating the land and hiring others such as Filipinos and Mexi-
cans who are willing to work for the wages they are prepared to offer.
Following the same practice, as was true in Hawaii, many Japanese
have gone out into other occupations. In some cases they are shop-
keepers and merchants and they are engaged in all types of businesses.
So the problem here is not merely one of transferring a group of
people of one class alone to another area and thinking that you can
rehabilitate them by putting them on farm land in Nebraska or
Kansas, because many of those people know nothing whatever about
farming. They should be permitted to follow the particular vocations
they are best equipped for as long as there is no question about any
activity that might be detrimental to the welfare of this country.
In the State of California, in particular, they have developed, for all
purposes, a little Japan in those farming areas, their own language,
schools, and churches.
JAPANESE-LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
Well, that in itself might have been all right had they not estab-
lished Japanese-language schools. In the establishment of these lan-
guage schools, Japanese Buddhist teachers were brought in under the
exceptional provision of the immigration laws. Their religious as well
as the educational background was Japanese both as to culture, ideas,
ideals, action, and thought. In the Japanese-language schools, from
the information we have been able to receive, the Japanese indoctrina-
tion of American-born Japanese occurred.
Likewise, we have had the problem presented wherein there hasn't
been the assimilation of those people as there has been in the case of
our other alien enemies, the Italians and the Germans, who, after a
generation or so, became American in thought, ideas, and actions.
We note also that in the single case of the Japanese we have the
only situation in which the question of race, religion and nationality,
in that the Emperor of Japan not only is the head of a nation but like-
wise he is the head of the church and the descendent of the Sun God.
As such all Japanese who profess the religion of which he is the leader
naturally have that particular religious obligation, even if the national
element was not thrown into the picture.
11072 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
And it is because of that that we have every reason to doubt whether
Japanese are loyal or would be loyal in the present war between the
Empire of Japan and the United States of America, although we know
that with some other power, probably, we could count upon the loyalty
of these dual citizens.
In addition we have had the bringing in of the so-called Japanese
culture and that in itself has caused considerable difficulty.
Much more can be said which we will supply by way of exhibits
to be furnished because I do not wish to take this committee's time
unduly. We believe that it is essential and important that some pro-
vision be made for the military authorities — and by "military" I
include the Navy and the Marine Corps as well as the Army — to be
entrusted with the authority to determine wherein or where there
should be established combat zones, and to that extent landward or
within such areas as they may deem fit and proper with admission
thereto subject to permits for either citizens or aliens. But in con-
nection with this whole program, while we must recognize and remem-
ber we are at war; that the welfare of the Nation is paramount; and
that people who are loyal, including Japanese or Italians or Ger-
mans, as the case might be, may best show their loyalty by acquiescing
and assisting in carrying out these things so as to minimize the sus-
picion or the assertions that they are not loyal being made against
them. They, in that way, will be best serving our country even if
they are not called into the armed forces to serve. In time of war we
must recognize as well that many of the rights of people are dependent
upon the protection and the defense of those rights. You can only
defend those particular rights by seeing to it that the military is not so
involved or so handicapped by acts or possible acts of espionage or
sabotage or interference with the evacuation of people of this area.
Hence, all those whose loyalty is not unquestioned should be removed
from that area.
SUGGESTS CONTROL OF EVACUATION BY SINGLE BOARD
As a personal opinion in connection with how this may be done.
Some suggestion has been made that there is no agency established
at the present time among the governmental agencies capable of
handling this problem. In view of the fact that this is an emer-
gency, that something must be done immediately, it would be a
personal suggestion that a new agency be established to be known
by some title such as the National Security Department or Adminis-
tration or Board, which department would be entrusted with full
power and control to handle all matters arising out of or in any way
connected with this particular problem, other than the rights of the
military to declare what zones exist and the evacuation from those
areas. I would include within that agency such groups as the Un-
employment Insurance group, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the
National Youth Administration, the Farm Security Administration,
the Treasury Department, and utilize those agencies to the extent
that may be necessary until the proper organization can be set up,
if at all, recognizing the emergency and having that agency ad-
minister the properties of any of these aliens or citizens who are evacu-
ated from this area, and handling the question of the taking care of
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11073
the crops or the leasing of the property, as the case might be. All
groups would act through the proposed National Security Adminis-
tration, that name being suggested because there is no discrimination
implied.
ADDITIONAL HARDSHIP CASES
I am mindful of the fact that there are many people who believe
that our civil rights should not be transgressed, not recognizing the
fact that we are in war at the present time, and that this affects
the welfare of the Nation rather than the welfare of a few, or that a
few only may be involved.
I would like to suggest to the committee for serious consideration
the so-called hardship cases we have. Of course, I know of one case
here where the Federal Bureau of Investigation removed an enemy
alien who was blind, dumb, deaf, and paralyzed, if you please, because
under the tenor of the law the alien enemy had to be out of that
restricted zone.
Now, we have here in California, many thousands of Germans and
Italians. Many Italians, in particular, came here who are not able
to read or to take the examinations, or who didn't see fit to do so,
who have been here since childhood. Many of those people have had
large families. All of them are citizens, many serving in our armed
forces. Their loyalty, without doubt, is unquestioned.
I recall the statement made this morning that there was a situation
in Monterey of two boys in the armed forces whose mother would
have to be removed. Now, it seems to me that it would not be an
advisable move to make, as was suggested, to perform a surgical oper-
ation and remove everyone and then to come back and say whether
or not some should be permitted to return.
I feel in the case where there is no doubt as to the loyalty of the
individual, be he Japanese or be he of any other racial group or religion,
citizen or alien, that if there is no question about the loyalty of that
person, -as can be established by the military or reputable groups, that
that party should be permitted to remain, having in mind the so-called
hardship cases. And we know the Federal Bureau of Investigation
is very active in connection with the removal of those about whom
there is any question or doubt.
PROVISION FOR EMPLOYMENT
Upon removal, through these various agencies, under the coordina-
tion of the one central agency, it would be my suggestion that evacuees
be placed in some of the temporary camps, C. C. C. camps if they
are available, or any other hospitals or institutions that could be made
available for this purpose, and through the unemployment groups
provision be made for the rehabilitation, that is, providing employ-
ment for them throughout the United States in the various locations
and in trades in which they were accustomed to follow, whether it
be farming or whether it be manufacturing, or what-not can be secured.
If the military limited a zone within 100 miles of our border, that
probably would be the best solution because I feel that after. this war
is over our acts now will aggravate or minimize our future problems.
It is important to keep this in mind and not remove, unnecessarily,
11074 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
many people who are valuable citizens, who have established them-
selves in communities.
We should minimize the losses of life and property and investments,
to the extent that we can, and those are aU factors that can be con-
sidered in connection with this proposal.
1 merely call that to your attention and suggest it to you for the
consideration of your committee.
In concluding, then, I would ask again that we be given the oppor-
tunity to submit a prepared statement or exhibits.
The Chairman. Yes, sir.
DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH LOYALTY OF JAPANESE
Mr. Fouke. Calling attention to the fact that in view of the long
record over some 30 years of time we are satisfied that it is very doubt-
ful to be able to establish the loyalty of any person who came from
the Empire of Japan, whether the descendent of one who came here
or not, and that we also have a general problem of dealing with all
alien enemies.
Our committee is concerned only with the Asiatic group, as such,
and with the Mexican problem.
It is with that in mind that we recommend that the committee
recommend to Congress the establishment of combat zones, the
evacuation of all persons, aliens or citizens alike, from such zones,
and under the supervision of the authorities that are constituted and
at the expense of those authorities make provision for the removal of
those people as expeditiously and as efficiently as possible.
Thank you very much.
The Chairman. Well, I want to say this to you, I have heard a
good many talkers in Congress, but I think you match right up with
them. You don't seem to have much trouble at all — effortless. I
just want to give you that compliment. I don't think we have any-
one there that can beat you.
Mr. Fouke. Thank you very much, sir.
Are there any questions?
(The following exhibits were submitted for the record. Exhibits
A and B, which are very similar in content, were both submitted for
the record.)
Exhibit A. — The Story of Japanese Immigration
JAPAN DEMANDS WHAT MAY NOT BE CONCEDED
(V. S. McClatchy, executive secretary, California Joint Immigration Committee) l
Japan has made demand that the United States repeal that part of the law of
1924 which excludes aliens ineligible to American citizenship and then open the
gates to Japanese immigration (and necessarily to all other Asiatic immigration
as well). . .
Widely publicized notice of the contemplated demand was given before the
Japanese Diet, March 23, 1937, assertedly based on information (which had no
foundation in fact) that public opinion in the United States on the subject had
changed, and that a bill to comply with Japan's desires had been introduced in
Congress.2 Previous thereto, on March 10, Ken Sato, a prominent journalist of
■ Article published in the Labor Clarion, San Francisco, September 3, 1937.
2 The "information" apparently was furnished by Seijiro Yoshizawa, counselor to the Japanese Embassy
at Washington, who was called to Tokyo to act as spokesman for the Foreign Office there. In an interview
in the San Francisco Japanese- American News, February 5, 1937, he referred to an assumed change in
American opinion on the subject and to an immigration bill by Kvale, H. R. 3798, as proposing quota for
Japan. That bill, however, contained no reference to Japanese immigration.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11075
Japan, stated in Honolulu that he was on the way to the mainland on a "mission"
to inform "American editors, Congressmen, and the President" that this conces-
sion was necessary to insure friendly relations between the two countries. That
mission was fulfilled in a number of cities, commencing on the Pacific coast in
early April and winding up later in New York and Washington.3
Japan's demand, therefore, is sufficiently explicit. What shall the answer be?
The exclusion provision of 1924 was the only plan of the five then or since pro-
posed (three thereof favored by Japan) which, without discrimination and without
surrender of national sovereignty or congressional prerogative, would effectively
shut out the only element of Asiatic immigration then still pouring in contrary to
law or agreement.4 That law and its basic principle, once abandoned, may
never be recalled.
japan's kecord in immigration
Immigration quota, if granted to Japan, will be regarded only as a proof of our
weakness and an incentive for further demands. She has said, through various
spokesmen, that quota will not satisfy; that she must have "racial equality";
and "racial equality" in this matter means ultimately entrance for as many
immigrants from Japan as may be admitted from Canada or any first-class nation
of Europe. The experience of the world with Japanese immigration in the past
offers ample material to support a prompt decision by the United States in this
matter; and a brief outline of that experience is presented herewith.
Up to 1885 Japan forbade any emigration of her people. In 1891 she com-
menced to send out emigrants for settlement in favorable lands, and by 1900, with
the aid of emigrant associations and government appropriations, was shipping
them in thousands.5 Australia and the west coast of the United States took alarm
at the menace offered by the entrance of such unassimilable elements of immigra-
tion. Australia, refusing Japan's plea for a "gentlemen's agreement," promptly
enacted an exclusion law which Japan protested as discriminating and insulting,
but finally accepted and has since found no bar to friendly relations.6 Australia's
Japanese population steadily decreased and in 1920 was only 5,261.7
THE TWO GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENTS
The United States unwisely acceded to Japan's request that the agreed exclusion
of Japanese from the United States mainland, and, with certain reservations, from
Hawaii, should be accomplished by Japan's control of visas. The first agreement,
made in August 1900, remained in effect until July 1, 1908, when it was supplanted
by the second agreement, made in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Warned by the flood of immigration which poured in in violation of the terms of
the first agreement,8 the agreement of 1907 was carefully safeguarded so that if
Japan failed to (a) exclude Japanese laborers and (b) prevent increase of Japanese
population in continental United States, the agreement would be replaced by an
exclusion law.9 In addition, the President, under congressional authority, for-
bade entrance into continental United States of Japanese or other ineligibles
coming under Japan's visa through Hawaii or any foreign country; and in 1911
the Senate refused to approve the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with
Japan until the Japanese ambassador, in a footnote thereto, guaranteed on behalf
of his government that the terms of the agreement as to exclusion of Japanese
laborers would be maintained.10
Notwithstanding all those precautions, the terms of the agreement, after
Roosevelt's incumbency, were steadiy and openly violated in entrance of laborers
3 Honolulu Advertiser, March 10, 1937; also interview in New York Herald Tribune, May 6, 1937. See
also C. J. I. C. Docs. 492, 495.
4 Quota or Exclusion for Japanese Immigrants?, Commonwealth Club, San Francisco, December 20,
1932, p. 314, footnote 10
» According to U. S. Census Japanese population in continental United States was, in 1880, 148; 1890, 2,039;
1900, 24,326; 1910, 72,157; 1920, 111.010. The actual population in 1920 was approximately 150,000— in Cali-
fornia 100,000 in other States 50,000. See Senate Committee Hearing, March 1924, pp. 20, 25, 164-165;
also McClatchy Brief, 1921, sees. 68-83.
9 Racial Discrimination in the Attitude of Australia Towards the Japanese, Cyril Wynne, Widener
Library, Harvard University; also Queensland Parliamentary Papers, A-5, 1899, and A-56, 1901.
7 Japanese Yearbook, 1923, p. 45, 46.
• Theodore Roosevelt and the Japanese American Crises, Bailey, p. 2.
• See President Theodore Roosevelt's telegram to California Legislature, February 9, 1909; also his auto-
biography, pp. 411-414; and correspondence with William Kent and others— explained in Senate Immigra-
tion Committee Hearing, March 1924, pp. 12-16.
10 Senate Immigration Committee Hearing, March 1924, p. 16; also statement of Y. Uchida, February
24, 1911, at p. 245 of Percentage Planf or Restriction of Immigration, House Immigration Committee Hear-
ing, 1919.
11076 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
and of picture and kankodan brides, who served the double purpose of field laborers
and mothers.11 It developed that the agreement could not be enforced under our
laws.12 Protests from the Pacific coast were unheeded by the Federal Govern-
ment, and certain States sought to protect themselves and their citizens by passage
of alien land laws.
japan's policy forces congressional action
In California the Japanese established a state within a State wherein every
Japanese, whether alien or American citizen, was forced, through registration in a
minor association, subject to control of the Japanese Association of America
(which in turn acted under direction of the consulate general of Japan) to obey the
orders of Japan in peace and in war.13
In 1915 the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, hoping to
secure thereby Japan's aid in evangelizing that country, promised to obtain for
her nationals immigration and naturalization privileges in the United States;
inaugurated a Nation-wide campaign therefor; had two bills introduced in Con-
gress for the purpose in 1919 and actively championed those bills in committee
hearings.14
In 1920 the Japanese population of the United States, including Hawaii, had
become over three times as great as that of all other countries of the world, outside
of Asia, combined.14*
An aroused Nation demanded abrogation of the "gentlemen's agreement" and
exclusion of Japanese by law. Hearings were held before the congressional com-
mittees in 1919 and the following years, and in 1924 Congress included in the
immigration restriction act the provision excluding all aliens ineligible to citizen-
ship. In the final hearing before the Senate Immigration Committee in March
of that year the cause of Japan was presented by the Federal Council of the
Churches of Christ in America under direction of Sidney Gulick, while the case for
general exclusion of all ineligibles was presented on behalf of the California Joint
Immigration Committee, under authority of its then four sustaining California
State bodies — American Legion, Federation of Labor, Grange, and Native Sons
of the Golden West — by ex-United States Senator J. D. Phelan, State Attorney
General U. S. Webb, and V. S. McClatchy. Enforcement of that law stopped
further entrance of Japanese for permanent settlement, and in consequence the
Japanese births in California alone dropped from 5,010 in 1923 to 1,448 in 1936.
JAPAN'S ACTIVITIES SINCE 1924
In other countries outside of Asia which failed to take precautionary measures
the Japanese population rapidly increased after 1920, until in 1934 their combined
Japanese population was nearly as great as that contained in the United States,
which was 304, 670.15
South American countries, notably Brazil and Peru, awoke to the danger in
1934, and have since sought by exclusion and restriction to guard against it.16
Since 1924 Japan has sought steadily — without success, however — to induce a
change in American public opinions as to the exclusion law. An elaborate cam-
paign for that purpose from 1930 to 1934 in the three Pacific Coast States provoked
letters to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in January 1934 from the 35 congressional
representatives from those States declaring themselves, on behalf of their respective
constituencies, unalterably opposed to any modification of the existing law. In
January 1933 the members of the Commonwealth Club of California, after reading
the report of a year's investigation by its immigration section, voted by large
majorities against any form of immigration quota for Japan.17 Since January
ii Statement of House Immigration Committee March 24, 1924, in Report No. 350, "The purpose of the
agreement * * * as explained bv Roosevelt, has not been carried out. * * * The Japanese popula-
tion of continental United States has very materially increased; * * * thousands of Japanese women
have come in as laborers, designated on the manifests and in the reports as such, and have performed the
double duty of field laborers and mothers of families averaging five children."
'2 Letter/Secretary of State Hughes to House Immigration Committee, August 16, 1921, in Labor Prob-
lems in Hawaii, House Immigration Committee Hearing, 07th Cong., pt. 2, p. 928. Also decision of Judge
M. T. Dooling, U. S. District Court, San Francisco, Calif., case of M. Nakao, May 1916.
13 Japan's Secret Policy, Senate Doc. No. 55, 1921, p. 63.
i< "Quota or Exclusion for Japanese Immigrants'"' cited, p. 313 and footnote. House Immigration Com-
mittee Hearing 1919-20-22: Senate Committee Hearing March 1924; Brief V. S. McClatchy, "Political
Activities of the F. C. C. C. A." presented to House Immigration Committee, January 6, 1926; "Japanese
Conquest of American Opinion,'' Montaville Flowers, 1917.
"» Japanese Yearbook, 1923, p. 45, 46.
'» Japanese Census 1934, quoted bv San Francisco Japanese American News, April 26, 1937.
i° Associated Press story, April 26, 1937; editorial Washington Star, April 28, 1937.
i' C. J. I. C. Doc. No. 312.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11077
1934 there has been no reference to the subject, either on the floor or in committee
of either House of Congress.
Japan's efforts did not cease then, however. Within the past 3 years published
statistics show that in Hawaii two-thirds of the citizens of Japanese ancestry, and
even of those registered as voters, retain Japanese citizenship through choice, and
are bound to obey Japan's orders in peace and in war. Similar conditions exist
in California, though access to the statistics cannot be had. * * * In Hawaii,
now demanding statehood, two-thirds of the population is Asiatic and 40 percent
Japanese, while the largest racial group of registered voters is Japanese.18
In Hawaii and California withdrawal of certain public school books has been
forced because they contained misrepresentations, in Japan's interest, of the facts
concerning Japanese immigration and current events in Asia.19 * * * The
Japanese American Citizens' League in California has pledged its members to
"solidarity" — the use of their position and united strength for the benefit of
Japanese generally, alien as well as American citizens. As part of that policy
admission of alien Japanese relatives from Japan and naturalization of alien
Japanese resident in the United States are now urged. Grant of such privileges
would force repeal of the 1924 exclusion provision and abandonment of its basic
principle. * * * The Japan Foreign Office has recently urged the return of
50,000 "Kibei Shimin," now in Japan, to California and other Pacific coast States,
where their American citizenship can be of most service. The Japanese Associa-
tion of America is promoting the movement. "Kibei Shimin" are Japanese born
in the United States and sent back in early childhood to Japan and there trained
through youth to maturity in the duties and loyalty of Japanese citizenship.
"Kibei Shimin" are received without question into full membership by the Jap-
anese American Citizens' League.20
WHAT SHALL OUR ANSWER BE?
Apparently Japan believes the time is now ripe for a final decisive drive to force
entrance for her emigration into the largest English-speaking nation of the world.
Hence the present widely publicized demand for the necessary change in our laws
to serve her purpose. Japan's ground for complaint, if she has any in this matter,
is not against the exclusion law, which is not discriminatory, but against our
century-old naturalization law which, as amended 70 years ago, creates a basic
barrier against admission of races other than white and black.
As between Japanese and Caucasian there does not arise, and has not been
suggested, any question of racial superiority. Both races are so strong in char-
acteristics that make for racial dominance, but at the same time so dissimilar,
that absorption of one by the other is out of the question. The attempt to assimi-
late the two in the land of either is, as frankly stated by President Theodore
Roosevelt, Japan's consistent friend, certain to provoke disaster. Japan, many
years ago after determined protest, gracefully conceded the issue in three British
dominions. She has permitted herself to be misled here by the counsel of certain
American influences, some not disinterested, and others manifestly uninformed
as to the facts. The American Nation cannot permit its permanent welfare to
be jeopardized by conceding a demand which, aside from its assumption of the
right to dictate to a friendly power in a matter of domestic policy, has no founda-
tion in fact or in justice.
Exhibit B. — The Story of Japanese Immigration
THE RECORDS IN A VEXED QUESTION
The immigration question created serious disturbances in Japan's relations with
Australia and with the United States, respectively, at the opening of the present
century.
In one case the misunderstanding disappeared after a few years without injury
to either nation. In the other it increased, and in time assumed grave proportions.
The reason? In both cases there was friendly agreement as to the wisdom of
exclusion and difference only as to the method for insuring it. In one case,
"8 C. J. I. C. Doc. No. 451; statistics in letter Governor Poindexter to C. J. I. C. February 15, 1936; Hono-
lulu Advertiser, August 10, 1935.
>» C. J. I. C. Docs. Nos. 458-9, 476, 501.
m Osaka Mainichi, March 19, 1937, C. J. I. C. Doc. No. 506.
11078 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Australia, as a sovereign state, enforced exclusion. In the other, Japan, at her
request, was permitted by the United States to secure the agreed result.
After 24 years' experience the United States was compelled to abandon that
plan and follow the example of Australia. Japan now demands what she origi-
nally agreed was not to be granted.
The facts, with verification, are covered briefly in the following article, "The
Story of the Japanese Immigration." That they may be known generally to the
citizens of both nations, and particularly to students of Pacific relations, the
California Joint Immigration Committee permits the article to be quoted in whole
or in part.
Japan has recently demanded that the United States repeal that part of the
Immigration Restriction Act of 1924 (sec. 13c) which is commonly but mistakenly
called the Japanese Exclusion Act. It provides that "No alien ineligible to citi-
zenship shall be admitted to the United States * * *," and applies to half the
population of the globe, of which half the Japanese constitute about 7 percent.
It will be understood that if this measure is repealed and Japanese admitted, all
other Asiatics must, in fairness, be admitted as well.
On March 23, 1937, it was announced in the Japanese Diet that public opinion
in the United States on the subject of Japanese immigration had changed (a
statement which had no foundation in fact) and that a bill permitting Japanese
immigrants to come into this country under quota x had been introduced in Con-
gress.2 About 2 weeks before this announcement was made in the Diet, Ken Sato,
a prominent journalist of Japan, stated in Honolulu that he was on his way to the
mainland on a "mission" to inform "American editors, Congressmen, and the
President" that to insure friendly relations between the two countries Japan's
demands in the immigration matter must be met. Sato traveled from the Pacific
coast to New York and Washington in fulfillment of his "mission." 3
Japan's demand is clear. What shall the answer be? The exclusion provision
of 1924 was the only plan of five proposed then or since which met the conditions
satisfactorily. Those plans were —
(1) A Japanese exclusion law. — Rejected as insulting and discriminatory.
(2) A treaty.- — Not acceptable because regulation of immigration is solely the
right of Congress, since it is purely a domestic question, and a treaty would
intrude on that right.
(3) New agreement. — This would put the regulation of immigration into the
hands of a foreign nation. No country should permit such a condition. It
would also be a violation of the right of Congress to regulate immigration; and
since two previous agreements with Japan had failed there was no reason to
believe a new one would prove more satisfactory.
(4) Quota. — Would concede to Japan equality in immigration matters with the
countries of Europe and preference over the countries of Asia. It would nullify
our naturalization law and force abandonment of our basic policy of excluding
unassimilable elements from our population.
A Japanese quota might be small, but nonquota immigrants (admitted from all
countries in addition to those coming in under quota), and alien wives for Amer-
ican citizens of Japanese ancestry (much desired by them), would bring the total
annual entries to a large number. And these conditions would apply necessarily
to all other Asiatic countries.
Such nullification of the exclusion measure would permit the entrance without
restriction of every person born of oriental parents in the Western Hemisphere.
(5) Exclusion of all aliens ineligible to citizenship. — The latter plan, exclusion of
ineligibles, was decided by Congress to be the only satisfactory one. It excludes,
without discrimination and without the loss of the sovereign rights of this country
and the rights of Congress, the only Asiatics who were still pouring in contrary to
law or agreement.4 The Chinese were excluded by the Exclusion Act of 1882 with
later amendment; Hindus and Malays by the Barred Zone Act of 1917; and the
gentlemen's agreement of 1907 (the 'details of which were secret) provided that
Japan should send no laborers into continental United States, and that the
1 "Quota" is the number of immigrants of each elieible nationality permitted to enter this country
annually under the terms of the Immisration Restriction Act of 1924.
2 The "information" apparently was furnished by Seijiro Yoshizawa, counselor to the Japanese Embassy
at Washington. He is quoted in San Francisco Japanese-American News, February 5, 1937, and referred
to an assumed change in American opinion on the subject and to a bill by Kvale, H. R. 3798, as proposing
quota for Japan. That bill contained no reference to Japanese immieration.
3 Honolulu Advertiser, March 10, 1937; also New York Herald Tribune May G, 1937. C. J. I. C. Docs.
Nos. 492 and 49i. , _
* "Quota or Exclusion for Japanese Immigrants?" Commonwealth Club, San Francisco, December
20, 1932, p. 314, footnote No. 10.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11079
Japanese population of continental United States should not increase. Neither
provision was carried out; laborers entered in large numbers, and the Japanese
population increased greatly.
The exclusion measure is in harmony with our century-old naturalization law
which, with its amendment, permits grant of naturalization only to "free white
persons and persons of African nativity"; and with the policy of excluding unas-
similable elements from our population when their numbers became menacing.
japan's record in immigration
If we grant quota to Japan she will merely regard it as a proof of weakness and
will continue to make further demands. She has said through various spokesmen
that quota alone will not satisfy; that she must have "racial equality"; and racial
equality in this matter means that she will surely demand in the future entrance
for as many of her people as may be admitted from Canada or any first-class
nation of Europe. The experience of various countries of the world with Japanese
immigration in the past proves that the United States is following the wisest course
in this matter.
Up to 1885 Japan did not allow her people to leave the country. In 1891 she
commenced to send out emigrants for settlement in favorable lands and by 1900,
with the aid of "emigration associations," and money appropriated by the Govern-
ment, was shipping them out in thousands.5 Australia and the west coast of the
United States became alarmed at the menace offered by the entrance of large
numbers of aliens who did not assimilate with the basic population. Australia,
warned by the experience of Queensland, refused Japan's plea for a "gentlemen's
agreement," and promptly enacted a law which used the so-called education
test to exclude arbitrarily any objectionable immigrants, in accordance with her
strict "White Australia" policy. Japan protested that law as insulting, but she
finally accepted it and has since found it no bar to friendly relations.6 Australia's
Japanese population steadily decreased and in 1920 was only 5,261.7
New Zealand and South Africa also excluded by law similar to Australia's.
In 1906 Canada negotiated a secret gentlemen's agreement with Japan, pro-
viding for entrance under Japan's passport of only 400 immigrants annually; but
that number increased each year until in 1920 it had reached 1,178. British
Columbia protested continuously and finally in 1928 the number to be admitted
was reduced; but Japan still controls the issuing of passports. British Columbia
continues to fight for complete exclusion.
THE TWO GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENTS
In 1900 Japan agreed with the United States that it was desirable to keep her
laborers out of this country. But she asked that exclusion be accomplished by
allowing her to control the issuing of passports. This was the first gentlemen's
agreement, entered into in August 1900.
But by 1907 such a flood of Japanese had been pouring in, in violation of that
Agreement8 that President Theodore Roosevelt made a second one with Japan
in an attempt to settle the question without humiliating her. The terms of this
agreement provided that if it failed of its twofold purpose of excluding Japanese
laborers and preventing increase of Japanese population in continental United
States it would be replaced by an exclusion law.9 In addition the President,
under congressional authority, forbade entrance into continental United States
of Japanese or other ineligibles coming with Japan's passport through Hawaii or
any foreign country; and in 1911 the Senate refused to approve the Treaty of
Commerce and Navigation with Japan until the Japanese Ambassador, in a
footnote thereto, guaranteed that his government would live up to the terms of
the agreement as to exclusion of laborers.10
8 According to U. S. Census, Japanese population in continental United States was, in 1880, 148; 1890,
2,039; 1900, 24,326; 1910, 72,157; 1920, 111,010. The actual population in 1920 was approximately 150,000—
in California 100,000 and in other States 50,000. See Senate Committee Hearings, March 1924, pp. 20, 25;
164, 165.
6 "Racial Discrimination in the Attitude of Australia Towards the Japanese," Cyril Wynne— Widener
Library, Harvard University; also Queensland Parliamentary Papers A-5, 1899, and A-56, 1901.
? Japanese Yearbook, 1923, pp. 45, 46.
« "Theodore Roosevelt and the Japanese American Crises," Bailey, p. 2.
» Roosevelt's telegram to California Legislature, February 9, 1909: his autobiography, pp. 411-414; cor-
respondence with William Kent — Senate Immigration Committee Hearing, March 1924, pp. 12-16.
»° Senate Immigration Committee Hearings, March 1924, p. 15; Y. Uchida, February 24, 1911, p. 245
of "Percentage Plan for Restriction of Immigration." House Immigration Committee Hearings, 1919.
11080 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Notwithstanding all of these precautions, the terms of the agreement were
openly violated after President Roosevelt left office, by entrance of laborers (so-
called in ships' manifests) and picture and kankodan (excursion) brides. These
brides served the double purpose of field laborers and mothers of families averaging
five children each.11 Thus the Japanese population increased rapidly. It devel-
oped also that the agreement, being neither law nor treaty, had no standing in our
courts,12 and could not therefore be enforced under our laws. The Federal
Government in Washington paid no attention to repeated protest from the Pacific
coast against this alarming situation; and certain States sought to protect them-
selves against peaceful penetration of Japanese by passage of alien land laws.
japan's policy forces congressional action
In California the Japanese established a state within a State. Every Japanese,
whether alien or American citizen, was forced to register in a minor association,
subject to control of the Japanese Association of America, which in turn acted
under direction of the Consul General of Japan, and to obey the orders of Japan. n
In 1915 the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, hoping there-
by to win Japan to Christianity, promised to obtain immigration and naturaliza-
tion privileges for her nationals in the United States. A campaign was organized
by the Council for this purpose and in 1919 two bills therefor were actively advo-
cated in congressional committee hearings.14
In 1920 there were over three times more Japanese in the United States, includ-
ing Hawaii, than in all other countries of the world combined, outside of Asia.14a
The Nation became aroused and demanded that the agreement be ended and
the Japanese excluded by law, as other Asiatics were excluded. Extensive hear-
ings were held before the congressional committees in 1919 and the following
years, and in 1924 Congress included in the Immigration Restriction Act the
provision excluding aliens ineligible to citizenship for permanent residence but
granting to them the courtesy of entrance for students, merchants, travelers,
diplomats, and all others of the nonquota classes, as granted all nationalities.
Enactment of the exclusion measure was not the unexpected and undeserved
blow to Japan's national pride she claims. It was the result of 24 years of evasion
by her of her agreement to keep Japanese laborers out of the United States.
In the final hearing before the Senate Immigration Committee in March 1924
Japan's cause was presented by the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in
America, under direction of Dr. Sidney L. Gulick, born in the Orient, a missionary
professor in a Japanese university, on leave to propagandize Japan's cause in
this country.15 California's case "for exclusion was presented for the California
Joint Immigration Committee under authority of its then four constituting State
bodies — American Legion, Federation of Labor, Grange, and Native Sons of the
Golden West — by Hon. U. S. Webb, State attorney general of California; Hon.
James D. Phelan, former United States Senator from California; and V. S.
McClatchy.
Enforcement of the exclusion law stopped further entrance of Japanese for
permanent settlement, and in consequence Japanese births in California alone
dropped from 5,015 in 1923 to 1,448 in 1936. Anti-Japanese agitation disap-
peared gradually when the question was settled.
JAPAN'S ACTIVITIES SINCE 1924
In other countries outside of Asia which failed to take precautionary measures,
the Japanese population rapidly increased after 1920, until in 1934 their combined
population was nearly as great as that contained in the United States, 304,670.lft
ii House Immigration Committee Report, No. 35(1, March 24, 1924: "The purpose of the agreement
* * * as explained bv Roosevelt, has not been carried out * * *. The Japanese population of con-
tinental United States has very materially increased * * * thousands of Japanese women have come
in as laborers, designated on the manifests and in the reports as such, and have performed the double duty
of field laborers and mothers of families averaging five children." .
12 Letter Secretary of State Hughes to House Immigration Committee, August lh. 1921, in Labor Prob-
lems in Hawaii," House Immigration Committee Hearing, 67th Cong., pt. 2, p. 928. Also decision Judge
M T Dooling, U. S. District Court, San Francisco, Calif., case of M. Nakao, May 1916.
is "Japan's Secret Policv." Senate Doc. No. 55, 1921. p. 63.
it "Quota or Exclusion for Japanese Immigrants?" cited, p. 313 and footnote. House Immigration
Committee Hearings, 1919, 1920, i922; Senate Committee Hearings, March 1924. "Japanese Conquest or
American Opinion," Flowers.
"» Jananese Yearbook, 1923, p. 45, 46.
" "Japanese Conquest of American Opinion," Flowers, pp. 78, 88.
is Japanese Census 1934, quoted San Francisco Japanese- American News, April 26, 1967.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11081
Brazil, Peru, and other countries of South America have recently sought by
restriction and exclusion to guard against the danger of Japanese penetration.17
Japan protested vigorously when Brazil placed her immigration under quota,
claiming hurt national pride, yet she demands that privilege of quota from the
United States as the only thing that will heal the wound inflicted upon that
pride by passage of the exclusion measure.
Since 1924 Japan has tried steadily, but without success, to change American
public opinion with regard to the exclusion law. After an elaborate campaign
for that purpose from 1930 to 1934 by church, commercial, and idealistic groups,
the congressional delegations from the three Pacific Coast States sent a letter to.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, declaring themselves, in behalf of their respec-
tive States, as unalterably opposed to any modification of the existing law. In
January 1933 the members of the Commonwealth Club of California, after read-
ing the report of a year's investigation by its immigration section, voted by large
majorities against any form of immigration quota for Japan.18 Since January
1934 there has been no reference to this subject either on the floor or in committee
of either House of Congress.
Japan's efforts did not cease then, however. Within the past 3 years pub-
lished statistics show that in Hawaii two-thirds of the American citizens of
Japanese ancestry, and even of those registered as voters, have failed to expatriate
themselves from Japan, though free to do so under Japanese law, enacted in 1924.
Thus they are citizens of both countries, owing allegiance to the United States,
but also bound to obey Japan's orders in peace and war. This dual citizenship
is most undesirable from the American standpoint. Similar conditions exist in
California — though statistics on the subject cannot be had. * * * In
Hawaii, now demanding statehood, two-thirds of the population is Asiatic and
40 percent Japanese; and the largest group of registered voters is Japanese.19
The Japanese American Citizens League in California has pledged its members
to solidarity — the use of their citizenship and voting strength for the benefit of
Japanese generally, aliens as well as American citizens. As part of that policy,,
-admission of Japanese relatives from Japan and naturalizing of alien Japanese
resident in the United States are urged. Grant of such privileges would in effect
repeal the exclusion measure and force abandonment of its basic principle.
Representatives of the league have appeared before the State Legislature of
California in an attempt to block measures pertaining to fishing by aliens, which
were for the best interest of the State. Oregon and Washington have long had
such laws.
It has been the custom among alien Japanese in this country to send their
young children to Japan to be trained there through youth to maturity in the
duties and loyalty of Japanese citizenship. They are known as Kibei Shimin
(there are 50,000 now in Japan), and the Japanese Foreign Office has recently
urged their return to California and other Pacific Coast States where their Ameri-
can citizenship can be of most service to Japan. These Kibei Shimin are received
into full membership by the Japanese American Citizens League 20 even though
they are practically alien Japanese.
That the Japanese do not and cannot assimilate with our population is proved
by the fact that even those born and educated here complain of the difficulty they
experience in finding and holding good jobs, locating residence in desirable
neighborhoods and entering public places of amusement and recreation. Further-
immigration of alien Japanese would only perpetuate these conditions.
In accordance with a plan announced by the Society for International Cultural
Relations in the Japan Times and Mail of December 4, 1934,21 Japanese propa-
ganda has been introduced into the schools of California and Hawaii. With-
drawal of certain textbooks has been forced because they contained misrepresenta-
tion in Japan's interest of the facts concerning Japanese immigration and current
events in Asia.22
WHAT SHALL OUR ANSWER BE?
Apparently Japan believes the time is now ripe for a final drive to force entrance
for her immigration into the largest English-speaking nation of the world; hence
» A. P. story, April 26, 1937; editorial Washington Star, Aoril 28, 1937.
i8C. J. I. C. Doc. No. 312.
» C. J. I. C. Doc. No. 451; Letter Governor Poindexter to C. J. I. C. February 10, 1936; Honolulu Ad-,
vertiser, August 10. 1935.
J" Osaka Mainichi, March 19, 1937; C. J. I. C. Doc. No. 506.
»i C. J. I C. Doc. No. 409.
» C. J. I. C. Docs. Nos. 458, 459, 476, 501.
11082 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
the present demand for the necessary change in our laws to serve her purpose.
Japan's complaint, if she has any in this matter, is not against the exclusion
measure, which is not discriminator}', but against our century-old naturalization
law, which created a basic barrier against admission of races other than white and
black, and against our policy of excluding unassimilable elements from our
population. But it would seem that no nation has the right to protest against
application to herself of a policy established before mutual contact had taken
place. And Japan herself excludes Korean and Chinese laborers, who are of her
own color, by Imperial Order No. 352.
As between Japanese and Caucasians there does not arise, and has not been
suggested, any question of racial superiority. Both races are so strong in char-
acteristics that make for racial dominance but at the same time so dissimilar that
absorption of the one by the other is out of the question. The attempt to as-
similate the two in the land of either is, as frankly stated by President Theodore
Roosevelt, Japan's consistent friend, certain to provoke disaster. Japan, many
years ago, after determined protest, accepted the decision of three British Do-
minions to exclude her emigrants. She has permitted herself to be misled here
by the counsel of certain American influences, some not disinterested and others
manifestly misinformed as to the facts, into believing that she may eventually
receive the concessions she demands. The American Nation cannot permit its
permanent welfare to be jeopardized by conceding a demand which, aside from its
assumption of the right to dictate to a friendly power in a matter of domestic
policy, has no foundation in fact or in justice. If the exclusion measure, with its
basic principle, is ever abandoned it may never be recalled.
Exhibit C
The following statement on the Japanese citizenship situation is issued by the
California Joint Immigration Committee, composed of representatives of the
American Legion, California State Federation of Labor, Native Sons, and
California Grange:
The California Joint Immigration Committee recognizes the existence of the
following facts and conditions:
That the United States of America is at war with the Empire of Japan.
That the Pacific Coast States are in a combat zone and are now in danger.
That there are Japanese residing in the Pacific Coast States of which approxi-
mately 93,717 reside in California, and of this number 33,569 are alien Japanese;
that the remainder by reason of birth are citizens of the United States, but of
this number 25,177 are also citizens of Japan, and about 25 percent of those born
in the United States have relinquished their Japanese citizenship.
That Japanese residents of the Hawaiian Islands furnished information that
made possible the success of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
That more than 25,000 United States citizens of Japanese parentage have been
educated in schools in Japan, many of whom now reside in the Pacific Coast
States; that other United States citizens born in this country of Japanese parents
have been educated in Japanese language schools sponsored and supported by the
Government of Japan in this country, and that many of these citizens are not
loyal to the Government of the United States or its institutions.
That it is true that about 25 percent of the Japanese citizens residing in Cali-
fornia have renounced their Japanese citizenship, but experience has demonstrated
that such renunciation cannot be accepted as proof of their loyalty to the United
States while the two countries are at war.
That though it is recognized that some of the Japanese citizens are entirely
loyal to this country and her institutions, it is impossible now with required
certainity to separate the loyal from the disloyal. While we recognize the mis-
fortune and hardship that the loyal citizens may suffer, these are conditions
which must be borne bjr the individual rather than that the welfare of the nation
be endangered.
That the presence of people in the combat zone whose loyalty is in doubt should
not be tolerated, lest the welfare of the nation be imperiled.
That civil rights and liberties of all persons within the United States is recog-
nized and must be protected in all proper ways and at all times, but in time of
war, the civil rights and liberties of the individual must yield to the common
good.
Pearl Harbor has caused a quickening effort in the production of war material
but with Japanese in, around, and within reach of every productive energy, it is
idle to cry: "Remember Pearl Harbor."
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11083
Neither fear, timidity nor cost should delay action.
Japanese should be removed now!
In recognition of the foregoing facts, It is
Resolved, That the entire Pacific coast to such extend landward as may be
required to insure safety should be declared a combat zone; and be it further
Resolved, That the Japanese, including Japanese citizens of the United States,
be removed as quickly as possible from said zone; and be it further
Resolved, That where like dangers exist in the interior, other combat zones be
established and like removals made therefrom; and be it further
Resolved, That all civil authorities of the State aid Federal authorities to such
extent as Federal authorities may request.
James K. Fisk, Chairman,
H. J. McClatchy, Executive Secretary.
San Francisco, Calif., February IS, 1942.
Exhibit D. — California Joint Immigration Committee, San Francisco,
Calif.
dangers created by japanese dual citizenship
A serious problem exists, particularly in Hawaii and California, because most
of the Japanese born under the American flag and exercising the right of American
citizenship still elect to retain Japanese citizenship with its obligations, although
they are now free to expatriate. It is charged that many of these dual citizens
would use their American citizenship under direction or influence to further the
purposes of Japan.
As late as the early 1920's, Japan maintained in California a state within a
State in which every Japanese, whether alien or native-born American citizen,
was under orders of Japan, in peace and in war. He was forced to belong to a local
association subject to the Japanese Association of America and all under control
of the consul general of Japan at San Francisco (S. Doc. No. 55, 1921, p. 63; also
Japanese Immigration and Colonization, V. S. McClatchy, 1921, sees. 196 to 218).
Publication of the facts and the passage in 1924 of that provision of the Immi-
gration Restriction Act excluding as immigrants all aliens ineligible to American
citizenship induced Japan to put into operation on December 1, 1924, a new
nationality law. Under that law Japanese born in the United States after the
date named automatically lost Japanese citizenship unless within 14 days they
were registered at the Japanese consulate. The law further provided that those
so registered, as well as those born here before December 1924, could renounce
Japanese citizenship by declaration at the Japanese consulate after reaching their
twentieth year.
Under that system it was assumed that dual citizenship would disappear if the
Japanese themselves really desired to renounce all obligations to Japan as the price
for American citizenship. The records prove, however, that various factors,
including the insistence of the first generation, the pull of heredity, the Japanese
law of family, the teachings of alien Buddhist instructors in the Japanese language
schools, and the encouraged study of "Japanese culture," tend to nullify the pur-
pose of the law. In Hawaii, for instance, "the total number of American citizens
of Japanese ancestry who had relinquished Japanese citizenship was, as of June
30, 1934, 34,270, approximately 33 percent of those eligible for expatriation."
Of that number 28,459 are Japanese born since December 1, 1924, who lost Japa-
nese citizenship automatically at birth under the terms of the law; 5,811 is the
total number of those who lost Japanese citizenship by formal declaration at the
consulate after reaching the age of 20 years (letter of Gov. Joseph Poindexter to
California Joint Immigration Committee, February 15, 1936). In other words,
two-thirds of the Hawaiian-born Japanese still retain their Japanese citizenship
with all obligations thereof. That situation is attracting special attention because
the Territory is now asking for Statehood, and the Japanese who constitute 38
percent of the total population have already passed every other racial group in
the number of registered voters.
In California it must be assumed that conditions as to dual citizenship are
somewhat similar, although the figures are not available because the consulate
general at San Francisco no longer keeps statistics of such matters, as was formerly
done (letter Shuh Tomii, consul general of Japan at San Francisco, December
19, 1935).
60S96— 42— pt. 29—9
11084 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The following facts in connection with the California situation are of interest:
The Japanese American Citizens League, a powerful organization with approx-
imately 50 chapters in the Pacific States, has for its main proclaimed purpose the
training of American-born Japanese so that they may properly discharge their
obligations as American citizens. The league admits to membership without
question, however, all Japanese born under our flag, many if not most of whom, it
would seem, still retain Japanese citizenship. It even admits the Kibei Shimin,
Japanese born here and sent in early childhood to Japan and there brought up to
manhood and womanhood as Japanese citizens. They are, to all intents and
purposes when they return here, alien Japanese immigrants who have the privileges
of American citizenship. Japanese authorities place the total number of Kibei
Shimin at between 40,000 and 50.000 and say they are returning now at the rate of
1,000 per year. The Japanese Association of America is planning to bring back
at once to California all the Kibei Shimin still in Japan who will come.
Exhibit E. — California Joint Immigration Committee
(Copy of report prepared at the request of the Dies Committee, House of Repre-
sentatives, on Japanese problems and propaganda)
The 150,000 Japanese in continental United States form one of the country's
most foreign-minded racial groups. The native-born among them are American
citizens, but they are dominated by their ineligible alien parents, whose patriotism
for Japan and its emperor, whom they worship as a god, is almost fanatical.
Because of this domination and their strongly Japanese racial characteristics,
these American-born Japanese are not assimilated into the social structure of this
country.
Japanese immigrants have never been welcome here because of their aggressive-
ness, unassimilability, and low living standards. In 1892 the first unsuccessful
attempt was made to keep them out of San Francisco, and soon so many coolie
laborers were coming that there was much agitation for an exclusion law similar
to that barring the Chinese. Congress was unsympathetic, but Japan, fearing
the stigma of an exclusion law because 12,000 Japanese came in in 1 year, agreed
in 1900 to keep her laborers out of continental United States. This was the first
gentlemen's agreement.
In violation of this agreement, from 1901 to 1908, inclusive, 51,689 Japanese,
most of whom were or became laborers, entered. California continued to protest,
and in 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt, to save Japan's pride, negotiated
another gentlemen's agreement, the details of which were secret, although it was
announced that Japan had again agreed not to send laborers to continental
United States.
This agreement was also violated, and the American courts were powerless to
enforce its terms, since it was neither law nor treaty. Between 1909, when it
went into effect, and 1924, when the agreement was terminated, the Japanese
population of continental United States increased from 76,714 to 131,357. Pro-
lific picture brides contributed to this increase, each family averaging five children.
The Japanese quickly acquired land, not being content to work as day laborers,
and frequently depleted it. Women and children worked with the men, and this
sort of competition helped to drive out the Caucasian population, notably in cer-
tain communities in the Sacramento Valley. The Japanese were assertive,
antagonistic, and not too honest.
Failing to get relief from Congress, California in' 1913 enacted an alien land
law, prohibiting aliens ineligible to citizenship from purchasing land or leasing
agricultural land. The Japanese circumvented this law in a measure by operating
in the names of their American children. The agricultural communities of Cali-
fornia seemed overrun with Japanese. Feeling against them ran high, but there
was little violence. The other Pacific Coast States had the same problem, in a
lesser degree.
In 1924 California and her neighboring States made such a convincing presenta-
tion of their Japanese problem to Congress that the exclusion measure, barring
aliens ineligible to citizenship as permanent residents, was included in the Immi-
gration Restriction Act. The fight was a hard one, for Japan had enlisted many
friends to her cause — church people, idealists, foreign traders, employers of cheap
labor, and uninformed Government officials.
Japan protested against the measure, claiming discrimination and hurt national
pride. She has even claimed that because we have thus insulted her she is
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11085
avenging herself by her present predatory course in Asia and will close the door
to us in China unless we open our door. This attitude overlooks the fact that
the open door of trade in China is guaranteed by international treaty, while immi-
gration is a purely domestic matter. But Japan brought exclusion on herself
by 24 years of evasion of the spirit and letter of two agreements not to send her
laborers to the United States.
A number of extensive campaigns to break down the exclusion measure have
been inaugurated during the years since 1924, but each has failed. Japan has
spent much money on these campaigns, and has even attempted to propagandize
in our schools through a textbook giving an erroneous statement of the exclusion
problem. This book was written in Hawaii under the joint auspices of the Terri-
torial Board of Education, the Institute of Pacific Relations, and the Japanese
Government, and introduced into the schools there. After protest it was re-
written, but because of serious omissions leaves much to be desired as an authentic
textbook.
The Japanese have been disliked and distrusted wherever they have migrated.
Australia excluded them summarily and even contemptuously in 1900, but because
of that firm attitude they have long since ceased to protest. Today there are
less than 2,500 Japanese in the Commonwealth. Canada wanted to exclude them
but was induced to accept a gentlemen's agreement, which has been violated
since its inception, and British Columbia's long protests are now culminating in a
demand for deportation of all Japanese. Canada does not grant the franchise
to orientals, nor does she accept them for military duty. Several South American
countries, notably Brazil and Peru, have had trouble with the Japanese, and even
South Africa excludes them.
Although no more are coming in, there are still many alien Japanese in Cali-
fornia, living a typically Japanese life and controlling in large measure, by
tremendous industry, skill and incredibly low living standards, the fruit, berry,
and vegetable industry of the State. This control of much of our food supply is
disquieting, as they are distrusted. The Tanaka memorial calls for control of
the food supply of desirable localities.
But the main problem now is the second generation Japanese, or Nisei, of
wdiom there are more than 50,000 in California. They apparently want to be
part of the social structure but are not welcome because of their too evident racial
characteristics. They complain constantly of racial discrimination, but their
plight is the direct result of their parents forcing themselves unwanted on this
country. They are splendid people in many ways, good students and workers,
but they are "Americans with Japanese faces." They cannot find work except
among their own kind, and while intermarriage is forbidden in California, they
really do not desire it, considering it an insult to the pride and glory of the Yamato
race. Even in Hawaii there is little intermarriage between the Japanese and other
races, particularly the Caucasian. They must live in segregated districts, which
they resent, but are accepted on equal terms into the Army, where most of them
seem quite happy.
These conditions, while unfortunate, are the result of the determination of the
Caucasians to keep their country and their blood white, and involves no claim of
superiority. Our laws against which the Japanese protest were enacted to keep
out immigrants who cannot be absorbed into the lifeblood of the country, and who
form unassimilated racial blocs. The Founding Fathers of the Republic stipu-
lated that citizenship should be granted only to free white persons. But a
grave mistake was made when citizenship was granted to all born here, regardless
of fitness or desire for such citizenship. Another grave mistake was the granting
of citizenship to the Negroes after the Civil War.
One of the greatest handicaps which the Nisei must fight is the possessive atti-
tude of Japan. Koki Hirota, former foreign minister, said in 1938 that the
Japanese in America must be educated as Japanese to retain their Japanese vir-
tues, and that the Migration Association of Japan keeps close connection with
them for that purpose. More than 60 percent of their number are citizens of
both Japan and the United States because they were registered as Japanese at
birth and have not expatriated, although free to do so under Japanese law. Much
publicity has been given to expatriation campaigns, and there is much public
affirming of allegiance to the United States and much flag waving, but no official
expatriation figures are forthcoming or available. American official sources say
there is little actual expatriation. Japanese births are still being registered at
the consulate. Loss of family standing and inheritance in Japan are the chief
11086 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
reasons given for lack of expatriation, but how much property in Japan did
coolie immigrants leave behind?
Japanese consuls and visiting dignitaries play a large part in the life of the
Nisei, who are constantly being advised by them to be "good Americans." Even
Matsuoka, educated in the United States but hating it, has advised this.
The influence of the Japanese language schools may be responsible for many
of the troubles of the Nisei. There are 248 of these alien-controlled schools in
California, teaching about 18,000 children the culture and emperor worship of Japan
daily after public-school hours. In 1939 these schools cost the Japanese $398,000.
Textbooks printed in Japan, superseding those approved by the California State
Board of Education, and teaching patriotism to Japan and emperor worship, were
used in these schools until the Japanese learned the fact was known, when they
were stacked away and the approved books again used. This occurred on Feb-
ruary 14, 1941. An attempt was made by the California Joint Immigration
Committee to have the recent California Legislature enact a law prohibiting the
teaching in language schools of allegiance to a foreign government, but the
Japanese lobby, much in evidence, was apparently successful in having the bill
killed.
This Japanese lobby was able to defeat a measure in the 1939 California Legis-
lature to curb espionage activities of Japanese fishermen in southern California.
The F. B. I. questioned the source of the large sum of money spent in that fight.
The activities of these fishermen have been too persistently exposed to be mere
fiction.
Walter Tsukamoto, former national president of the Japanese American
Citizens League, a Sacramento attorney and United States Army Reserve officer,
is the guiding spirit of the Japanese lobby in the State legislature. In 1940 he
received an award from the Japanese Young People's Society of Chicago as "the
Nisei of the year" for his activities in helping to defeat the afore-mentioned fishing
bill.
The Nisei are urged by their leaders to be active in American politics and to use
their bloc of 25,600 California votes for the benefit of the Japanese, alien as well
as native born. They are even urged to join with the Negroes to make a sizable
bloc which may swing an election, or break down the laws which Americans have
enacted for their own protection and welfare. They have been very active
recently in entertaining publicly newspapermen and politicians, getting the latter
to bestow their trophies and laud them for their "Americanism" — 25,600 is a
large number of votes.
Study trips to Japan for young Nisei are financed by the Japanese Government.
One such party leaves early in July. A 3-months trip costs $190. This goes on
each year, and the returning children frequently engage in lecture tours to spread
the word about the wonders of Japan among their fellows. Entrance examina-
tions in Japanese universities are eased for Nisei wishing to study there, and
money for the purpose is loaned to them by the Japanese Government. Some
are trained to propagandize in this country.
Many American-born children are sent to Japan in early childhood for educa-
tion, and when they return are practically alien Japanese, frequently speaking no
English. There were about 50,000 of these Kibei Shimin in Japan until recently,
when the passage of the 1940 American nationality law, presuming expatriation
of those who have been in the country of their parents for more than 6 months
was passed. To avoid losing their American citizenship under this law many of
them are scurrying back before the deadline in the middle of July. After that
time they will be in grave danger of losing it.
The California Joint Immigration Committee is maintained primarily to protect
the exclusion measure against repeal or modification and notify the public in
regard thereto. It contends that these unfortunate and highly undesirable
conditions are proof of the unassimilability of the Japanese and the necessity of
their exclusion as permanent residents. All Japanese, both here and in Japan,
are constantly agitating for immigration quota, claiming that the number that
could enter thereunder (185 annually) would be negligible. But added to that
basic quota would be all those coining in under nonquota classification — visitors,
students, ministers, diplomats, businessmen, and particularly alien wives for
American-born Japanese (much desired). These wives would become the
mothers of large, unassimilable families, and so the Japanese problem would be
aggravated and perpetuated. Quota would also necessarily be extended to all
other oriental countries, bringing the annual immigration from the Orient to well
over 1,000. The basic principle of exclusion of those ineligible to citizenship
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11087
must not be destroyed or weakened, either by grant of quota or by grant of
naturalization to the colored races of Asia.
Dorothy Kaltenbach, Secretary,
California Joint Immigration Committee,
San Francisco, Calif.
The Chairman. No. Thank you very much. We have another
witness.
Mr. Strobel.
TESTIMONY OF H. L. STROBEL, FARMER, MONTEREY
COUNTY, CALIF.
The Chairman. State your name and capacity, please.
Mr. Strobel. H. L. Strobel, farmer from Monterey County.
The Chairman. Mr. Strobel, in which capacity do you appear?
Do you represent the Associated Farmers?
Mr. Strobel. Not in this particular instance, sir. I think I repre-
sent the vegetable interests in Monterey County more than any other
particular group.
The Chairman. Proceed, Mr. Strobel.
Mr. Strobel. Mr. Chairman: I think that a great deal has been
said here today regarding the participation of the Japanese in the
production of fruits and vegetables. I am primarily interested in
dispelling some of the misinformation that has apparently gone
throughout the Nation.
Much has been said, that if the Japanese were removed from the
California area or from their farming occupations in California, it
might result in a serious shortage of necessary vegetables for the rest
of the Nation. I think that I can make a statement to the contrary
without fear of being contradicted.
I believe that the American farmers, or the farmers of California,
are entirely capable, and with the land now occupied by Japanese,
will produce in just as large a quantity the vegetables that have been
formerly produced by the Japanese in our farming areas. I think
the rest of the Nation need have no fear as to the amount of vege-
tables that will come from California. There will be no appreciable
lessening of the flow to the eastern markets and to those canning and
processing agencies which have formerly carried on their operations
with some Japanese production.
OPPOSES UNDIRECTED RESETTLEMENT OF JAPANESE
I might say that many of us have been concerned with the Japa-
nese problem. I think, without taking anything else into considera-
tion, that we must realize that we are at war now and that there is
a very serious problem, as has been stressed by speaker after speaker
here, in maintaining the status of the Japanese as it is at the present
time, where they have freedom of access throughout our entire State
and are not confined, you might say, to the areas of the State of
California. They are free to roam around more or less. It is impos-
sible to maintain any vigilance over all of their activities and their
actions and many of them are constantly moving from one place to
another.
11088 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS.
I do not agree with some of the speakers or some of the farmer
speakers who say that the mere removal of the Japanese from Cali-
fornia would, perhaps, serve the end that we seek. I think that it
would be a mistake to evacuate the Japanese from California, and
then turn them loose without any supervision of their activities in
some other location or some other State. I feel that that would merely
make a harder job then ever for the military authorities to try to follow
the movement of those Japanese throughout the many different areas
that they might be resettled in if there was no proper supervision of
their movements and their activities.
RETENTION OF ALIENS IN CALIFORNIA
We have had some recommendations that these people be moved
into the Mountain States where they might work in the beet harvest
and other types of agricultural produce. I notice that in some of the
suggested States opposition is now arising as to the removal of the
Japanese to those particular points. As a personal observation I feel
that, perhaps, we are entitled to kill our own snake, so to speak, and
if there are areas within the State of California which are acceptable
to the military authorities where thes*e people might be evacuated, and
for their own protection where they might be put under restraint of
one kind or another with the proper supervision of the military author-
ities, or whatever authorities they might designate to do that job, and
that if these people were maintained in these particular localities, their
services could be utilized under proper supervision. They might be
taken out to work, if they desired to work, in the morning, and be
brought back at night. Their labor could be utilized, and I think that
that would, perhaps, be as good a solution of this problem as any you
might offer.
Of course, we all must realize that the military authority has the
power to move these people to any place which they deem safe and
necessary. I don't think that any of us have any right to oppose the
removal' of these Japanese, no matter where they are being moved,
if it is the judgment of the Navy or the Army or the military authori-
ties so charged that their removal to these particular areas constitutes
a method of safety for the balance of the country.
I think that we, perhaps, very often take our own particular prob-
lems into consideration too much. I have heard a great deal of stress
laid here before this committee on the hardships that might be visited
upon certain aliens by evacuating them from one area to another
area, or by removing them.
I want to call the committee's attention to the fact that many of
our own citizens are being inconvenienced, many of our small business-
men are going out of business owing to the war effort and due to the
fact that materials they formerly dealt in and that are necessary to
maintain their business life are now being given priorities as far as
the Army and Navy are concerned. Those men are going out of
business. Many inconveniences are being visited upon our own
citizens. So I do not feel at this time it works any great hardship
upon a group of aliens to have their activities supervised, and in the
interest of safety of our own country have them removed from one
point to another.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11089
CANNING-TOMATO SITUATION
I would like to say in connection with some of the figures that
you read, the participation of the Japanese in the production of
fruits and vegetables in California has been overemphasized to a
very great extent, with the possible exception of canning tomatoes.
The canning-tomato situation is indeed a serious one, and upon the
most authoritative figures that we have been able to obtain we
arrived at the conclusion that Japanese are growing somewhere in
the neighborhood of 45 to 60 percent of the canning tomatoes that
are canned in the State of California. Now, it does not necessarily
mean that if the Japanese are removed from the occupations that
they are now engaged in that this 60,000 acres of tomatoes, or any
appreciable part of it, will not be produced. The only thing that
might stand in the way of many American farmers taking over this
acreage, or as much of it as is necessary, that they are not now pro-
ducing, would be the ability of the processors, or some agency to
furnish them with tomato plants.
I don't know whether you gentlemen are familiar with the growing
of tomatoes or not but sometime around the 1st of February hot
beds are set out, or plants are planted in hot beds, and these plants
are maintained and kept there until sometime around the middle
of April, or whatever time the weather breaks, and then these plants
are transplanted.
Now, we can't go out overnight and say to the canning industry
that we will get an acreage pledged by American farmers to take up
the acreage that is vacated by the Japanese unless the tomato plants
are available. I believe if the tomato plants are available that we
can go out to our American farmers and from a patriotic standpoint,
if nothing else, get them to take up any part of the acreage that the
canners deem sufficient or deem necessary to maintain California's
position in the production of canned tomatoes.
CALIFORNIA FARMERS WILL PLANT MORE TOMATOES
In checking on this particular phase, we called a man who was
formerl}7 a produce grower in Monterey County, who is now located
in Kern County. We discussed this situation with him over the
telephone and asked him to what extent tomatoes were produced in
the Kern County area for canning. He didn't have a great deal of
information on it at that particular time, but he called us back about
a week later and said that he had gone out and talked to some one of
the canning producers who operated in that particular area, and that
he himself was increasing bis tomato acreage to 500 acres; that lie was
going to produce enough plants, provided he could get the necessary
seed, that would take care of some 2,000 acres for that particular
processor in that area. He would endeavor to secure — and I under-
stand now that he has secured — the sign-up of other American
farmers of approximately 2,000 acres of tomatoes in that particular
area.
Now, that is 2,000 acres of tomatoes that have not been grown in
past years. That is an entirely new acreage. It is an acreage that
follows some of the new potato acreage, and some of the land that
the farmers of Kern County are utilizing in this defense picture.
11090 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
So I feel that the part that the Japanese played in the production
of fruits and vegetables has been very much overemphasized and that
the American farmer can and will take up wherever they leave off.
TAKING OVER JAPANESE FARMS
Much has been said here about the method of taking over and taking
care of the property of these people who are evacuated. We have
two or three exchanges of leases and property in Monterey County.
I talked to one of the men yesterday who was a party to one of the
deals. This Japanese had certain land that was leased and he had
certain crops that had been planted. Certain operations had already
been performed, and he had machinery. They got the two largest
implement dealers in Monterey County to act as a board of appraisers.
They went down to this Japanese ranch. Separately they arrived
at an evaluation of the machinery that the Japanese owned. Their
figures were taken together. Where there was a discrepancy they
were arbitrated and put into shape where all parties were satisfied.
An appraisal of the amount of work and fertilizer and other things
that the Japanese had invested in the process of growing this par-
ticular crop were taken into consideration and he was remunerated
for his interest in his particular crop, his lands and machinery on the
basis of what this so-called informal board arrived at, and I believe
that everybody was satisfied. The Japanese was satisfied that he
had gotten a fair deal. The other people were satisfied that they had
performed their obligations to the Japanese.
I do not think it is the intent of anyone in California to take any
advantage of or exploit the Japanese in their evacuation of lands or
vocations that they might now occupy. But it is necessary that this
problem be met.
I think it has also been touched upon here today that many of these
Japanese farmed and controlled huge areas of land, large acreages,
and that they have to hire of necessity the same labor that the white
farmers in that particular occupation or area use.
FILIPINOS REFUSE TO WORK ON JAPANESE FARMS
Now, the Filipinos have had numerous meetings, and I think this
committee is familiar with the fact that some of these Filipino or-
ganizations have gone on record that they will no longer work for
Japanese or on Japanese-controlled acreages, which makes it almost
impossible for some of these Japanese to continue their occupation
and the production of vegetables and other crops on the land that they
now occupy. Any of the services that are now performed by the
Japanese I feel certainly can be performed by the American farmers,
or the native California farmers without any let-down in the amount
of production that the Nation might need in this time of stress.
Mr. Sparkman. What about fresh vegetables?
Mr. Strobel. Fresh vegetables?
Mr. Sparkman. Yes.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11091
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
Mr. Strobel. I would say that the Japanese produce, as a whole,
somewhere between 8 and 12 percent of the vegetables that are pro-
duced in California.
Now, those figures would not be applicable to California as a State
because in certain localities the Japanese produce a much greater
percentage of the fresh fruits and vegetables such as, we will say, in
the Santa Maria Valley, than they do, perhaps, in other locations.
Now, in our particular area I believe it is safe to say that the Jap-
anese produce somewhere between 10 and 12 percent of the fresh
vegetables that are shipped out of Monterey County. That includes
San Benito and Watsonville because that whole area is included in
one shipping area. There would be other localities where there would
be practically no Japanese farmers, so the larger percentage that
exists in one is offset by the lesser percentage in another.
Taking the State as a whole, I believe the fresh fruits and vegetables
they produce amount to somewhere between 10 and 12 percent of the
total.
Mr. Arnold. Have you been associated with Japanese people in
your business or your operations? Have you been pretty closely
associated with them?
Mr. Strobel. I know lots of Japanese all throughout the State,
and while my business connections with the Japanese have consisted
entirely of shipping, handling lettuce for one Japanese, I do know
the Japanese because of the nature of the work that I do for farmers.
Mr. Arnold. Is it your opinion that most all the Japanese will
have to be included in these aliens who are sent out of this area?
Mr. Strobel. I would say so, yes: because I do not see how the
Army or any other agency could do the job that is necessary to be
done unless they were all included.
Mr. Arnold. Do you think it is impossible to determine whether
or not Japanese aliens and citizens are loyal to this country?
LOYALTY OF JAPANESE CITIZENS QUESTIONED
Mr. Strobel. I would say that it would be almost impossible for
any man or for any agency to determine the extent of the loyalty of
any Japanese to our country when you take into consideration some
of the statements that the gentleman who preceded me on this stand
made, when you take into consideration the fact that the Japanese
children in my particular area and throughout practically the entire
State of California and, perhaps, the United States, as far as I know — I
am only familiar with California — attend our schools for a certain
time and then they in turn attend a Japanese language school at
which, we have from very good authority, they are taught the Jap-
anese customs that are brought down to them from the old country;
that the Japanese religion enters into it, and that they have in many
cases been taught that the Japanese Emperor is their Emperor, no
matter if they, by accident of birth, happen to be born in California or
any other part of the world.
11092 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Arnold. Their Emperor and their god?
Mr. Strobel. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. They are in a different category from a German or
Italian?
Mr. Strobel. I believe to a certain extent, to a great extent that
they are in a different category; yes, sir.
I believe that you have a better opportunity to determine whether
a German or an Italian is loyal to this country than you would have
with the Japanese. The Japanese have a racial similarity so that is
very hard for the average man to note any difference between them
when he sees them just occasionally. Unless they are all under
restraint you will have no way of knowing who is who and ascertaining
unless you stop each and every one of them and by very minute in-
spection of his permit, or whatever it was, know what he was doing
in a particular area.
Mr. Arnold. And if the military authorities are forced to evacuate
practically all the Japanese it is because of their inability to convince
them that they are loyal to this country?
POSITION OF RESETTLEMENT OF JAPANESE
Mr. Strobel. I think that that would be the case, sir. A word as
to those who object to the Japanese being evacuated into their locality.
I think that we are adopting a selfish attitude when we say that we
don't want the Japanese here or there. I think that wherever the
military authorities deem it the best and safest place to put them is
the place that they will be put and that they should be put, and that
we should cooperate with the military authorities in time of crisis by
not placing any undue obstacles in then handling of this situation.
Mr. Arnold. You don't think any prejudice should enter in. It
should be a case of ability to prove loyalty to this Government of ours?
Air. Strobel. I feel that; yes, sir. I think that any citizen during
this time of crisis is going to be subjected to more or less, we will say,
infringement on his civil rights. I have heard that so much until I
am beginning to be a little fed up with it. But nevertheless all of
us are going to have to forego certain civil rights that we have enjoyed
in peacetime because we are now at war and war is a serious business.
Mr. Arnold. That is all.
The Chairman. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Strobel.
Mr. Strobel. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity of
being heard.
The Chairman. We appreciate it very much.
Mr. Ayres of the State Grange? (No response.)
Well, the committee will stand recessed until Monday morning
at 9:30.
(Whereupon, at 3:45 p. m., the committee adjourned until 9:30 a. m.,
Monday, February 23, 1942.)
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1942
morning session
House of Representatives,
Select Committee Investigating
National Defense Migration,
Washington, D. C.
The committee met at 9:40 a. m., in the Post Office Building, San
Francisco, Calif., pursuant to notice, Hon. John H. Tolan (chair-
man) presiding.
Present were Representatives John H. Tolan (chairman), of Cali-
fornia; Laurence F. Arnold, of Illinois; and John J. Sparkman, pf
Alabama.
Also present: Dr. Robert K. Lamb, staff director; John W. Abbott,
chief field investigator; Leonard A. Thomas, counsel; and F. P.
Weber, economist.
The Chairman. The committee will please come to order.
We would like to have the East Bay panel come forward.
Will you announce your names and your official capacity for the
reporter?
Mr. Hassler. John F. Hassler, city manager of Oakland.
Mayor Gaines. Frank S. Gaines, mayor of Berkeley.
Mayor Slavich. John S. Slavich, mayor of Oakland.
Chief Wallman. B. A. Wallman, chief of police of Oakland.
Mr. Johnson. W. J. Johnson, captain of police, Berkeley.
Chief Smith. Verne Smith, chief of police, Alameda.
Mr. Schwanenberg. C. R. Schwanenberg, city manager of
Alameda.
Mayor Godfrey. M. C. Godfrey, mayor of Alameda.
Mr. Fisk. Chester C. Fisk, city manager of Berkeley.
The Chairman. I now want to say to you gentlemen that this
committee appreciates your coming over here. We are simply a
fact-finding body. We are a sort of sounding board of the Congress of
the United States, to take back to Congress your facts and your
fears and any suggestions or recommendations you have to make. So
just treat this hearing this morning as informal.
Who of the panel should talk first as to the East Bay conditions?
Mr. Slavich, will you start out first?
Mr. Slavich. Let Mr. Hassler talk first.
The Chairman. All right. Mr. Hassler, Congress knows very little
about the East Bay. I think the best way to approach the problem
would be to tell us what you have in the East Bay.
11093
11094 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
TESTIMONY OF JOHN F. HASSLER, CITY MANAGER OF OAKLAND
CALIF.
Mr. Hassler. I feel we are very vulnerable in the East Bay. We
have both the naval supply base and the port of embarkation in
Oakland. In Alameda we have the naval aviation base, connected
by an underpass, as you know, from Alameda to Oakland; all very
Vulnerable and veiy exposed. We feel in Oakland, and I know that
the mayor and our council feel the same way, that, as regards the alien
problem, the great majority of alien Japanese and American citizens
descendants of Japanese are loyal to this country. However, we feel
that the time has passed for an investigation of each case, and I feel
that the loyal Japanese and the loyal aliens could better show their
loyalty to this country by leaving the area at the request of the
Federal Government.
Certainly when they have left the area each case could be decided
on its merits and those who are proved to be loyal could return to
their homes.
I have a different feeling as regards the older people who are alien
Germans or alien Italians. I feel that a great number of those were
unable to obtain citizenship when they came to this country because
of lack of education. Many of them are the parents of fine Americans,
a great number of whom are serving in the armed forces. I feel that
those cases should be investigated fully before any of them are re-
moved from the area.
Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, and our East Bay cities are in a defense
zone. They are subject to raids by the enemy and we should have
the protection of the Federal Government.
I don't know of anything else to add to that statement, Congress-
men.
The Chairman. About how many people have you in the East
Bay?
Mr. Hassler. Oh, I imagine we have around 750,000 in Alameda
and Contra Costa Counties.
The Chairman. And what municipalities are there?
Mr. Hassler. Well, in Alameda County we have Hay ward, San
Leandro, Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, and Pied-
mont. In Contra Costa County we have Pittsburg, Martinez, Wal-
nut Creek, Orinda, and several other smaller cities. Richmond, of
course, is a very vulnerable point.
The Chairman. Outside of the naval air base at Alameda, the Oak-
land supply depot and the War Department embarkation improvement
there, jtou have a lot of oil industries, have you not?
DEFENSE PLANTS IN EAST BAY
Mr. Hassler. We have defense plants, we have shipyards that are
employing probably at the present time 40,000 people and that will
run up to 75,000 people. We have oil refineries. We have every-
thing that is used in war. We have defense plants throughout the
district. We have there probably 150,000 men working in defense
projects. I don't know of any part of the country that is more tied
up with the defense set-up at the present time than the East Bay cities.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11095
The Chairman. I hope that you, as well as some of the other wit-
nesses, keep touching on this point. I am very much interested in it.
How are they being guarded? Do they have sufficient guards for
those different places?
Mr. Hassler. At the present time we need many more guards to
properly safeguard them. We are using our local police forces, which
are very small in all the cities, including the larger cities. They are
not adequate to protect the civilian population and also the defense
plants. Neither the Coast Guard nor the State Guard has put any-
body in Oakland on our own defense projects. They are guarding
the bridges and some of the naval and army establishments; but there
are many others over there that should be guarded.
It shouldn't be a local problem. Cities like Oakland, Alameda,
and Berkeley are not financially able to take care of increasing the
personnel of the police and fire" department without levying taxes at
an irregular tax-budgeting time. To put a hundred men on the
Oakland police force would cost a quarter of a million dollars, and we
could probably use a thousand.
The Chairman. Of course, you don't mean to give us the impres-
sion that while you are short in numbers you are short in efficiency?
Mr. Hassler. We are not short in numbers for our own needs at all.
The Chairman. Chief WaHman there is pretty well recognized in
this country for his police work.
Mr. Hassler. I am only talking about the burden that was added
because of the war.
The Chairman. Mayor Gaines, do you have anything to add?
Give us a picture of Berkeley. That is what we would like to have.
TESTIMONY OF HON. FRANK S. GAINES, MAYOR OF BERKELEY,
CALIF.
Mayor Gaines. Mr. Chairman, in Berkeley we have a number of
important defense industries, also important research laboratories
having to do with the war effort, located at the University of Cali-
fornia. Hence, our position too is quite vulrerable.
The Chairman. What is the approximate enrollment at the
University of California now?
Mayor Gaines. About 14,000 students at the Berkeley campus
itself; about 23,000 on the 7 campuses which make up the University
of California. But we are conducting important research at the
University campus itself, and that is a thing that justifies careful
safeguarding.
We have in Berkeley itself approximately 1,500 enemy aliens,
including Japanese, Germans, and Italians. Of the 1,500 approxi-
mately one-third are Japanese. We have a total Japanese population
estimated at approximately 1,300, a great many of whom are native-
born American citizens.
THREE CATEGORIES OF ENEMY ALIENS
I should like to suggest for the consideration of the committee a
method for dealing with the whole problem of enemy aliens, namely,
11096 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
that of dividing them into three general categories: Dangerous,
suspicious, and friendly.
Of the dangerous and suspicious groups there seems to be little
doubt as to who should handle the cases. There it should be the
established agencies, it seems to me. But within the friendly cate-
gory, the expatriated Jews from Germany, for instance, it seems to
me it might be well, having sorted them out to Federal agencies, to
leave the matter of determining the degree of their loyalty and
friendliness to local police authorities. They, by reason of their more
direct and intimate knowledge of the persons themselves are likely to
be in a better position to pass upon their loyalty than would a de-
tached Federal agency, which perhaps would have to adhere to some
sort of routine formula.
I suggest that for consideration as a method which I understand
was used with satisfactory results in dealing with a similar situation
in England at the outset of war there.
The Chairman. In other words, Mayor, you feel that the local
enforcement officers should play a little bit more important part in the
decision as to who are dangerous enemy aliens or not. Is that the fact
you are trying to get over to this committee?
Mayor Gaines. Yes; that is correct.
The Chairman. Now it is up to the Army about these areas.
Mayor Gaines. That's right.
The Chairman. They consult with the Federal Bureau of Investi-
gation. Attorney General Warren on the stand Saturday said that
while the local enforcement and State enforcement agencies trans-
mitted to the F. B. I. all information, no information came back to
your police officers as to who are the enemy aliens or the names of the
enemy aliens. We will have the Department of Justice in this after-
noon to answer that proposition. But that is your fact, anyway:
That the local enforcement agencies should play a more important
part than the F. B. I. as to who are dangerous aliens and also with
regard to hardship cases, people that the local enforcement agencies,
like your police officers, know. They have lived there for years and
they know that they are absolutely loyal. That is the point you want
to get over, is it not?
Mayor Gaines. That is correct.
The Chairman. And I think you are right about it, too.
Mayor Gaines. That is correct.
The Chairman. Go ahead, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Gaines. I have one other thought to present for considera-
tion by the committee. Obviously there will have to be some con-
siderable transfer of those who can properly be called enemy aliens to
places where they can be kept in safe custody, but at the same time
can be offered an opportunity to utilize their time advantageously.
OBJECTIVES FOR COOPERATIVE FARMS
I have in mind the Japanese more particularly. I have had pre-
sented to me, and I shall pass it on to this committee for its records,
a master plan for the development of cooperative, farms, the objectives
of which are:
1 . To enable voluntary evacuation inland away from strategic areas.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11097
2. To keep from the public relief rolls those Japanese aliens who,
through removal of their means of livelihood, face eventual want.
3. To add to the economic resources of the United States in these
critical times by maintaining these Japanese aliens in productive
activity.
4. To sequester approved Japanese aliens where proper Govern-
ment agencies may easily supervise their conduct and foster continued
loyalty to the United States of America.
5. To reduce post-war destitutions among alien families.
This is a plan which has been carefully developed by a committee.
The Chairman. Will you be able to leave that with us and make
it a part of our record?
Mayor Gaines. Yes. I shall be glad to submit this for the con-
sideration of the committee. It is a thing that has been very care-
fully worked out and I think offers a partial solution at any rate to the
cases, voluntary or otherwise, which should perhaps in the public
interest be placed outside of the combat area. I shall be very happy
to submit this.
The Chairman. Thank you very much.
(The material referred to above is as follows:)
A Master Plan for Cooperative Farms, Inc.
(Hi Korematsu, acting chairman, proponent committee for evacuated alien
resettlement program)
We present this as a possible solution to an economic and social problem which
faces the State of California during these critical times.
We, the proponents of this plan, are Americans.
While we want to be humane, to uphold the common goals of decency, human-
ity, and liberty, we are not permitting any undue sympathies to mislead our good
judgment. We are for any and all programs which have as their object the
advancement of our American interests and we are eager to contribute in every
way possible toward the downfall of everything that is beneficial to the Japanese
Government.
We would like to recommend the plan attached herewith because we believe
that the law-abiding aliens, especially the Japanese, residing in the State of
California to be of economic value, and because gathering aliens in Government
camps or indifference by the Government to evacuees will only add to the expense
of the Government and we feel will not produce the return which is so desirable
from the viewpoint of the American people.
This war, like many others, can be won through unity, coordination, and mutual
sacrifice.
Therefore, your kind attention is respectfully requested.
OBJECTIVES
1. To enable voluntary evacuation inland away from strategic areas.
2. To keep from the public relief rolls those Japanese aliens who, through
removal of their means of livelihood, face eventual want.
3. To add to the economic resources of the United States in these critical times
by maintaining these Japanese aliens in productive activity.
4. To sequester approved Japanese aliens where proper Government agencies
may easily supervise their conduct and foster continued loyalty to the United
States of America.
5. To reduce post-war destitutions among alien families.
THE PROBLEM OF THE JAPANESE ALIEN
The sudden onslaught of war in the Pacific has not only plunged the United
States into the throes of a mighty conflict, but fn line with many other changes in
our national life has brought up a question of vital importance! — what to do with
11098 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
aliens in this country, particularly with those who have been residing in localities
designated as strategic areas.
Many thoughts have been expressed and many schemes have been presented.
These have crystallized in the recent action by Pacific coast Members of Congress
who, in our Nation's Capital, have recommended programs to the President of the
United States.
Briefly, these programs would place the control of enemy aliens under the
War Department, would immediately evacuate such aliens and their families
from strategic areas, would intern them temporarily in available Civilian Con-
servation Corps camps pending the working out a long-range resettlement project,
and would provide Federal assistance for all uninterned aliens whose means of
livelihood are affected by the war.
In close conformity to these recommendations we propose the immediate estab-
lishment of Cooperative Farms, Inc., which, it is intended, shall be the forerunner
of similar establishments sufficient in number to care for all Japanese aliens who
are subject to evacuation from restricted localities where they have been living
and working.
The authors of this plan are definitely not concerned with disloyal Japanese
aliens. These subversive elements have been or are being taken into custody
by the proper governmental agencies, according to official announcement by
Attorney General Francis Biddle.
This plan is a result of our interest in seeking a feasible solution to the problems
created by recent evacuation orders.
Originators of the plan are Christian leaders who are American citizens of
Japanese parentage, who have worked it out in collaboration with outstanding
citizens of other national and racial backgrounds. Continuous thought has been
directed to the matter since the attack upon Pearl Harbor, and the project has now
reached the point where endorsement of leading Americans and approval of the
public in general is sought.
Those governmental agencies most directly concerned have been kept constantly
advised, so that this plan is not unfamiliar to them.
COOPERATIVE FARMS, INC.
Cooperative farms are planned because the production of food is essential to
the winning of the war by the United States. The majority of Japanese aliens
are well experienced in the production of foodstuffs. Those whom the war has
forced out of other pursuits may readily be trained in the art of farming, so that
they, too, may again become productive. Farm labor is scarce, because main-
are turning to better-paid work in defense industries. The cooperative farms,
with their available manpower, will aid in offsetting a part of this labor shortage.
GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE FARMS
1. Location. — The location and establishment of Cooperative Farms, Inc., is
subject strictly to Government approval. They may be established away from
the seacoast and strategic areas, in regions where the pursuit of agriculture is
possible, and where essential transportation and communicative facilities and
electric power are readily available.
2. Size.- — Each unit of the cooperative farms will be of such size as may be
deemed practicable in light of vaiious circumstances. As many families as
feasible will be permitted to work on these farms and thus support themselves,
and produce food for public and Government markets.
S. Products. — Products of the farms should be thoroughly diversified. They
may include dairv products, poultry, eggs, livestock, vegetables, berries, grains,
sovbeans, sugar beets, cotton, and sach important experimental crops as guayule,
as" substitute source of rubber supply. Whatever is deemed by governmental
authorities to be most needed will be produced, so as to fit closely into the general
scheme of national defense and the winning of the war.
4. Experimental stations. — Close touch will be maintained with agricultural
colleges and experimental stations. Cooperative faims may themselves become
an important adjunct of the United States experiment stations of the Federal
and State Department of Agriculture, as an emergency governmental project
to insure production of food products vitally needed to maintain the health of
the Nation and its armed forces.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11099
5. Control and management — (a) Board of directors. — Full executive authority
for the creation, management, and control of the farms will be vested in a board of
directors of 15 members, all loyal, approved citizens of the United States.
(b) Advisory committee. — Serving under the board of directors will be an
advisory committee. To this committee will be appointed representatives of
various governmental agencies — Federal, State, and county, who are long ex-
perienced in farming, livestock, and poultry raisins; and in agriculture in general.
This committee will possess no executive authority. All its acts will be subject
to approval by the board of directors.
(c) Administrative staff. — Also serving under the board of directors, and with
the cooperation of the advisory committee, is to be an administrative staff, all
American citizens, including a group graduated in agriculture and animal hus-
bandry, who will serve as technical supervisors.
FINANCING
It is obvious that financing is required by the corporation to purchase the
necessary acreage, adequate housing, buildings necessary for livestock and
poultry, provide farm equipment, proper seed and fertilizer storage space, and
other necessary expenses. There are several methods by which adequate financing
of the project can be attained:
1. Federal Security Agency. — The Federal Security Agency supported by vast
sums of money advanced by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, lays great
stress in its operations upon the creation of cooperatives among small farmers.
Considerably more than 200,000 farmers, scattered through every State in the
Union, have been helped by the Farm Security Administration to form themselves
into more than 10,000 small cooperatives which are today doing business with
marked success.
If a Federal Security Agency loan were granted in the form of a Government loan
to aid for the establishment and execution of the cooperative farms, the Federal
Government would secure eventual return of funds which otherwise it might be
called upon to extend outright in the form of charity for poverty-stricken Japanese
aliens.
2. Personal contribution. — Voluntary contributions are anticipated from Ameri-
can citizens of Japanese parentage, the Nisei, as well as from other Americans who
are conversant with the need for prompt, constructive, intelligent action to meet
the situation brought about by the war. However, the funds from these last-
named sources may be used for the preliminary expenses of organizing the project
and placing it in operation.
8. Establishment of cooperative farms in which aliens, as well as citizens, may
invest through special licenses issued by the United States Treasury Department. —
According to recent reports (February 3) from the United States Treasury De-
partment, "A special license ruling required that the foreigners get special licenses
before buying more than 1 percent of any class of stock of any corporation.
Since foreign assets tied up in this country by freezing orders cannot leave the
United States, they are frequently permitted to be invested here." (Foreign
Funds Control, Circular No. 222).
4. Direct Government aid. — Direct governmental financial aid, for reestablish-
ment of law-abiding aliens removed from strategic areas, as an emergency govern-
mental project.
LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT
In 1913 the California State Legislature enacted the alien land law, which
provided that no alien who was ineligible for citizenship (which includes the
Japanese) could own land in this State, though he could lease land for 3-year
periods. To meet the situation brought about by this law, many so-called "family
corporations" were formed among the Japanese. Such corporations had the
privilege of owning land, provided the majority of their stockholders were citizens
of the United States. Japanese nationals could be members of the board of di-
rectors, and could legally be paid salaries for their services.
In 1920 the voters of California adopted an initiative measure which made
unlawful the land-leasing privilege and also deprived the ineligible alien of the
right to acquire shares in any landholding corporation.
The Supreme Court of California has held, however, that an ineligible alien has
the legal right to make an outright gift of money, land or other property to his
American-born children, and that these children have the same right to name
their own father as trustee of their property as has any other American citizen.
60396— 42— pt. 29 10
11100 BAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
In conformity with the alien land law, the cooperative farms will be an organ-
ized corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of California, with no
individual owning any proprietary interest therein. Only citizens of the United
States may be incorporators, or directors. The corporation may engage in all
such agricultural, marketing, and other production and business pursuits as may
be covered in the scope of its articles of incorporation and may, of course, acquire
and hold land.
Thus, in the cooperative farms, Japanese aliens may be productive, self-sup-
porting and self-respecting, and without extra expense upon the Government for
their detention and care. They can receive no profits from the crops they help
raise, however, and can have no proprietary interest therein. They may not
even receive a bonus or any similar gratuit}^ but will receive only regular wages.
There will be no undue competition with neighboring farms and agencies. All
products may be handled through proper Federal and State agencies.
ONLY LOYAL JAPANESE ALIENS CONSIDERED
In evolving the plan for the establishment of cooperative farms, there has been
no desire to depict the problem of the Japanese alien and his dependents other
than it really is.
No sympathy is felt by the originators of this plan, nor should be felt by them
or others, toward those subversive aliens who would harm the country which has
given them shelter.
Cooperative Farms, Inc., is a patriotic endeavor to accomplish the five major
objectives set forth on the title page of this brief outline, and which are repeated
here:
1. To enable voluntary evacuation inland away from strategic areas.
2. To keep from the public relief rolls those Japanese aliens who, through re-
moval of their means of livelihood, face eventual want.
3 To add to the economic resources of the United States in these critical times
by maintaining these Japanese aliens in productive activity.
4. To sequester approved Japanese aliens where proper Government agencies
may easily supervise their conduct and foster continued loyalty to the United
States of America.
5. To reduce post-war destitutions among alien families. Therefore
COMMITTEE FOR ORGANIZATION OF COOPERATIVE FARMS, INC.
Desires approval of the public- — As hereinafter indicated, the plan for Coopera-
tive Farms, Inc., was first conceived by a group of American-born college gradu-
ates of Japanese stock. Now there is sought, for placing the plan in operation,
the approval of those leaders who believe that such farms will go far toward
alleviation of the present difficulties faced by both the United States Government
and by the loyal Japanese who have been law-abiding and who are being evacuated
from their homes and farms.
These aliens who arc being evacuated without security may turn their sym-
pathies toward the Axis; it will bring their distrust, in the democratic principles
of America, and it will be defeating the very thing we are defending as a nation
at war.
Thus, a constructive program has been developed. Care has been taken to
keep interested Government agencies advised of this plan during its develop-
ment. This practice will be continued. It has been in a spirit of cooperation,
•not with the ideas of assuming or interfering with any Government prerogatives,
that the Cooperative Farms, Inc., has been advanced. We submit this plan
with the belief that it is both constructive and thoroughly practical.
This plan is respectfully submitted for your kind consideration. An acknowl-
edgment will be sincerely appreciated.
Committee for Evacuated Alien Resettlement Program.
advisory committee (pro tem) for cooperative farms, inc., for evacuated
alien resettlement program
Dr. Galen M. Fisher, Institute of Pacific Relations.
William C. James, Friends Service Committee.
Robert R. Gros, Public Relations, Pacific Gas & Electric.
Dean C. B. Hutchison, College of Agriculture, University of California.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11101
Dr. Lawton Harris, Church Federation, Young Men's Christian Association.
Dean Walter J. Homan, San Francisco State Teachers College.
Dr. Alfred G. Fisk, San Francisco State Teachers College.
William F. Benedict, former assistant secretary to Mayor Rolph, of San
Francisco.
Harry L. Kingman, general secretary, University of California, Young Men's
Christian Association.
Russell Profntt, Associated Cooperatives.
Cooperative farm programs as now familiarized have had the sympathies and
the assistance of such important offices concerned with alien problems, as United
States Department of Agriculture; State Attorney General; United States At-
torney; Farm Security Administration; Church Federation; Friends Service
Committee; College of Agriculture, University of California- and others.
TESTIMONY OF MAYOR GAINES— Resumed
Mayor Gaines. I might have other suggestions to offer later or
to submit to the committee before it concludes the hearings.
The Chairman. Yes, sir. Before we ask questions of Mr. Slavich,
I want to say to this panel that we might as well meet this thing
head on. We didn't come out of the clouds. We are sent out here
to find out what the people of the Pacific coast feel about this problem,
their facts and fears, and any solutions they have. You are 3,000
miles away from Washington. It is the finest opportunity the Pacific
coast has, because we take this word -right back there. The Army
and Navy and the F. B. I. will read this report. So we have got
to meet this thing head on. This is the most vulnerable part of the
United States. They tell us in Washington that the Pacific coast
can be bombed. They also tell us that we can lose this war. Maybe
we are a little bit jittery back there, but that is what the highest
authorities tell us in Washington.
What we want to obtain from this panel as much as anything
else is what you are doing over there, the picture of the East Bay
which we can' bring back to Washington.
There is another thing that keeps bothering me all the time. We
have got to think in terms of reprisals, too. We have prisoners
back in Japan, Singapore, and different places. We have prisoners
there.
Another thing that keeps bothering me is that this war is going to
end. The United States, it has often been said, is a melting pot of
all races and religions on down the line. We have got to live here in
the future. How best can we handle this situation with the least
hardship to anybody? Under the Executive order of the President
issued Friday it is all up to the Army. The reason for that Executive
order is that the representatives of California, Oregon, and Washing-*
ton met almost daily back there and we finally evolved this recom-
mendation that the President outlined in his Executive order.
How much the evacuation of those on the Pacific coast is going
to be, I don't know. We met with General DeWitt Saturday after-
noon for over an hour. He cannot appear because the border line
between what is confidential and not confidential is very close. He
said that he would permit us to say this, though: The order that
goes into effect tomorrow stands just exactly as it is. He has received
as yet no instructions from Washington under this new Executive
order. Not one. But he said that we could tell the people that
11102 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
there will be no mass evacuation. It will be taken step by step, and
every hardship case will be looked into.
That is where you are going to play a very important part. You
know you have Italians over there in your districts who are just as
loyal as any citizens. They are among the best people we have over
there. So there is where you are going to play an important part.
That is the longest talk I have made in all the hearings I have been
in so far, but I did want to get that thought over to you.
Mayor Slavich, what have you got to add to this?
-TESTIMONY OF HON. JOHN S. SLAVICH, MAYOR OF OAKLAND,
CALIF.
Mayor Slavich. Mr. Chairman, you just said something that I
have in my mind; in fact, talked about it with the boys coming over
here this morning. I refer to the wholesale exodus and wholesale
evacuation of the aliens. I don't think it should be done on a whole-
sale basis. I think it would throw a lot of hardship on various
people who are not able to take out citizenship papers possibly due to
lack of formal education, although they are fine citizens. I think
possibly the Japanese question has to be approached a little differently.
I don't know whether or not we are able to get the necessary informa-
tion on Japanese American-born citizens or not. The F. B. I. seems
to have a lot of information we haven't got, because we have evidently
had reports on some that don't quite agree with the F. B. I. reports.
I don't think it is a local problem when it comes to its final solution.
I think the case should be more of a Federal problem to be solved by
some referee appointed by the Federal Government or some board
set up to determine whether or not we should tolerate them longer in
our midst.
But I will say tins: That I think we should approach the question
very carefully. I have read Mayor Rossi's and Chief Dullea's
interpretation. I think I quite agree that the German and Italian
aliens primarily should be given special treatment, because personally
I know a lot who have boys in the Army and it would be a crime, I
think, to send them away in these prohibited areas when their own
flesh and blood is fighting for the cause. We have got to be very
careful of that particularly.
DELAYS IN NATURALIZATION
The Chairman. Of course, with respect to what you say about
naturalization cases, as I understand it they are about 18 months
behind — where people who have taken out their first papers can't get
a hearing. Also there are cases where they have had their hearing
but the order has not yet been signed. They are so-called enemy
aliens.
Chief Wallman, I want to give you this information. If anybody
asks you or the rest of the panel about those cases, technically they
are enemy aliens, but we have a bill before the House Judiciary Com-
mittee, which will probably be reported out this week, giving a
discretionary power with the Department of Naturalization, don't
you see, in those kind of cases.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11103
Now they are out as far as their status is concerned. If anybody-
asks you about that, that is the answer. We are going to try to take
care of that. It is very, very bad.
Chief Wallman, what have you to say?
TESTIMONY OF B. A. WALLMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE OF OAKLAND,
CALIF.
Chief Wallman. Mr. Chairman, I am in accord with everything
that has been said. I know that you are very familiar with our set-up
in the city of Oakland. We have, as you know, 60^ square miles and
I would safely say that there are 325, 000 people in the city of Oakland,
with approximately 400 peace officers. Overnight many of those
men have been given duties that are rather unusual to those of
regular police officers.
We also know that we have no budget prepared to take care of
employing the necessaiy number of men that must guard vulnerable
points, and there are any number there, both in our industries and our
utilities. I believe that if we are going to take any action it should be
taken now, and just as quickly as possible, because it may be too late
next week or next month. As Mr. Gaines has said, I believe that we
can do our duty. If it is the duty of the peace officers to pass upon
the alien, I believe that we can do that. Again we must have more
employees, and I am also sure that we must get much information
from the Department of Justice.
The Chairman. What are you getting now, generally speaking?
Chief Wallman. Well, the system is this: We give whatever infor-
mation we may receive or obtain through investigation to the Depart-
ment of Justice. I believe that if we wanted that information or any
additional information later we could get it. I have not asked for it,
but I believe they would give it to us.
The Chairman. Let me ask you right there — I am sort of talking
out loud with you here. Don't you think that regarding hardship
cases, the local enforcement officers know more about that than the
F. B. I.?
LOCAL ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS COULD PASS ON HARDSHIP CASES
Chief Wallman. I certainly do, and we have those contacts. I
think we are in a better position to pass upon them. Of course, I
have heard of some cases about which I wouldn't know just what to
do, such as dependents. Those are now being supported by either
the State or the county charity. They have to be moved, of course,
the same as anybody else. Possibly we could pass upon them. We
may make some mistakes. But, again, if they are going to be moved
has there been any preparation made for a camp? I have always
believed that that is the logical place for them instead of scattering
them throughout other parts of the city or probably into another
county or State, and particularly in the city where they probably
will have to be moved again and again as the areas increase in extent.
But I think uppermost in my mind, Mr. Chairman, is this: That
whatever we are going to do we should do quickly. That is upper-
most in my mind — speed.
11104 • SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The Chairman. Could you outline just what you have in mind in
regard to speed; that is, what steps you think should be taken?
Chief Wallman. Well, I understand that we couldn't move out
this morning and probably not tomorrow, but it seems to me that
there should be some preparation made if it hasn't already been made.
If it has, I have no knowledge of it. If we have to move tomorrow or
the next clay, these aliens could be sent to certain points provided for
by the Federal Government. I think that is very important.
The Chairman. I think I can tell you what ideas we had in mind
when the three delegations of the Pacific coast met. That is that
everyone, citizens and noncitizens alike, would have to register and
who remains in certain districts will depend upon the judgment of the
Army.
"When we go down to the different departments of the Navy and
War, we have to register. We have to have a badge and one thing
and another. I don't know whether it will get that far or not, but
it may be on a permit basis as to who remains, because the Executive
order is directed against all citizens. The details have not been worked
out as yet, but it is probably going to be on a permit basis. There
is not going to be, a great big fanfare or anything like that about it.
However, the trouble is that just one enemy alien can do a great deal
of damage in any one district. Is that not correct, Chief?
Chief Wallman. Yes, sir.
VULNERABILITY OF PACIFIC COAST
The Chairman. And I think the Pacific coast with our aircraft
factories, power lines, dams, and other such things is particularly
vulnerable. So, after all is said and done, we have got to do this job
with p.s little hardship as we can. But it is still war. I think that is
the way it is going to be handled. However, you can say to your
people over there that the details have not been worked out as yet.
It will all depend on the instructions that General DcWitt will receive
from Washington. He may have them today, I don't know. But
I think that is the way it is going to be worked.
Was there anything else, Chief, that you wanted to ask?
Chief Wallman. No. I can't think of anything right now, Mr.
Chairman.
The Chairman. You did make one point there. You think that
your police force should be increased?
Chief Wallman. Well, I think that it should be, under the present
conditions. On the other hand, if we would speed up on the evacua-
tion of enemy aliens, probably it wouldn't. We could get by with our
present force.
The Chairman. Of course, if there is an attack on the Pacific coast
here — and they tell me that it is not only possible but it is probable—
because Japan has to win this war quick or she is not going to win it
at all. So I am trying to think along with you gentlemen this morn-
ing and see if there is anything that we can anticipate. I don't look
upon England as comparable with the Pacific coast. England, or
rather London, is built of brick and stone. A few incendiary bombs
in San Francisco alone could sweep the city and that also holds for
the East Bay. We are anxious about it and we would like to get a
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11105
picture of the East Bay, what is being done and what can be done to
make us a little bit more secure.
Captain Johnson, have you anything to add?
Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, if you don't mind a suggestion, it
might be well to call upon Mr. Fisk, the city manager, before calling
on me.
The Chairman. That is all right. We will hear from you, Mr.
Fisk.
TESTIMONY OF CHESTER C. FISK, CITY MANAGER OF BERKELEY,
CALIF.
Mr. Fisk. Mr. Chairman, I have just jotted down a few points Here
rather hurriedly. In the first place, I think we all must keep in mind
the danger from sab >tage. That is something that none of us can
afford to overlook. It has been pointed out here that additional
personnel is needed in the police and fire departments, probably of all
cities in this area, and I think they are a very necessary part of this
general picture. As a matter of fact, there is so much personnel
needed that I doubt whether any city can ever find adequate money
to take care of that. It is something that goes far beyond any normal
set-up. Therefore, I think that some consideration should be given
by this committee to the matter of some Federal aid in connection
with this sort of thing.
Fundamentally, those of us in this room are charged with the
responsibility of protecting our own people insofar as we possibly can.
I don't mean to raise any question about the Army's authority or
anything of that kind, but it is our job to take care of our own people
as best we can through our civilian defense and through the duly
constituted authorities which are parts of city government.
Let us just take the police and fire as an example. It has been
pointed out to you already that we might have serious problems grow-
ing out of fire. I believe you pointed that out, Mr. Chairman, your-
self. I am not going to go into a lot of detail about it, but there is
no question about the seriousness of that situation. Our buildings
are in a large measure frame throughout the bay area, and I think
we have to keep that in mind in studying this general question.
I think action should be taken quickly along whatever lines are to
be followed on a constructive basis to solve this particular problem.
I don't think we can afford to wait very long so far as this thing is
concerned.
SUGGESTS REVIEW OF MILITARY AREAS
There are two other points I would like to raise. One of them
has to do with the areas which have been restricted and prohibited.
I realize, of course, that those areas are established by the Army.
However, in the case of our own city I would like to raise a question
as to how the determination of those areas was made and whether or
not they were properly established for the best interests of the public
or for the city as a whole. I don't know whether this committee can
take that under consideration or not, but I would like to raise that
question. I think that there ought to be some careful study made,
perhaps not only in our own city but in some of the other cities.
11106 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Again, I am not going to go into great detail, but so far as the city
of Berkeley is concerned I think that matter needs to be very care-
fully reviewed on the basis of this present set-up and consideration
of some revisions thereto.
One other thing that I want to mention, and this probably is not
a part of this hearing, but it may be of interest to you and the other
two gentlemen with you as Members of Congress. All of us agree
that the situation out here is not one to be trifled with and I know
Congress has that feeling in mind. This is a critical area and I
believe every step should be made to expedite the delivery to the
cities of the materials which have been made possible under this
$100,000,000 grant by Congress, so that the materials may be in the
hands of the cities where they can be used at the earliest possible date.
I believe that covers the points which I have in mind at the moment,
Mr. Chairman. Perhaps before the close of the hearing I might have
another word to add.
The Chairman. You see, you can get all the facts you want and
then it depends on what you do about them. As a result of your
remarks, Mr. Fisk, I was just thinking, shouldn't there be some
official or some department to check back, for instance, like on the
Pacific coast, to see how the Army and F. B. I. and enforcement
officers are getting along? It would be a sort of clearing house.
Mr. Fisk. I think there is no question about that, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. The war came on us all at once. There should be
a clearing house. I am still convinced that the city of Oakland and
the city of Alameda and the city of Berkeley know more about hard-
ship cases than any department of the Government. You know.
You have lived there for years. I was trying to think in terms of our
recommendation: Shouldn't there be some sort of a clearing house of
this information between the local, State, F. B. I., and Army?
Mr. Fisk. Definitely. I think it should be coordinated.
The Chairman. The Army simply cannot take care of all these
matters. It is just too much for them. They are fighters and they
are getting ready to fight, as far as that is concerned. They are in
good shape here on the Pacific coast. I can give you that information.
But that is the opinion that I have. So our visit out here is just abso-
lutely a futile gesture unless we go back to Washington with some
recommendations.
Now, Mr. Mayor, what have you got to say?
TESTIMONY OF HON. M. C. GODFREY, MAYOR OF ALAMEDA,
CALIF.
Mayor Godfrey. Generally speaking, my thoughts are quite in
agreement with expressions that have already been made. Because
we are situated geographically as we are and because of physical con-
ditions, I believe every possible effort should be made by the Federal
Government to assist with our problem, not only with enemies from
without but those from within.
As far as hardship cases are concerned, I think your thought is
correct in stating that local authorities are better qualified to pass on
those cases than anyone else might be. However, any plan that may
be adopted should be worked out, I think, by the Army or the F. B. I.,
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11107
or some Federal Government agency rather than by local authorities.
Our local peace officers are not very many and have a big job to do.
They would be very happy and are able to cooperate with any plan
that is worked out, but the definite plan should come from sources,
I believe, other than the individual municipalities or the collective
municipalities.
I am very definite in my thinking as regards the establishment of
camps, if and when alien enemies or others whose loyalty may be
questioned are removed from the area. There should be some definite
plan as to where they are going, not any haphazard removal. I am
not saying there is no such plan, but I thoroughly believe that that is
a very important angle.
The Chairman. Mr. Schwanenberg.
TESTIMONY OF C. R. SCHWANENBERG, CITY MANAGER OF
ALAMEDA, CALIF.
Mr. Schwanenberg. I would just like to stress one or two points
and bring them to your attention. The East Bay area is definitely
very vulnerable. In the city of Alameda we have the naval air
station at one end of the island. It is an island about 7 miles long
and from a mile to 2 miles wide. There are five major shipyards along
the northern edge and there is the Oakland Airport at the eastern end
of the island. While the Oakland Airport is in Oakland, it is really
in Alameda.
The whole situation is very vulnerable, and steps should be taken
to remove immediately all enemy aliens and all American citizens
whose loyalty can in any way be questioned. We are at war and
we can't afford in this area to take any chances.
We have always had the reputation in this country of being tolerant
and giving consideration to everybody. It is very possible that
injustices will be done. That will be necessary. There are many
injustices done during wartimes. If there are any, they can be
rectified later. But in the present situation I don't believe we can
afford to take any chances at all, and something should be done
immediately to remove the enemy aliens and to remove any citizens
whose loyalty is in the least bit questioned. If later it is proved
that they are loyal, they can then be returned to their homes. It is
something that must be done and, in my opinion, immediately.
I agree with the other gentlemen in regard to some of the alien
cases. I think the local authorities could be of very great assistance
to the Federal authorities in most of these cases, because I believe
that we know the cases. We know the aliens, or at least some of
the aliens, that possibly could be trusted and are, maybe, as good
citizens as we are. There isn't any question but what some of them
are better citizens than a lot of the citizens that we have in this
country today.
I think that is about all I have to say.
The Chairman. Thank you very much. Mr. Smith, please. '
11108 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
TESTIMONY OF VERNE SMITH, CHIEF OF POLICE OF ALAMEDA,
CALIF.
Chief Smith. With your permission, Congressman, I won't be
quite as tactful. I think from your remarks that you are considering
the Italian, German, and Japanese question as a whole. T think that
is a mistake. I think that there are two divisions — the question of the
Italian and German aliens, and the question of the Japanese citizen.
I say that even though we are showing our racial tolerance by hav-
ing some of the Japanese citizens in the audience listening today.
I think they are two entirely different questions, because for years
we have known ItaJian and German aliens and there is a common
meeting ground between their minds and our own.
There is, so far as I can ascertain, no particular common meeting
ground for the oriental and occidental mind. In other words, as an
experienced police officer, I find it practically impossible to obtain
information, to obtain true impressions of the Japanese. It is much
more difficult, in fact more nearly impossible than it is with the other
two classes of aliens.
Therefore, I think it should be treated as a different problem and,
to be perfectly blunt about it, I would recommend the internment
in the very near future of all male Japanese on the coast here. That
is my recommendation. 1 wish you gentlemen would consider it.
I say that for very obvious reasons. I think speed is a very im-
portant factor. It isn't a question of injustice because you know very
well that the Government will treat all the interned people in a very
humane manner, make them comfortable, and all that sort of thing.
Then at our leisure, as opportunity offers, any injustice can be recti-
fied. But I think it is a very important question of speed, Congress-
men, and I wish that you gentlemen would consider that.
That is the principal point I wanted to make.
The Chairman. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Johnson?
TESTIMONY OF W. J. JOHNSON, CAPTAIN OF POLICE, BERKELEY,
CALIF.
Mr. Johxsox. Mr. Chairman, up to the time that Chief Smith
spoke, I found myself very much in accord with all of the recom-
mendations that had been made, up to that time. However, strictly
speaking from a police standpoint, the situation with reference to the
Japanese is quite different than it is with reference to the Italians
and the Germans. I believe both Chief Wallman and Chief Smith
will agree with me, that the police are able to get the information
that we should have in order to know just what our position is in the
cases of the Italians and the Germans, but we cannot get the infor-
mation that we should have with reference to the Japanese.
I might just as an example state that one young Japanese has ap-
proached us recently. He was California born, and he told us that
he wanted to aid the local authorities. He pointed out to us that
today he is a man without a country. His decision is to aid the
local authorities.
The Chairman. Right there, Captain, the attorney general of Cali-
fornia, Earl Warren, testified Saturday — I am asking this question to
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11109
see if you agree with him — that he has never received a report from
any of the city or county enforcement officers where a Japanese has
divulged any information that would be of value.
Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, that is substantially correct. I
would say that is substantially correct.
The Chairman. They have had it from Germans and they have
had it from Italians and they have had it from every other nationality,
but never from the Japanese. Is that correct?
OFFERS OF AID FROM JAPANESE
Mr. Johnson. Quite true. Up to within the last few days, no
information whatsoever, to my knowledge, has come voluntarily from
the Japanese to the police. None whatsoever. However, just
recently now, and what the motives might be I am unable to say,
certain 3Toung California-born Japanese have approached us and, as
1 was relating, are attempting to lead us to believe that they are on
our side and do want to aid us. So, whether they do or not we don't
know. It is virtual!}7 impossible to tell.
The Chairman. Captain, in the discussions of the Senators and the
Representatives from the three Pacific Coast States, several times it
was pointed out to us that there has not been a single case of sabotage
so far on the Pacific coast. But we have finally come to the conclusion
that that was really an anomalous, dangerous condition. Sabotage
will come when the attack comes. Do you agree with us on that?
Mr. Johnson. Emphatically so. There is no question in my
mind about that, Mr. Chairman. None of us knows what is going
to happen here, but there is one thing of which we are dead certain.
That is what has already happened at Pearl Harbor and we all know
how it was brought about there. There is no question about that.
That is factual, that is history. We know what happened there, but
we don't know what might happen here in the future. However, it
seems to me that it is fairly good thinking to believe that what hap-
pened there might well also happen here.
The Chairman. In other words, at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, there
wasn't a single indication of sabotage until the attack happened?
Mr. Johnson. Not until the correct time, the proper time.
The Chairman. It was timed very well.
Mr. Johnson. Surely.
The Chairman. Did you finish?
no instructions for accepting contraband property
Mr. Johnson. I have two other minor comments. One is that
the local authorities would like to receive official instructions from
whatever Federal agency is going to bring about or direct any of
these movements or projects. I have reference now to the surrender
of certain contraband alien property. We have received no instruc-
tions whatsoever by the Attorney General, but by reading the news-
papers and listening to our radios we learn that on certain days up to
certain hours certain property was to be surrendered to the local police.
In certain cities the police refused to receive that property. And
properly so. They had no official instructions whatsoever, but just
11110 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
taking it for granted that newspaper publicity was correct and perhaps
the radio people were correct, we in Berkeley set about to prepare our
receipts so that we would be properly protected. Our printer worked
all night in order that we would be ready. We had to staff our offices,
and in about 3 days I believe over 400 different aliens brought in
property worth thousands of dollars. Some of it was very bulky.
All of that movement was carried on without any official instructions
whatsoever from any Federal agency.
The Chairman. Of course, that is right in line with this investiga-
tion. We were hardly here before we came across the situation with
respect to a custodian for alien property. The reason for that is
simply this, that the pressure from the Pacific coast for a solution of
that problem is greater than from any part of the United States. In
New York, in the New England States, it is not present there at all.
So it has been sort of lagging here on account of jurisdiction. The
problem is the jurisdiction of the agency that should handle it. There
should be a regional custodian right here for this alien property.
Whether it is livestock or whether it is furniture or what not, there
should be someone in charge to see that they are not cheated out
of the value of their property by reason of forced sale or something
of that kind.
I think that is the most immediate thing. Speaking for myself as
one member of this committee, we are not going to wait for our report
but we are going to wire them to that effect. When this evacuation
starts tomorrow, it is simply going to be terrible. I am glad you
brought that out. We have been constantly considering that situa-
tion, Captain.
Mr. Johnson. I would also like to add that the police in the East
Bay cities have any number of times daily endeavored to obtain
official instructions from somebody here in San Francisco, but the
official information is just not available. We cannot get it either
from the United States attorney's office or from anybody else's office.
The Chairman. Maybe they don't know.
Mr. Johnson. I couldn't say.
The Chairman. We have been moving pretty fast back there.
We have quite a problem.
BOUNDARIES OF MILITARY AREAS
Mr. Johnson. Just one more point and then I will be finished. On
this matter of the prohibited areas and restricted areas, in Berkeley,
Mr. Fisk already mentioned this and I just wanted to add a little
emphasis to what he said. A quarter of our city has been cut out
and designated as a class A prohibited area. That is on the north
side of University Avenue, but on the south side of University Avenue
I believe we have more important national defense industries than we
do on the north. That is in the wide-open area. It is not in the pro-
hibited area. The larger part of our aliens live in the south, in the
open area.
I don't know who laid out the boundary line, but I do know that
the local authorities were not consulted and the boundary line was
cut out at a street that was straight and then another at right angles.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11111
Then there were two streets that run parallel, and then there was a
twilight zone and nobody knew where the line was for several blocks.
That is all I have.
The Chairman. Of course, there should be coordination. That
is why we are out here — to learn from the people themselves who
are directly involved in the problems. We are more or less of a
sounding board to get that back to Washington. I think that is
very valuable.
Mr. Schwanenberg. I would just like to make one comment to
bear out what Chief Smith and Captain Johnson have stated. At a
certain golf course in California where they make reservations for
Sunday golf playing, it is frequented by a large number of Japanese
who hold reservations for every Sunday morning. Some of these
Japanese, part of them at least, are American citizens. On the
morning of December 7 there wasn't a Japanese that showed up on
that golf course to claim his reservation and play golf that morning.
Now, you can draw your own conclusions, but that is a fact.
The Chairman. Mayor Gaines, I think you said you probably
would have some more remarks to make. Is there anything further
that occurs to you? We are about finished now because we have so
many more witnesses.
multiplicity of investigations
Mayor Gaines. Congressman Tolan, I had in mind dealing with
the point that has been emphasized by Captain Johnson and by your-
self in your comments. I do feel that there is great need for more
coordinated effort. For instance, in the case of the intelligence serv-
ices themselves, at the present time the F. B. I. and the intelligence
services of the Army and Navy are working on this problem. So far
as I can see they are not coordinating their own efforts. The result
is that there are a great many enemy aliens who are subjected to a
series of investigations.
The Chairman. May I interrupt you there? Why don't you gen-
tlemen who appeared here this morning reduce to writing and send
to this committee to Washington recommendations on just that point,
coordination between the local officers, and the Army, and the F. B. I.,
and the Navy Intelligence? That will be of great assistance to us
and it may be very helpful in our national defense program. I think
you can do it as applicable to the East Bay district. I think that can
be done because, after all is said and done, on March 16 we have to
get a report in with certain recommendations.
You can give us some cases where it works out. Also in regard to
that area that you mentioned in Berkeley. I don't know how those
areas were established. I have no idea about that. The jurisdiction
is in the Army.
Mayor Gaines. I have in mind particularly the matter of intelli-
gence at the moment, although the area problem quite obviously
needs some attention.
I have just one other comment at the moment. I may submit some
information to the committee subsequently. I understand the record
is to be kept open for a time.
The Chairman. Yes.
11112 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
SHOULD NOT RELAX VIGILANCE TOWARD ITALIANS AND GERMANS
Mayor Gaines. I do feel that while there is an important difference
between Japanese aliens and Germans and Italians that it would be
unwise to relax vigilance so far as the Italians and the Germans are
concerned. We are well aware of the activities of Fritz Weidemann
and his staff here on the coast prior to the time he was returned to
Germany by our own Government, and undoubtedly there has been
a continuing, subtle, persistent Nazi activity. Therefore, while we
do need to differentiate to a degree, it is nevertheless wise to keep a
vigilant eye on both German and Italian nationals as well.
I think that is all for the present, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Mr. Hassler?
Mr. Hassler. I just want to say one word, Congressman, and
that is this. You say to write a letter to the committee, but that
takes so much time. I think we need immediate action on one
matter, and that is this: That in the East Bay cities we should have
a representative of the military forces to advise with local govern-
ment. I think that should be done by recommendation of your
committee by wire to the proper authorities immediately. In other
words, when they established this prohibited area it was not done
by taking it up with the local authorities and the twilight zone
spoken of here may have been also done in other cities. One repre-
sentative of the armed forces in our entire county would be enough,
but he could advise with us and find out if we are doing the job
right. I think it would show where other prohibited zones could be
established.
Procrastination has been shown in the burning of the Normandie
and fires in the East and many other catastrophes in other parts of
the country. But we wait for advice, we wrrite letters, and time
passes.
Mr. Fisk. May I say this, Mr. Chairman? I wrote to the Army
about a week or 10 days ago and asked them if they had somebody
to sit down with us and tell us how these areas were established. I
have had no reply to that, I was out of the city Friday and Saturday.
I know the Army has a lot of things to do, but I think this is a
matter of some immediacy, and I am certain that we can all work
together to the general interests of the public. But I agree with
what Mr. Hassler has said. This is not the time to wait on these
things. It is the time to act, We ought to act in a proper manner.
That is what all of us want to do, but I think we should do it now and
not 30 days from nowT or some other time.
The Chairman. I don't think it will take long. I think all we
have to do is to ask General DeWitt, He has the jurisdiction.
Mr. Hassler. That would be the thing to do. There should be
some way to get them over tomorrow or this afternoon. Immediately,
anyhow.
The Chairman. Let me ask you this question. In regard to these
statistics has the Army consulted with you local officials at all about
it?
Mr. Hassler. I have never seen any of them.
Mr. Fisk. No, sir.
The Chairman. Who makes the survey of it?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11113
Mr. Fisk. Of the districts? That is something that we have been
unable to find.
ARBITRARY DESIGNATION OF MILITARY DISTRICT
Chief Smith. They evidently took a map, Mr. Chairman, and arbi-
trarily made the districts.
Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, one point I would like to mention
just because it is specific. For weeks we have been told through the
medium of the press that on February 24 large numbers of aliens
would be evacuated from certain districts. Now we understand that
the local authorities are not going to do it, that it is probably going
to be done by some Federal agency. Which one we don't know.
NO INSTRUCTIONS TO LOCAL OFFICERS CONCERNING EVACUATION
Recently the newspapers have said it was to be done by the Army.
However, today is the 23d and we have received no official instruc-
tions whatsoever as to how it is to be done, who will do it, and any
other details. I know we haven't in Berkeley and I don't believe the
other jurisdictions have either. And today is the day preceding the
evacuation. We don't know who is going to do it or how it is going
to be done. Still, understand, normally when a State or Federal
officer comes into our city he immediately contacts the local police
forces for assistance. He doesn't know what the streets are, he
doesn't know the people. So the customary thing is to contact our
officers.
The Chairman. In other words, if this committee had not come out
here it would have remained in status quo? This problem would not
have been solved at all; isn't that right? This is about the only way
we could get it to the Government?
Mr. Fisk. That is perhaps the only way Congress would have
gotten it. I think we would have had to find some way of getting
act on.
The Chairman. We will take that up with General DeWitt today.
Mr. Hassler. You will be in contact with the general today?
The Chairman. I will have to call him up. We will be in hearings
all day today. But it is too bad we did not have this panel on Satur-
day. We were with him an hour Saturday afternoon and we could
have discussed that right with him. Now, we will have to call him
up before we leave.
I think that is very, very important. I am glad you brought it up,
because those are the things that count.
Mayor Gaines. I might point out that midnight tonight is the
deadline really on this thing
The Chairman. Yes; I know.
Did you have anything, Congressman Arnold?
Mr. Arnold. I would like to ask a few questions on my own
responsibility without having consulted you.
I realize, Mr. Chairman, that you are familiar with this area and
this is the area from which you come. Anyone can answer these
questions who sees fit.
11114 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Is it your idea that the local authorities should have the responsi-
bility of saying which Italian and German aliens are evacuated and
which remain?
Chief Smith. No.
DECISION ON CATEGORIES FOR ALIENS
Mayor Gaines. I may answer that, since I believe I raised the point.
First of all, I think there should be three categories established: The
dangerous, the suspicious, and the friendly.
Mr. Arnold. How are you going to determine that?
Mayor Gaines. Within the" friendly category, I think the local
authorities should be consulted without question on the ground that
they are most familiar with local folk and are best qualified to deal
with local situations.
Mr. Arnold. Who can say who is friendly and who is unfriendly?
Do you think your local authorities want to take that responsibility?
Mr. Schwanenberg. No, no.
Mayor Gaines. I think the Federal authorities can determine first
of all who are dangerous. Certainly they would have a pretty good
idea as to who are suspicious. That of necessity leaves a residue that
might be counted friendly but subject to further investigation.
Mr. Arnold. Of course; I hope the F. B. I. has all that information,
but their force is not large and there are a great many aliens on this
coast of Italian descent and perhaps of German descent. I don't
know how many German aliens you have.
Mayor Gaines. A great many.
Mr. Arnold. I come from a district that is one-third German; very
few aliens, however. I don't know just how any agency of the Gov-
ernment, or local agency either, would determine who is loyal and who
is not loyal, even among the citizens.
Mr. Hassler. Congressman, I feel that the Department of Justice
cooperating with the local police force could determine that. It
wouldn't be any problem there at all.
Mr. Arnold. Do you think we have time for all that?
Mr. Hassler. No ; not now.
Mayor Slavich. Midnight tonight is the border-line point.
Mr. Hassler. We have been in the war 3 months almost and we
are just taking that question up now.
Mr. Arnold. I mean as to the future. I am not referring to the
ones who are to be evacuated tomorrow, but we all know of this
recent Executive order. Do you think we have time to study indi-
vidual situations?
Mr. Hassler. We presumed that the Department of Justice had
all these cases investigated and ready for the evacuation, because they
didn't contact us and we, of course, took it for granted that they knew
what they were doing and that they would handle the cases.
Mr. Arnold. Don't you believe that the Army will have to take
into consideration the fact that if they leave one alien Italian family,
for instance, and remove another there will be a great deal of hard
feeling toward the Government on the part of those who are removed?
They will claim they are as loyal as the ones who remain.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11115
Mayor Gaines. Congressman, I might suggest that perhaps it is
necessary to act under a sweeping order in this case, but that does not
necessarily need to be final. Those persons, who by reasonable test
can be determined to be loyal, can later be restored to then own sur-
roundings.
Mayor Slavich. Would you remove them in the meantime?
Mayor Gaines. Well, tonight is the deadline. I don't know if you
can do anything else. But it can be straightened out later.
no mass evacuation anticipated
The Chairman. Tonight is the deadline for this evacuation, but
there are going to be more evacuations. General DeWitt said
Saturday afternoon to the public that there is not going to be any
mass evacuation, it is going to probably be done over weeks and
months. So what we are now talking about is not on the borderline of
tonight, but the future evacuations. I thought that your ideas were
simply to cooperate with the F. B. I. and the Army. That was the
idea, was it not? To give them whatever information you have?
Mayor Gaines. That is all right, too. But so far as enemy aliens
are concerned tonight is the deadline. Now, as to second generation
folk, that is left under the Presidential order, as I understand it, to the
discretion of the Army. That can take place over a period of time.
But so far as enemy aliens are concerned, midnight tonight apparently
is the deadline.
Mr. Arnold. You gentlemen don't think that men in politics
should have the final say as to who is removed and who isn't?
Mayor Slavich. No. Don't ask the mayor to appoint a committee.
Mr. Arnold. I know. As a Member of Congress, I have been
glad that we didn't have to say who was to go into the Army and who
wasn't, especially before December 7. It was pretty "hot." These
mothers all wanted their boys out of the Army and I was very glad
to leave those decisions to the War Department. I just wondered
if you, out here in the Bay Area, wanted political considerations to
enter into it.
Mayor Slavich. We are rationing tires. We don't want to ration
anything like tins.
Mr. Fisk. All we want is to get it done on the best basis possible
and we want it done quickly. We don't want it put on a political
basis.
Mr. Arnold. You want everybody who is disloyal to this country
removed, and people who are loyal to remain?
Mayor Gaines. That is right. Speaking for myself, it makes no
difference who accomplishes it, the Army, the Navy, or what you
call "political" so long as it is done. I think it is a public duty.
Mr. Arnold. Of course, the Army is responsible for the defense
of this coast and you, as city officials, are mighty glad that you have
someone who is defending the coast and is responsible for it.
Mr. Fisk. That is right.
Mr. Arnold. And I take it you don't want to interfere with this
defense, but you don't want hardships to be worked on people whom
you feel are loyal?
Mayor Gaines. That is correct.
60396— 42— pt. 29 11
11116 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
SHOULD REALIZE MILITARY NECESSITY FOR EVACUATION
Mr. Schwanenberg. I would rather see 50,000 people put in a
camp and be sure that we were protected than to have one person
stay out of an internment camp who was a danger to the protection
of this coast. That is my position.
The Chairman. And you say that because just one individual
can cause a lot of damage?
Mr. Schwanenberg. That is right. Ard there are nearly a million
people in our area that we, as city officials, feel definitely responsible
for.
Mr. Sparkman. Don't you feel that a person of alien ancestry
should, if he is a loyal American citizen, realize that this evacuation
is necessary for the security of our Nation, and be willing to abide
by the military decision and simply count it as a sacrifice necessary
in war time?
Mr. Schwanenberg. If he is a good American citizen he should
be glad to do it.
Mr. Sparkman. Now, there has been some complaint, and I
think a just complaint, about the lack of coordination. You gentle-
men understand, of course, that prior to this Executive order there
wasn't any well-defined authority as to who was to do these various
things. General DeWitt, as a matter of fact, did not receive his
instructions until yesterday. I am wondering if you have made any
effort in the last day or two to form a committee for the purpose of
contacting General DeWitt, or anyone whom he might designate,
to discuss these matters with you?
Mr. Schwanenberg. We haven't formed a committee, but we
have a very active committee in Alameda County, in which all of
the defense council and all of the municipalities are represented.
All of these problems are taken up and discussed and handled through
them. We could have a meeting within an hour from now.
Mr. Sparkman. Has that council or committee or any committee
made any effort to have a meeting?
Mr. Schwanenberg. I don't believe so, although we have contacted
the various Government agencies, the F. B. L, the United States
attorney's office and all the agencies that we knew about.
Mr. Sparkman. That was prior to Friday.
Mr. Schwanenberg. That's right.
Mr. Sparkman. But we understand now that the authority is
vested in one man.
Mr. Schwanenberg. Up to this moment I didn't know. I
wasn't aware of that fact.
EFFORTS TO CONTACT AUTHORITIES
Mr. Fisk. Congressman, as I said a few minutes ago, I mailed a
letter and was told it should have gone, after a lot of time was wasted
trying to find the right person, to the commanding general of the
Army in this area. That letter was sent to him; it has been there for
some time and I have yet to hear from him.
Mr. Sparkman. Yes; but you must appreciate this fact: That
prior to the President's Executive order and prior to his receipt of
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11117
instructions under that Executive order he was probably as badly in
the dark as you were.
Mr. Fisk. I am perfectly willing to grant that, but let us not have
the idea prevalent here that nobody has made any attempt to find out.
Mr. Sparkman. No; the thing I am trying to get across is that
things have been changed materially since Friday, and I simply offer
it as a suggestion that you gentlemen make an effort to establish
contact with General DeWitt or someone.
Mr. Fisk. I am willing to keep trying.
Mr. Sparkman. Or someone under him whom he charges with that
responsibility. Personally, I think that such a contact would be
welcomed by those in authority, and I think it would be a fine thing
for you to do it.
Here is one other point that I want to be sure that we get clear.
Reference has been made several times to the fact that in dealing with
these hardship cases, and even in defining dangerous zones or strategic
areas, and so forth, the local authorities probably knew more about it
than the others. Of course, that is true and they should be used;
any information that they have should certainly be made use of.
But I don't believe anv of you gentlemen want to leave the impression
that the final decision in any of these matters should rest with anyone
except the one who has the responsibility of the coast defenses.
Isn't that correct?
Mr. Fisk. Right.
Mr. Schwanenberg. Right.
Mr. Sparkman. In other words, in every instance final decision
would be his?
Mr. Fisk. That is right.
Mr. Schwanenberg. I just want to say this in order to clear any-
thing that might have been said. As far as the cities on our side have
been concerned, we have received the finest of cooperation from both
the Army and the Navy. The cooperation has been wonderful and
they have assisted us to the limit of their ability and possibly to the
limit of their power to do so. We have very friendly relations with
all of them.
Mr. Fisk. That is correct. That goes for our city.
The Chairman. Gentlemen, we appreciate very much your coming
here this morning. We have learned some very valuable facts from
this panel. We are very grateful, as I say, for your attendance here.
I have traveled about 50,000 miles and it is nice to be back home
looking into the faces of my constituents. We thank you very much.
We will stand in recess for 5 minutes.
(Whereupon a short recess was taken.)
The Chairman. The committee will please come to order.
Mrs. Crivello? Congressman Sparkman will ask the questions.
TESTIMONY OF MRS. JOHN DAMATO, TESTIFYING FOR MRS.
FRANCESCA CRIVELLO, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Rispoli. I am Mr. Rispoli, of the Italian Welfare Agency.
Mrs. Crivello does not speak English and I prefer her daughter,
Mrs. Damoto, speak.
Mr. Sparkman. You are the daughter of Mrs. Crivello?
11118 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. Mr. Rispoli, are you connected with the family?
Mr. Rispoli. No, no. I am executive secretary of the Italian
Welfare Agency, which is a Community Chest agency.
Mr. Sparkman. Mrs. Damato, will you give Mrs. Crivello's full
name?
Mrs. Damato. Francesca Crivello.
Mr. Sparkman. Where does she live?
Mrs. Damato. 2751 Hyde Street, San Francisco.
Mr. Sparkman. Who lives with her?
Mrs. Damato. Two sons and one daughter are living there at the
present time.
Mr. Sparkman. What are the names of the children?
Mrs. Damato. One is Nicholas Crivello. The second is Vincent
Crivello, and the other Tillie Crivello.
Mr. Sparkman. Do these children work?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. What do they do?
Mrs. Damato. Nicholas is a police officer in San Francisco and
Vincent had his own business until 3 days ago when he entered the
Naval Reserve on Treasure Island. He is in the Navy now. Tillie
stays home. She takes care of the house with my mother.
Mr. Sparkman. Who supports your mother?
Mrs. Damato. My brother, Nicholas.
Mr. Sparkman. She is a widow?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. Is her home in a prohibited or restricted area?
Mrs. Damato. Yes; it is in a prohibited area.
Mr. Sparkman. Is she a citizen?
Mrs. Damato. No.
Mr. Sparkman. Are the children citizens?
Mrs. Damato. Yes; we were all born here in the United States.
Mr. Sparkman. How many children are there in all?
Mrs. Damato. Eight.
Mr. Sparkman. And all eight are American citizens?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. One is a police officer of the city of San Fran-
cisco?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. One is in the United States Navy?
Mrs. Damato. The United States Navy. Then I have another
one in the United States Navy in Pearl Harbor.
Mr. Sparkman. You mean another brother?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. You have two brothers in the Navy?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. Will it be necessary for your mother to move
tomorrow?
Mrs. Damato. Yes. She will be the only member in the family
who has to move and she owns her own home here. The family owns
the home.
Mr. Sparkman. The family owns the home?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11119
Mrs. Damato. The family owns the home; yes. She is the only one
who has to leave home. She has to leave and she feels badly about
leaving the rest of the family. She is the only one that has to go.
Mr. Sparkman. Where will she go?
Mrs. Damato. To my sister. I have a married sister living in
Greenwich Street in San Francisco.
Mr. Sparkman. In the same city?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. And she will go over to the home of your married
sister?
Mrs. Damato. Yes. But she feels she should be in her own home.
She feels more independent.
Mr. Sparkman. And how long has she lived in the United States?
Mrs. Damato. Forty years.
Mr. Sparkman. Where was she born?
Mrs. Damato. In Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
Mr. Sparkman. How old is she now?
Mrs. Damato. Sixty-two.
Mr. Sparkman. How does it happen that she never became an
American citizen?
ILLITERACY AS BAR TO NATURALIZATION
Mrs. Damato. She was illiterate. She didn't know how to read
or write Italian either, and then when she came here she started to
raise this large family and she didn't have time for anything. She
just worked night and day and it never entered her mind in any. way
that she should become a citizen for any reason, because she always
felt loyal to the United States. In fact, she always feels that this is
her own country. And now when she is ordered to evacuate she feels
that she is a citizen and shouldn't be treated that way.
Mr. Sparkman. Your father was not an American citizen?
Mrs. Damato. No. He was illiterate also and it never entered
his mind either to become a citizen because he didn't know how to
read or write and it is difficult for anyone who doesn't know a language.
Mr. Sparkman. Suppose later it becomes necessary to move still
farther into the interior, where will she go?
Mrs. Damato. She has nowhere to go.
Mr. Sparkman. Do all of the children live in San Francisco?
Mrs. Damato. We all live here in San Francisco.
Mr. Sparkman. With the exception of the one that is at Pearl
Harbor?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. Does she feel that some provision should be made
whereby cases such as hers would be taken care of?
Mrs. Damato. Yes; she does. She feels that there should be some-
thing done.
Mr. Sparkman. I am sure, however, she realizes that in a time of
great national emergency such as this is all of us are going to be called
upon for sacrifices.
Mrs. Damato. Yes; she understands that.
Mr. Sparkman. And that if she does go or if she does have to
move farther into the interior, that will be reckoned as her sacrifice
in winning the war.
11120 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mrs. Damato. Yes; she realizes that.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you have anything further to say, or I wonder
if your mother would like to add anything to what you have already
said?
Mrs. Damato. She can't speak very good English, though, but she
does feel as if she shouldn't be treated as an enemy alien — as a dan-
gerous alien. She thinks she ought to have a little more consideration
because she has two sons in the service and she has been here for years,
most of her life. As far as she is concerned she feels as much a citizen
as we American-born citizens. All her sentiments, all her feelings are
for the United States. She has no thought of Italy in any way.
Mr. Sparkman. And any distinction between her and the rest of us
would be technical?
Airs. Damato. Yes. She raised all her children here and we are
all Americans. We all have American sentiments and feelings. She
always thought of this country as her own country and she thinks she
ought to be treated in a more considerate manner, that she shouldn't
be sent away from her home. That is the way she feels about it.
She feels that she is being sent away, while the rest of the family are
being allowed to stay.
Mr. Sparkman. Of course, you appreciate the difficulty of our
drawing the line at some particular dividing point?
Mrs. Damato. Yes; I understand. But she thinks that something
should be done to sort out the friendly people and send them back to
their homes.
Mr. Sparkman. You think there might be some system of registra-
tion?
Mrs. Damato. I think so. I think there should be.
Mr. Sparkman. A requirement to carry an identification card, a
permit of some kind?
Mrs. Damato. And then people who have known her all these years,
know her character and know her ways, could sponsor her. She could
have sponsors for her.
Mr. Sparkman. I believe you agree with me that we all have a
feeling that in solving this problem every effort will be made to see
that proper provision is made for deserving cases?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. This is one problem that must be solved without
a great deal of time in which to work out the details?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. But I believe that we can feel certain that every
effort will be made to see that all deserving persons receive full and
proper consideration.
Mrs. Damato. And then she is under a doctor's care. She goes
there about once a month for her heart condition and blood pressure.
Mr. Arnold. Do you feel that after she is removed from her home
to that of your sister that, if it is possible, the Government should
have a reviewing agency?
Mrs. Damato. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. To carefully go into individual cases, and where
they are satisfied beyond a doubt that such persons as your mother
are loyal to the United States, they should then be allowed to return
to their home imder some sort of license or identification?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11121
Mrs. Damato. Yes. I think that there should be. Yes, that is
what I think should be done.
Mr. Arnold. And then not be removed in future evacuations?
Mrs. Damato. Especially if they should have to evacuate into the
interior. We don't want to see her go away because she is alone and
she isn't well.
Mr. Arnold. We hope that will be worked out.
Mr. Sparkman. Have any of the children been educated in Italy?
Mrs. Damato. No.
Mr. Sparkman. Have any of them been back to Italy?
Mrs. Damato. No. We have always been here in San Francisco.
Mr. Sparkman. What degree of education have they received in
this country?
Mrs. Damato. Most of them just went through grammar school
and a few of them had 1 or 2 years of high school, but they have never
been to college. None of us has been to college.
Mr. Sparkman. All of them have been engaged in various activities?
Mrs. Damato. All of them have been engaged in various activities,
yes-
Mr. Sparkman. They have all been law-abiding citizens?
Mrs. Damato. Oh, yes. They have all got jobs, you know.
Mr. Sparkman. Thank you very much. We appreciate your com-
ing and presenting this case to us.
Mrs. Damato. Thank you.1
Mr. Sparkman. Mrs. Maniscalo.
Mr. Arnold. Let us have the entire family. We will make room
for you up here.
Mr. Kjspoli. This is just part of the family. There are 12 in the
family.
TESTIMONY OF MRS. LUCIANO MANISCALO, SAN FRANCISCO,
CALIF.
Mr. Arnold. What is your name and address?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Luciano Maniscalo, 1846 Powell Street.
Mr. Arnold. North Beach?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Yes, sir.
Mr. Arnold. What are the ages of you and your husband?
Mrs. Maniscalo. My husband was 59 years old on February 14th
and I was 48 January the 12th.
Mr. Arnold. And how long have you been married?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Thirty years on "Disaster Day," the 7th of
December.
Mr. Arnold. How many children do you have?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Twelve.
Mr. Arnold. Are some of the children in the armed services?
FOUR CHILDREN IN THE ARMED SERVICES
Mrs. Maniscalo. One is in the United States Navy; he has been
there 7 years. One is on a United States transport; he has been there
a couple of months. One is in the Army; he is in Tacoma, Wash;
' The committee was later advised by Mrs. Damato that her mother had been allowed to return to her
home.
11122 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
My daughter is in the ambulance corps and the other was reclassified
for the Army. I don't know what class yet. We are waiting for his
class.
Mr. Arnold. The one in the Navy is a volunteer?
Mrs. Maniscalo. He volunteered 7 years ago. He finished 7
years on the 18th of January.
Mr. Arnold. And the one in the transport service, of course he
volunteered for that service?
Mrs. Maniscalo. He volunteered for the transport. And there
is one in the Army. He was drafted on June the 3d of 1941. My
daughter volunteered in September. I don't remember the date;
she is the one in the Ambulance Corps.
Mr. Arnold. Which children are here with you today?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Well, there is one more small, one between
them [indicating].
Mr. Arnold. Give their ages.
Mrs. Maniscalo. Luciano, he is 14. Rosie, she is 6. Michael is
10 and Angelino will be 4.
Mr. Arnold. And where are the other four children?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Home.
Mr. Arnold. What are their ages?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Marion, she is 21; Joseph, 16; and Theresa, she
is going to be 9, and Frances is 12.
Mr. Arnold. What occupation has your husband practiced for the
last 20 years?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Well, at first he used to work at the Union Iron
Works and he went to Alaska. Then he got his boat and he has
been a fisherman for 20 years.
Mr. Arnold. He bought a boat and has been a fisherman?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. For 20 years?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Twenty years he has been a fisherman.
Mr. Arnold. Was he able to make a good living at crab fishing?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Well, when they was catching crab they was
doing all right. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Mr. Arnold. He raised a pretty good sized family, though.
Mrs. Maniscalo. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. And apparently a fine, patriotic family. Has your
husband been able to obtain any work since the 7th of December?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No, sir.
Mr. Arnold. He was barred from fishing after December 7?
Mrs. Maniscalo. That's right.
Mr. Arnold. And he has been without work since?
Mrs. Maniscalo. He hasn't been working since.
Mr. Arnold. Do you rent your own home?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. What rent do you have to pay?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Thirty dollars beside gas and electric.
Mr. Arnold. How are you able to make ends meet since your
husband became unemployed?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Well, one of my boys, the one that is on the
transport, he gives me $50 and another boy gives me $20 a month,
and whatever my daughter makes, what she can spare, she gives me.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11123
She makes $18 a week and she gives me whatever she can spare out
of it.
Mr. Arnold. None of your children are married, are they?
Mrs. Maniscalo. My son in the Navy got married just before he
left for Pearl Harbor.
Mr. Arnold. His wife is back with her folks?
Mrs. Maniscalo. She is in Long Beach.
Mr. Arnold. Are you a citizen and is your husband a citizen?
Mr. Maniscalo. My husband is not a citizen, but I am a citizen.
I lost my rights, but I took my citizenship. I lost my rights when I
married him, and then in 1934 I got my papers out.
Mr. Arnold. When did he come to the United States?
Mrs. Maniscalo. August 2, 1901.
Mr. Arnold. And where has he lived since he came to this country?
Mrs. Maniscalo. He arrived in New York City and then he went
to Buffalo, N. Y. Then he went to New Orleans and he came to
Pensacola where I was born, and we got married there.
Mr. Arnold. How long has he been in San Francisco?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Since March 12, 1917.
Mr. Arnold. You say you were married in Pensacola?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Yes. I was born there.
Mr. Arnold. That is your home?
Mrs. Maniscalo. That is my home.
Mr. Arnold. Has your husband made any effort to become a
citizen?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Oh, yes; many times. He went in 1932. He
was examined and he passed a hundred percent, him and his two
witnesses. But he don't know how to write his name, and I have
tried since and he can't learn yet.
Mr. Arnold. He can't learn it?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No. Sometimes he even cried. He tries ot
write and he can't do it.
Mr. Arnold. Can he write in Italian?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No.
Mr. Arnold. He has no education in Italian?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No, none at all.
Mr. Arnold. Is that the only thing that prevents him from being a
citizen?
Mrs. Maniscalo. That is all. We have been trying many times.
We even tried as soon as the outbreak of war.
Mr. Arnold. Is he as loyal an American as you are?
Mrs. Maniscalo. I think he is more loyal than I am.
Mr. Arnold. Has he ever returned to Italy?
Mrs. Maniscalo. He has never gone back to Italy. In fact, I
don't think he ever wrote to Italy for the last 16 years, so he is more
American than I am.
Mr. Arnold. And none of your children has been back there,
unless it would be the boy in the Navy?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No. He was born in Pensacola. Three of them
were born in Pensacola and nine of them in San Francisco.
Mr. Arnold. And, in fact, he has severed all connections with Italy?
I mean, with anyone in Italy? He hasn't written back there for 17
years?
11124 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mrs. Maniscalo. No; for 40 years. He hasn't been to Italy in
40 years.
Mr. Arnold. I say he hasn't written back there?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No. We don't know what became of his people
or anything. He says his mother is dead and we never write .his
father.
Mr. Arnold. He has never been arrested for any crime?
Mrs. Maniscalo. For what?
Mr. Arnold. Your husband has never been arrested?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No. He brought me two crabs one time. He
brought me two crabs home one time. He got arrested for bringing
some crabs home one day, but I don't call that arrested.
Mr. Arnold. I wouldn't think so. Am I correct that you were
only on relief during the depression years?
Mrs. Maniscalo. During the depression, and there was another
time. Well, it was during depression, I guess. One time they had a
very bad season of crab. I was on relief, too, but I don't remember.
Mr. Arnold. Does he have any membership in any Italian organiza-
tions?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No.
Mr. Arnold. He attends no meetings of any kind?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No.
Mr. Arnold. In other words, you want to repeat that you think he
is as loyal as you, a native-born American?
Mrs. Maniscalo. I think he is just as good an American as I and
his sons and his daughters.
Mr. Arnold. Do you live in a restricted area?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No; I don't think that is in a restricted area.
Mr. Arnold. You don't have to move tomorrow?
Mrs. Maniscalo. No. He used to own his own boat and then he
gave it to me.
Mr. Arnold. Now, I want a picture of the group. I think that
would make a very good picture.
(Whereupon a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Maniscalo and the children
present was taken by a photographer.)
Mr. Arnold. That is all I have, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. I want to say that you certainly speak veiy fine
English yourself. The only thing that you can say against the record
of your husband is that they took two crabs away from him?
Mrs. Maniscalo. Well, he took a couple of crabs and brought them
home, and so he got arrested.
The Chairman. Is that the only time he ever did some "crabbing"
with you?
_ Mrs. Maniscalo. No. Now, don't say that. We do that some-
times. That is the reason we have gotten along for 30 years.
The Chairman. That is all.
Mr. Tramutolo.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11125
TESTIMONY OF CHAUNCEY TRAMUTOLO, ATTORNEY, FORMER
ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY, ALEXANDER BUILD-
ING, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
The Chairman. You may sit down, Mr. Tramutolo. Who is with
you, Mr. Tramutolo?
Mr. Tramutolo. I represent, together with Mr. Rispoli, executive
secretary of the Italian Welfare Agency (member agency Community
Chest of San Francisco), Citizens' Committee to Aid Italians Loyal
to the United States.
The Chairman. Give his full name to the reporter.
Mr. Tramutolo. Milano Rispoli.
The Chairman. I want to say that I have known Mr. Tramutolo
for 25 years. He is one of the leading attorneys in San Francisco.
I have great respect for him. We are pleased to have you appear here
Mr. Tramutolo. Congressman Sparkman will interrogate you.
Mr. Tramutolo. Thank you veiy much. May I make a state-
ment, gentlemen, that will clarify my position here?
REPRESENTS ITALIANS OF SAN FRANCISCO
I speak for a committee of businessmen and merchants of Italian
descent, all of whom are citizens, which committee represents the
Italian population, citizens and noncitizens, of San Francisco. The
estimated population of Italians here, both citizens and noncitizens,
is 70,000. Fully appreciating the present emergency this committee
met and at its initial meeting unanimously approved my acting as
its spokesman in order to present to you what we regard as hardship
cases which will be affected by the existing order of evacuation. At
this meeting we formulated a plan to present definite problems needing
immediate solution. We are not unmindful of the fact that the upper-
most and most important thing that should concern everyone is the
safety of our country.
You have already heard testimony that a large percentage of our
scavengers are aliens. I would rather use the word "noncitizen"
than "alien" because many of them have tried to become citizens but
were unable to do so because they cannot read or write the English
language. May I at this point make this observation, that there
are many Italians, who are unable to become citizens under the
present law, who are as loyal as many who have obtained their citi-
zenship papers, because they could read and write our language.
My remarks will be confined to the Italian situation existing here
because I am more familiar with it than I am with the others. I
desire to go on record as stating that there is no group in this area,
or elsewhere, who are more loyal than those of Italian descent. And
we would be delighted to know of any who are disloyal so that we
could assist the Government in getting rid of them. Our committee
is willing to cooperate at its own time and expense with the Army,
Navy, or any other branch of the Government in ferreting out those
who are disloyal, because it is to our interest as Americans to get rid
of them and to do so expeditiously. In an emergency such as we are
now confronted with there are many cases that you would not be
aware of unless they were brought to your attention.
You heard this morning a few cases which are examples of many
and I shall be pleased to give others to your committee should you
11126 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
desire them, provided that for the time being their names be not
revealed. The reason for making this request that their names be
withheld temporarily is that the parents do not like the attendant pub-
licity because they have children who are of school age and the pub-
licity would have a tendency to affect these children.
The scavengers' situation presents an important problem that must
be dealt with. These people of necessity must start their work after
midnight and in the early hours of the morning and finish as soon as
possible as the size of their wagons and the number of people who
work upon them, if they were to work after 7:30 in the morning, would
congest our already overcongested city.
The janitors' organization comprises in membership approximately
3,000, 1,200 of whom are noncitizens, and they must do their work
after office hours and work through midnight and until the early
hours of the morning and they cannot do so unless the curfew require-
ments are modified. Under the present military order aliens are
required to be off the streets and public places between 9 p. m. and
6 a. m.
I have turned over to Dr. Lamb the scavengers' and janitors'
problems and the problems of those who bring vegetables and produce
to our markets. The original letter containing these facts and signed
by their authenticated representatives have been delivered to Dr.
Lamb. In appearing before your committee I want to furnish you
with authentic information and not my personal views and con-
jectures for I know as legislators you want facts and not fiction.
SEVEN TYPICAL HARDSHIP CASES
A case typical of many that I could present is that of a family
present in this court today. The mother of this family is married to
an American citizen but upon attempting to prove it she was unable
to do so. This family has two children and they must vacate under
the existing military order of evacuation and they do not know where
to go. The two children, who are 9 and 11 years of age, were born
here and are attending school. The parents merely ask that the
order of evacuation be stayed until the school term ends around
May or June of this year. The loyalty of the mother can be vouched
for by her neighbors and if a bond were necessary her friends would
put up any reasonable bond so as to assure anyone of her loyalty.
May I state, Congressman Tolan, that this family lives in your district.
Another case that has been brought to my attention, typical of
many others, is that of a widow with eight children, who was born in
the United States and who resides in Salinas, Calif. With her eight
children she resides on a dairy farm, a half interest in which was left
to her by her deceased husband. This widow was born in the United
States but lost her citizenship by reason of the fact that she married
a noncitizen prior to 1922. As you are undoubtedly aware, anyone
who married an alien prior to 1922 lost her citizenship even though
born here. This widow has never been out of the United States and
her only means of livelihood is the dairy farm of which she owns a
half interest and the other half is owned by her brother-in-law, who
must vacate because he is an alien. I am sure you can readily appre-
ciate that it would be a tremendous hardship to ask this woman and her
children to remove from the dairy farm, which is in a prohibited area.
The attorney who represents this woman informs me that he has
applied for her repatriation. But I feel that unless more help is
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11127
given to the local naturalization office the tempo of their work cannot
be stepped up. I do not want to be understood as criticizing the
immigration and naturalization bureau, or the United States district
attorney's office, or the office headed by Mr. Clark, who represents
United States Attorney General Biddle in alien problems, because all
of them have been most cooperative, but as they are flooded with an
unusual amount of work they are unable to handle it because they
are understaffed. The naturalization bureau in this district is some-
thing like a year behind in its work.
SUGGESTS CHANGES IN NATURALIZATION LAWS
The Chairman. Eighteen months, I believe.
Mr. Tramutolo. As I said heretofore our committee wants to
cooperate with any agency in determining those who are loyal and
those who are disloyal, whether they be citizens or noncitizens.
Another hardship case that I have in mind is that of the father of a
San Francisco born boy who is very prominent and who is now in
the Navy and is one of Commander Tunney's righthand men. His
father has been a member of the carpenters' union for twenty-odd
years and his family consists of his wife and eight children all of
whom were born in the United States. The father is unable to
become a citizen because he cannot read or write the English language.
I am of the opinion that the naturalization laws should be amended
so that the determining factor in granting citizenship should be the
moral character of the applicant rather than the ability to read and
write. I think some modification or recommendation should be
made and that in determining one's qualifications for citizenship
the test should be, Is the applicant a person of good moral character?
Another case is that of a married man whose wife was born here.
They have five children who also were born here. The wife lost her
citizenship by reason of her marriage to this man prior to 1922. The
husband thereafter acquired his citizenship, but this fact did not
automatically restore his wife to citizenship. This situation becomes
merely a question of repatriation which she has applied for, but she
will not be restored to citizenship for many months to come because
of the congested condition of the naturalization office in this district,
and the Government in tins emergency should resort to using auxiliary-
help which is available here in California. I do not believe the tax-
payers should be burdened any more than they are at the present time
and the way to obviate any further load being placed on the taxpayers
is for the Government to avail itself of the services of patriotic in-
dividuals and groups who are willing to aid Government agencies
gratuitously.
Under the direction of Hon. C. J. Goodell, judge of the superior
court, local members of the bar association selected in excess of 22,000
air-raid wardens here in San Francisco who are to perform their work
at no expense to the taxpayers; likewise auxiliary police and firemen
were selected, none of whom are to be paid, who are rendering their
services for patriotic reasons. There should be established a com-
mittee or committees for determining the loyalty of the people who
are affected by the existing military order of evacuation.
11128 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The Chairman. All right.
Mr. Tramutolo. Our executive committee comprises 15 members
and we can increase this number if the military authorities or the
Federal Bureau of Investigation or any other Government agency
should ask that it be done, and we would be willing to function as a
committee to determine the loyalty of the Deople affected by the
existing order of evacuation. We are mindful of the fact that we are
not fighting to preserve property rights but that we are fighting for
our lives and to preserve our liberty.
THE DIMAGGIO FAMILY
The Chairman. Tell us about the DiMaggios. Tell us about
DiMaggio's father.
Mr. Tramutolo. Neither of the DiMaggio seniors is a citizen.
They have reared nine children, five boys and four girls, eight of whom
were born in the United States and the other one is a naturalized citi-
zen. Three of the boys are outstanding persons in the sports world.
Joe, who is with the Yanks, was leading hitter for both the American
and National Leagues during the years 1939 and 1940. His younger
brother Dominic is with the Boston Red Sox and his other brother,
Vincent, is with the Pittsburgh team of the National League. All
three are so outstanding in their profession that their record is well
known to every sports follower. With the DiMaggio children and
grandchildren they are a sizable number and if you could have
attended, as I did, the wedding of Joe DiMaggio here a few years ago,
you would have some realization of the size of the DiMaggio clan.
The senior DiMaggios, though noncitizens, are as loyal as anyone
could be.
The Chairman. What is the older DiMaggio's occupation?
Mr. Tramutolo. DiMaggio, Sr., is a fisherman and his two older
boys, Tom and Michael, are also fishermen. Joe and his brother
Dominic and the oldest boy of the family, Tom, own and operate a
splendid restaurant among the many located in the North Beach
section of our city. To evacuate the senior DiMaggios would, in
view of the splendid family they have reared and their unquestioned
loyalty, present, I am sure you will agree with me, a serious situation.
Many of the people affected by the existing order have boys and girls
in the armed forces or some branch of the Government doing defense
work. I believe that it would be destructive and have a tendency to
lower morale, which all of us are interested in building up, if infor-
mation should reach those in the armed forces that their relatives
have been ordered to move out of this area because unfortunately
they are not citizens. As I have stated, all of us are interested in
building up morale which is indispensable in our winning this war
and preserving our liberty.
most of us are descendants of aliens
The Chairman. In other words, this war is going to be over some
day and we still have got to deal with different races. Is that true?
Mr. Tramutolo. Ours is a cosmopolitan nation and as to many
of us it would not be necessary to go back farther than one generation
to establish the fact that we are descendants of aliens. As I stated
heretofore we should evolve some plan whereby we could determine
the loyalty of the people under consideration by your legislative com-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11129
mittee. I am positive that none of the members of our committee
nor the people whose cause we are pleading are in sympathy with
Italy's entry into this war. Mussolini's following, if it exists, is at
best negligible, and his followers in this area can be numbered on one's
hand cutting off four fingers. This is a crude way of expressing it
but what I am trying to convey to you is this: How could there pos-
sibly be any sympathy for Mussolini who plunged his country into
war and hasn't the faintest idea why he is in it and by his stupid act
has used and is using millions of boys and girls as cannon fodder?
There is no possible way that this war can end by which Italy will
come out successfully. So if there is any doubt in the minds of your
legislative committee or anyone else as to any person of Italian descent
having any sympathy for Mussolini's cause, I want to add that we
would like to know them as we are convinced that we could handle
their cases very effectively ourselves. Obviously, it would be to our
interest to do so.
Mr. Sparkman. Of course, you recognize the fact that there are
some areas from which everybody must be evacuated?
Mr. Tramutolo. Yes. That would apply to citizens and non-
citizens as well.
Mr. Sparkman. Citizens and noncitizens alike, yes. What would
be your recommendation as to the method of taking care of these hard-
ship cases? Would it be some kind of a permit to remain or move
back in?
COMMITTEE WOULD INVESTIGATE LOYALTY OF INDIVIDUALS
Mr. Tramutolo. Yes. Let me explain what we have in mind, Mr.
Sparkman. Suppose you were the one in authority in this area and
you said, "All right, Mr. Tramutolo, I will give your committee a list of
aliens in the San Francisco area to vouch for." In that event we would
bend backward in our care in making our investigation of such people,
for the instant you distrusted any of our recommendations, we would
be hurting the people whom we were endeavoring to help. This work
would not be undertaken for pay from the city, State, or Federal
Government, but we would do this work in the knowledge that we
were not only undertaking a worthy cause but that we would also be
rendering a patriotic service to our country. We would undertake to
give you every possible assurance as to the loyalty of the individual
involved.
We have in San Francisco, and I assume this is true elsewhere,
many cases where the husband is a citizen but the wife is not, and
vice versa, and many of these people have children who were born
here.
Mr. Sparkman. You would not develop a system whereby there
would be any group permits?
Mr. Tramutolo. No.
Mr Sparkman You would let each case stand upon its merits?
Mr. Tramutolo. Each case should be thoroughly investigated, for
we would realize that if the investigation were slipshod it would hurt
the people whom we were trying to help and certainly would hurt our
country with whose safety we are all concerned.
Mr. Sparkman. And you would not advocate, I am sure, taking
the final decision away from the one who is responsible for the defense
of this area?
11130 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Tramutolo. Not at all. There should be no difference as to
where responsibility should lie. It should lie with those in charge of
our defense. And if in the wisdom of General DeWitt, who is in charge
on the west coast, after submitting to him the problem of the individual
involved, he should say, "Well, I am sorry, but the individual has to
be evacuated," that should be final, as authority should rest with the
one in charge of the defense of this State.
Mr. Sparkman. Have you made any effort to contact General
DeWitt or anyone under him with reference to some such plan?
Mr. Tramutolo. Well, we have gone so far as to have had a meeting
with State Attorney General Earl Warren, who in turn suggested that
we should contact General DeWitt with respect to the problems we
explained to him (State Attorney General Earl Warren). I am sure
you will agree that General DeWitt is tremendously overworked and
nothing would please us more than, at his convenience, to sit down
and give him our views in line with what I have explained here today.
If I recall correctly, England went through the very same thing
that we are going through now and England determined, so far as
aliens in her country were concerned, that they would have to prove
their loyalty before any consideration would be given them and, mind
you, they required Americans to do the very same thing as they were
classed as aliens. I do not believe it should be done on a group basis.
I believe each case should be presented individually. Further, some
machinery should be set up so as not to put additional burden upon
the Army authorities or Government bureaus, and it is in this respect
that we recommend that auxiliary help be resorted to from groups that
can be trusted to do this work of investigating. There are in this
area many loyal persons who are awaiting their citizenship but whose
cases cannot be acted upon because the naturalization office is already
overburdened with work and in my opinion is understaffed. This
situation could be relieved if the Government were to accept auxiliary
help along the lines that I have indicated heretofore such as was used
in selecting air raid wardens and auxiliary police and firemen.
Mr. Sparkman. In the event it should be necessary to evacuate
large numbers of Italian aliens from this area what proposal would you
offer with reference to the handling of the evacuation and also with
reference to employing those people after they have been evacuated?
EVACUATION AID
Mr. Tramutolo. I have not given thought to the question that you
have asked me nor do I at present have a solution for it. However, if
an order should be issued requiring Italian aliens to remove from the
Coast inland, say twenty-five, fifty or more miles, we would endeavor
to ascertain what counties would receive them and I feel that the
counties would welcome them for they would be of a desirable type.
Mr. Sparkman. I believe that is all, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Chauncey, I think you have a pretty good idea
there. In other words, you are not quarreling with the jurisdiction
of General DeWitt?
Mr. Tramutolo. Not at all.
The Chairman. Or the Army and the Navy. But you want to be
helpful. Now, the evacuation goes into effect tonight; of course we
can't do anything about that. But there will be other evacuations
ordered under the Executive order of the President. That is what we
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11131
are concerned about. That order provides, of course, that all citizens
can be evacuated.
Mr. Tramutolo. That is true.
The Chairman. If I get your testimony clear, you feel this: That
the law enforcement officers of the State of California as well as com-
mittees such as you describe can be helpful to General DeWitt in the
reduction of hardship cases?
Mr. Tramutolo. That's correct.
The Chairman. All right. I think that Attorney General Warren
should see General DeWitt. We saw him Saturday afternoon.
You feel, Chauncey, that you could take the block where you live,
for instance, and you could discover and report to General DeWitt or
the F. B. I. any disloyal person in that block pretty accurately, could
you not?
Mr. Tramutolo. Without any doubt.
The Chairman. I think you have got something there. We will
contact h'im again before we leave and tell him what you say and
what the other witnesses have said here. I want to repeat again that
the war is going to be over sometime. We hope it will be very soon.
And we will still have to live with our people. Is that true?
Mr. Tramutolo. Yes.
The Chairman. Mr. Tramutolo, the papers you submitted citing
two hardship cases will be made a part of the record.
(The papers referred to above are as follows:)
Two Samples of Hardship Resulting from Evacuation
MARGUERITE VALDEZ VEZZOLO
Born at San Ardo, Calif., February 22, 1898. Resides in Salinas, Calif.
Married Battista Vezzolo, a native of Italy, on January 3, 1917, at Gonzales,
Calif. Battista Vezzolo died in this country January 27, 1941.
By reason of her marriage to an alien, Mrs. Vezzolo lost her citizenship. A peti-
tion for her repatriation is now pending.
She has eight children; the oldest is 25 years old and the youngest 5 years old.
All were born in this country.
She owns a one-half interest in dairy property which is in prohibited area.
The other half interest is owned by her brother-in-law who is an alien. Mrs.
Vezzolo and her children and also her brother-in-law will have to move out of the
prohibited area.
MR. AND MRS. EMILIO RESTANI
Mr. Restani has been in the United States since 1901. He married Mrs.
Restani, who was an American citizen, prior to 1922 and by reason of her marriage
Mrs. Restani lost her citizenship and there is now pending a petition for her
repatriation.
They have five children, all born here.
Inasmuch as they are in prohibited area they will have to move out of San
Francisco as soon as the military authorities put into effect the present order that
all aliens of enemy countries must move out of area No. 1 in which San Francisco
and Alameda Counties are included.
Chauncey Tramutolo, Attorney at Law,
San Francisco, March 18, 194.2.
Mr. Leonard A. Thomas,
Tolan Congressional Committee, San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Len: Following our conversation of yesterday and our previous ones,
I suggest that pending appropriate amendments to the naturalization laws the
60396—42 — pt. 29 12
11132 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
following classes of persons should be exempt from the existing military evacua-
tion orders:
(1) Persons who have lost their citizenship (expatriated) by reason of marriage
to aliens. This, of course, applies only to those who married aliens prior to the
passage of the Cable Act in September 1922.
(2) Persons whose applications for citizenship were filed and/or pending prior
to December 7, 1941.
(3) Persons who are married to citizens and have lived in the United States
since July 1, 1924, and whose moral character can be proven.
(4) Persons who are now eligible to file for their second papers.
(5) Persons, though unable to read or write the English language, who have
dependents (residing in the United States) and who have themselves resided in
the United States since July 1, 1924.
The Dickstein bill which I understand has passed the House and is now pending
before the Senate is a step in the right direction, but in my humble opinion does
not go far enough.
If the naturalization director of this district is in need of additional help to
hasten action on the foregoing enumerated classes of cases, the committee of
which I am chairman will gladly furnish competent help without expense to the
Government.
Please don't forget to let me hear from you before you return to Washington.
I trust that the foregoing few suggestions will be of some help to you in work-
ing out the program you contemplate with the military authorities and the
naturalization bureau.
With kindest regards, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Chauncey Tramutolo.
Mr. Tramutolo. Mr. Rispoli of the Italian welfare would like
to say a few words.
TESTIMONY OF MIIANO RISPOLI, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY,
ITALIAN WELFARE AGENCY, AND MEMBER AGENCY COM-
MUNITY CHEST OF SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Rispoli. I just want to say a few words. In the first place,
there are naturally quite a few social problems that will arise. All
the people come to our agency, we being the recognized agency.
Mr. Tramutolo has covered most of the hardship cases, so I would
just like to draw my conclusions.
I recommend that the Government, needing employable persons in
defense industries, consider the employable Italian aliens for work in
any industry, providing that complete allegiance to the war effort can
be properly established.
Secondly, that legislation be passed by Congress permitting Italian
alien residents, of good moral character, who have resided in America
continuously since July 1, 1924, to obtain citizenship, although
illiterate.
Thirdly, in the event that an evacuation is necessary, Federal funds
be provided for relief to prevent hardship to cases of needy individuals
because of State and county indigent and settlement laws and the
inability of these Government units to provide adequate funds im-
mediately.
Fourth, for the unity in this country the Government should aug-
ment the publicity program, which will strengthen the morale of
these evacuees.
I can say that the people are a little nervous, due to all these regu-
lations coming through at this time. However, I am sure that they
are all willing to cooperate, but we would like to know if this is the
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11133
end, and if not, what is eventually coming, so we can advise them.
As the previous group has said, local representatives and the heads
of the Federal agencies are more or less at a loss to advise them, as
all the regulations come direct from Washington. If we could explain
these regulations to them it would probably stop a lot of people going
to the Government agencies. We are always glad to be of service to
the community chest agencies. Some members of the community-
chest agencies are here and they can testify, if you wish.
We are interested in people. We are also interested in the fact
that we are at war.
The Chairman. Of course, I think we all appreciate the fact that
this crisis came on us all at once. I know that everything that is said
here is not in criticism of the Government or any of its agencies.
We are simply here to get the facts and to pass them on to Congress
so that we can be helpful.
Mr. Tramutolo. No criticism at all is intended. Any suggestions
are with a view to alleviating the conditions. We have nothing but
praise for those who have contacted us as well as your committee.
Mr. Rispoli. The Post Office Department was very good to those
who applied for certificates of registration. The people felt right at
home and they did an extra fine job.
(The following reports were submitted by Mr. Rispoli subsequent
to the hearings.)
Summary of Problems Affecting the Italian Community of San Francisco
(Report by Milano Rispoli, Executive Secretary, Italian Welfare Agency, and
Member Agency Community Chest of San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.)
I shall present the problems which have arisen since December the 7th in the
Italian colony of San Francisco, and which affect the Italian aliens of this group.
The most important and immediate problem is that of unemployment. The
first factor is the complete loss of employment to Italian alien fishermen for the
duration of the war. The second factor is the loss of employment for all Italian
aliens working in prohibited areas. This group includes men who have been
working in certain shipyards, fisherman's wharf concerns, and other business
establishments located in these zones.
The third factor is that the curfew law in restricted areas, affects several
hundred Italians employed as scavengers or garbage collectors, janitors, restaurant
and hotel employees, produce market employees; who must work late at night
and early in the morning.
The fourth factor is that the fishermen are not entitled to unemployment in-
surance benefits, since they have worked independently from organized industry.
While some of these can be supported by children of working age, most are in
bad financial straits due to their lack of resources, as well as their inability to
secure future employment. This particular situation causes many to apply for
public relief, which is inadequate today in view of the rise in the cost of living.
The second major problem which has arisen since December the 7th is the one
of morale at home. Characteristically, the Italian is a home-loving man. His
wife and his children come first in his mind and emotions. He is also a highly
emotional individual by nature. We constantly find in our welfare work much
fear in our people that families will be broken up through new regulations. One
example is Mrs. Crivello who fears that she will be separated from her children
and grandchildren.
Another factor in the field of morale, is the psychological effect upon the second-
generation Italians who are serving in the armed forces of the United States
when these young men know there is great trouble going on in their own homes.
An example of this is the Maniscalco case.
The third morale factor is that of tremendous fear among the Italian aliens of
more drastic action on the part of the United States Government. They fear
11134 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
the loss of personal property and that they will be forced to enter internment
camps, although they are 100 percent American in feeling and in action. One
result of these pressing fears are the three suicides of last week : Martino Battis-
tessa, Stefano Terranova, and one other.
My recommendations to alleviate the present situation are as follows:
I recommend that all employable Italian aliens be considered by the Govern-
ment for employment in any industry, providing that complete allegiance to the
war effort can be properly established. Second, that legislation be passed by
Congress permitting Italian alien residents of good moral character, who have
resided in America continuously since July 1, 1924, to obtain citizenship although
illiterate. Third, that in the event that mass evacuation is necessary, Federal
funds be provided for relief to prevent hardships to cases of needy individuals
because of the State and county indigent and settlement laws, and the inability
of these government units to provide adequate funds immediately. Fourth,
that for the unity in this country, the Government augment the publicity program
which will strengthen morale of all peoples, regardless of their nationality to unite
for victory for America.
In behalf of the Italian community, I wish to commend officials of Federal
agencies, such as those of the Department of Justice, the United States Attorney
General's office, the United States Post Office and others, for their very fine
treatment of our people in enforcing the enemy alien regulations.
Italian Welfare Agency,
Milano Rispoli, Executive Secretary,
STATISTICS OF ITALIAN ALIENS IN CALIFORNIA
California 51, 000
San Francisco (city and county) 12, 000
Monterey (city and county) l't 700
Alameda (not including Oakland) 4, 500
Oakland 2, 800
Contra Costa County l[ 739
San Mateo County 2, 400
Marin County 650
Total. 25,789
1940 United States Census
Italians in California (born in Italy) 100, 910
Italians in San Francisco (born in Italy) 24, 036
HISTORY OF CASES AFFECTED BY FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Cases of Giovanni Peirano and Angelo Romero. — These are individuals who have
become public charge and responsibilities of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties,
respectively. Both are over 60 years of age and in poor health, and permanently
unemployable. They have no resources whatsoever nor relatives who could assist,
necessitating their applying for public aid through the public welfare department.
However, during normal times they would have been advised to return to their
county of legal residence where we would be sure that care could be provided.
Since there have been many changes we do not know how to advise these cases
nor would we ask them to secure permission to travel until definite plans can be
worked out. Both cases will be permanent charges for the remainder of their lives.
Case of Rodolph Monciardini. — This is a single man about 43 years of age,
employed by Ghirardelli Chocolate for the past 20 years. He was required to give
up his job and home because both were located in a prohibited area.
He speaks no English at all and although entitled to unemployment benefits
will have difficulty in reestablishing himself in another industry since he is not
known in other sectors of the State where he may be required to move.
I am sure this type case should be given a license, his loyalty to the United
States be determined as well as provide necessary bond from his employer or
other reliable person.
Case of Vittoria Santo, Castroville, Calif. — An alien mother whose husband is a
citizen. She has three sons in the United States Army in the Philippines, while
another son is with the Navy in this country. I do not have the exact details of
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11135
this case but these are the approximate facts and I am sure her history can be
obtained if it is required.
Case of Ermete Vanni. — This case is typical of family alien, without funds,
because of the internment of Mr. Vanni who was the sole support of wife and two
children. Mrs. Vanni is about 35 years of age, in very poor health, has been
hospitalized twice in the last 3 years and is unable to find employment. It is
necessary that she remain at home to take care of the children ; one of whom has
been confined to bed for heart trouble for over 3 years. Mr. Vanni was interned
as he was a member of toe Italian War Veterans, which organization is known as
"Ex Combattenti."
Mrs. Vanni applied for public assistance, but there has been much delay in her
case since the public assistance agency was of the opinion that this case should
have received Federal aid through the United States Employment Office, which,
of course, was incorrect. Nevertheless, this family had been accustomed to a
higher standard and if it will receive public aid it will be far below its standard of
living. If more would be known regarding disposition of Mr. Vanni's case by the
Federal authorities, plan could be made for the care of family.
There are many Italian families affected by the internment of the wage earner
and we believe that in cases requiring assistance consideration should be given for
possible Federal aid.
STATEMENT BY VICTOR DI SUVERO, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
I was born in Venice, Italy, in 1888, of Jewish parentage. I went through
college and the naval academy, and in 1908 I was given a commission in the
Italian Navy. During the last World War, as a lieutenant, I was in command of
submarines and also a liaison "officer to the British Adriatic Squadron (awarded
the British Distinguished Service Cross). In 1921-22 I was in command of a
gunboat on the China station. Subsequently, I resigned from the active service;
I married and worked in Italy and elsewhere in Europe and Africa for industrial
corporations.
In 1931 I left Italy for the last time, having been appointed to Shanghai,
China, as the general agent for China of the Italian Shipbuilding Corporations,
Ansaldo, Genoa, and Cantieri Riuniti, Triest, accredited to the Government of
Chiang [Kai-shek. In this capacity I have had several negotiations with the
minister of the navy, Admiral Chen Shao-Kuan and the minister of finance,
Dr. H. H. Rung.
In 1936 I became the secretary of the municipality of the Italian concession,
Tientsin, China, a nonpolitical situation with administrative responsibilities.
In 1938, when the German-Italian collusion began and when the Nazis con-
fiscated in Vienna an inheritance of mine from a relative on my mother's side, I
planned to come to the States, an issue that I considered natural, not having any
next of kin alive in Europe.
In 1939 the Fascists put in effect their anti-Semitic laws. I was struck from
my rank as a commander, naval reserve. I was deprived from all my civil rights
and considered as an enemy alien. I was subjected to strict police surveillance
and advised to carry on in the capacity of a bookkeeper's clerk. My money was
frozen in Italy and I had no resources to pay the voyage for my wife, my four
children, and myself. In my struggle to survive until my 5-year contract would
be over, I have been valiantly assisted by my wife, who is by birth Italian and
Catholic, and who is also vehemently anti-Fascist. As she is the only daughter
of a famous Italian admiral who had been a minister of the navy and who died in
1930, the Fascists felt themselves compelled, although very reluctantly, to pay
me the money I was entitled to on December 31, 1940.
Two months later, on February 27, 1941, we arrived safely in San Francisco.
The Permanent Immigration Visas (N. 5492-7) had been secured through the
American consulate general, Tientsin, China, whose officials were well acquainted
with the indignities to which I had been subjected, and with the persecution that
had reached a dangerous climax.
Here I tried at once to find employment in a suitable capacity in the shipyards;
I have visited Bethlehem's, Moore's, Todd's, and so forth, but already in the
spring last year there were no defense jobs for aliens.
Then I have worked during 4 months as a janitor in 32° chambers in a cold-
storage plant. At last, in November, the Pacific Bridge Co., Alameda, intended
to hire me, provided I had a clearance from the Navy Department. Congressman
Richard J. Welch and Dr. Max Ascoli, the president of the anti-Fascist Mazzini
Society, have sponsored my request in Washington, D. C, but with no results for
11136 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
the time being. In the afternoon of December 7, 1941, I have immediately
volunteered for the naval reserve, the polite answer being in the negative on
account of age and citizenship requirements.
I resent to be labeled as an enemy aline. I am here not only as a loyal future
citizen, but as an allied alien in time of war. I have exhausted all my resources
and, under the present circumstances, I am unable to make a living for my
family. My four children, ages from 6 to 15, all speak English as their own
language and are doing well at school. During their stay in China, and two were
born there, they have learned to hate the Japs and to love America.
COPY OF RECOMMENDATIONS OP SAN FRANCISCO SOCIAL WORKERS REGARDING
EVACUATION OF ENEMY ALIENS AND CITIZENS
Representatives of immigrant serving agencies of the San Francisco Community
Chest met on February 27, 1942, to discuss the alien situation and made the
following recommendations to their respective national offices in New York City :
1. The Federal Government to assume total responsibility for the movement of
these groups under military orders to evacuate.
2. The Federal Government to designate areas to which they may go and in
which they will be given complete military protection.
3. The total cost of this moving and resettlement to be borne by the Federal
Government.
4. Complete legal custodianship of property for aliens and citizens so evacuated.
5. Public health protection, including medical care and sanitation.
6. Families to move and remain as a unit except in rare cases where certain
members must be isolated.
7. A rehabilitation program to offer these people opportunity to be self-
maintaining.
8. The Federal Government to continue financial responsibility until such a
rehabilitation program may be accomplished.
Copy of these recommendations has been sent to the Honorable Henry L. Stim-
son, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C, inasmuch as the War Department had
complete control of the situation following the President's proclamation.
The recommendations were made by experienced social workers who considered
all factors involved.
LIST OF AGENCIES INTERESTED IN PROBLEM
From minutes of meeting of Committee of Immigrant Serving Agencies, Family Wel-
fare Council, Community Chest of San Francisco, Friday, February SO, 191+2
Present: Allen Blaisdell, chairman, International Institute Board, Berkeley;
Miss Elizabeth Baker, American Friends Service Committee; Mrs. Sidney Kahn,
National Council of Jewish Women; Mrs. Mary Kimber, American Friends Serv-
ice Committee; Herbert Picard, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society; Rev. Rugene
J. Shea, Affiliated Catholic Charities; Miss Henrietta Tichner, National Council
of Jewish Women; Sanford Treguboff, San Francisco Committee for Service to
Emigres.
Absent: Frank deAndreis, Department of Immigration and Housing; Mrs.
Josephine Duveneck, American Friends Service Committee; Mrs. Russell Hast-
ings, International Institute Board; Mrs. Marjorie Leonard, National Council
Committee for Foreign Born; Miss Persis Miller, American Committee to Save
Refugees; Milano Rispoli, Italian Welfare Agency, Inc.; Miss Emilie Taylour,
Travelers Aid Society; Mark Tomas, American Red Cross; Miss Annie Clo
Watson, International Institute; Louis Miniclier, American Red Cross.
Also present: R. Plank, International Institute; Virginia Heck, Young
Women's Christian Association; Ruth W. Kingman, Berkeley Community
Chest; Wilhelmine Yoakum, Oakland International Institute; Lincoln Kanai,
Young Men's Christian Association; Henry Tanis, Japanese American Citizens
League; Curtis Roberts, Community Chest of San Francisco; Helen Musser,
Travelers Aid Society; Miss Phoebe Bannister, Social Security Board; Emma
Gadbury, American Friends, Service Committee; Gorman Y. Doubleday,
Berkeley; Mary Coxnard, Plymouth Church, Oakland.
The Chairman. Mike Masaoka.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11137
TESTIMONY OF MIKE J. MASAOKA, NATIONAL SECRETARY AND
HELD EXECUTIVE, JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE,
2031 BUSH STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Sparkman. First, will you give your name to the reporter?
Mr. Masaoka. Just to show you how Americanized we are, I have
an English name and Japanese tag-end there. Mike Masaoka, I am
the national secretary and field executive of the Japanese American
Citizens League. This gentleman is Mr. Dave Tatsuno, president of
the San Francisco chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League.
And Mr. Henry Tani, the executive secretary of our group.
May I make"a few statements before going into the general question?
Mr. Sparkman. Yes, go right ahead. 'Be seated, if you wish.
Your prepared statement and the material you submitted will be
inserted in the record at this point.
STATEMENT BY MIKE M. MASAOKA, NATIONAL SECRETARY AND
FIELD EXECUTIVE OF THE JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS
LEAGUE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
On behalf of the 20,000 American citizen members of the 62 chapters of the
Japanese American Citizens League in some 300 communities throughout the
United States, I wish to thank the Tolan committee for the opportunity given
me to appear at this hearing. The fair and impartial presentation of all aspects
of a problem is a democratic procedure which we keeply appreciate. That this
procedure is being followed in the present matter, which is of particularly vital
significance to us, we look upon as a heartening demonstration of the American
tradition of fair play.
We have been invited by you to make clear our stand regarding the proposed
evacuation of all Japanese from the West coast. When the President's recent
Executive order was issued, we welcomed it as definitely centralizing and coordi-
nating defense efforts relative to the evacuatioi problem. Later interpretations
of the order, however, seem to indicate that it is aimed primarily at the Japanese,
American citizens as well as alien nationals. As your committee continues its
investigations in this and subsequent hearings, we hope and trust that you will
recommend to the proper authorities that no undue discrimination be shown to
American citizens of Japanese descent.
Our frank and reasoned opinion on the matter of evacuation revolves around
certain considerations of which we feel both your committee and the general
public should be apprised. With any policy of evacuation definitely arising from
reasons of military necessity and national safety, we are in complete agreement.
As American citizens, we cannot and should not take any other stand. But, also,
as American citizens believing in the integrity of our citizenship, we feel that any
evacuatioi enforced on grounds violating that integrity shold be opposed.
If, in the judgment of military and Federal authorities, evacuation of Japanese
residents from the West coast is a primary step toward assuring the safety of this
Nation, we will have no hesitation in complying with the necessities implicit in
that judgment. But, if, on the other ham , such evacuation is primarily a
measure whose surface urgency cloaks the desires of political or other pressure
groups who want us to leave merely from motives of self-interest, we feel that we
have every right to protest and to demand equitable judgment on our merits as
American citizens.
In any case, we feel that the whole problem of evacuation, once its necessity is
militarily established, should be met strictly according to that need. Only these
areas, in which strategic and military considerations make the removal of Japan-
ese residents necessary, should be evacuated. Regarding policy and procedure
in such areas, we submit the following recommendations:
1. That the actual evacuation from designated areas be conducted by military
authorities in a manner which is consistent with the requirements of national
defense, human welfare, and constructive community relations in the future;
2. That, in view of the alarming developments in Tulare County and other com-
munities against incoming Japanese evacuees all plans for voluntary evacuations be
discouraged ;
11138 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
_ 3. That transportation, food, and shelter be provided for all evacuees from pro-
hibited areas, as provided in the Presidential order;
4. That thoroughly competent, responsible, and bonded property custodians be
appointed and their services made available immediately to all Japanese whose
business and property interests are affected by orders and regulations ;
5. That all problems incidental to resettlement be administered by a special
board created for this purpose under the direction of the Federal Security Agen-
cies ;
6. That the resettlement of evacuees from prohibited areas should be within
the State in which they now reside;
7. That ample protection against mob violence be given to the evacuees both
in transit and in the new communities to which they are assigned;
8. That effort be made to provide suitable and productive work for all evacuees;
9. That resettlement aims be directed toward the restoration, as far as possible,
of normal community life in the future when we have won the war;
10. That competent tribunals be created to deal with the so-called hardship
cases and that flexible policies be applicable to such cases.
Although these suggestions seem to include only the Japanese, may I urge that
these same recommendations be adapted to the needs of other nationals and
citizens who may be similarly affected.
I now make an earnest plea that you seriously consider and recognize our Ameri-
can citizenship status which we have been taught to cherish as our most priceless
heritage.
At this hearing, we Americans of Japanese descent have been accused of being
disloyal to these United States. As an American citizen, I resent these accusa-
tions and deny their validity.
We American-born Japanese are fighting militarist Japan today with our total
energies. Four thousand of us are with the armed forces of the United States, the
remainder on the home front in the battle of production. We ask a chance to
prove to the rest of the American people what we ourselves already know: That
we are loyal to the country of our birth and that we will fight to the death to defend
it against any and all aggressors.
We think, feel, act like Americans. We, too, remember Pearl Harbor and know
that our right to live as free men in a free Nation is in peril as long as the brutal
forces of enslavement walk the earth. We know that the Axis aggressors must
be crushed and we are anxious to participate fully in that struggle.
The history of our group speaks for itself. It stands favorable comparison
with that of any other group of second generation Americans. There is reliable
authority to show that the proportion of delinquency and crime within our ranks
is negligible. Throughout the long years of the depression, we have been able to
stay off the relief rolls better, by far, than any other group. These are but two
of the many examples which might be cited as proof of our civic responsibility
and pride.
In this emergency, as in the past, we are not asking for special privileges or
concessions. We ask only for the opportunity and the right of sharing the com-
mon lot of all Americans, whether it be in peace or in war.
This is the American way for which our boys are fighting.
Exhibit A. — The Japanese American Creed
(Courtesy, Japanese American Citizens League)
I am proud that I am an American citizen of Japanese ancestry, for my very
background makes me appreciate more fully the wonderful advantages of this
Nation. I believe in her institutions, idelas, and traditions; I glory injier heri-
tage; I boast of her history; I trust in her future. She has granted me liberties
and opportunities such as no individual enjoys in this world today. She has
given me an education befitting kings. She has entrusted me with the responsi-
bilities of the franchise. She has permitted me to build a home, to earn a liveli-
hood, to worship, think, speak, and act as I please — as a free man equal to every
other man.
Although some individuals may discriminate against me, I shall never become
bitter or lose faith, for I know that such presons are not representative of the
majority of the American people. True, I shall do all in my power to discourage
such practices, but I shall do it in the American way — above board, in the open,
through courts of law, by education, by proving myself to be worthy of equal
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11139
treatment and consideration. I am firm in my belief that American sportsman-
ship and attitude of fair play will judge citizenship and patriotism on the basis
of action and achievement, and not on the basis of physical characteristics.
Because I believe in America, and I trust she believes in me, and because I have
received innumerable benefits from her, I pledge myself to do honor to her at all
times and in all places; to support her constitution; to obey her laws; to respect
her flag; to defend her against all enemies, froeign or domestic; to actively assume
my duties and obligations as a citizen, cheerfully and without any reservations
whatsoever, in the hope that I may become a better American in a greater America.
— Mike Masaoka. (as read before the United States Senate and printed in the
Congressional Record, May 9, 1941).
Exhibit B.— A Declaration of Policy by the Japanese American Citizens
League
In these critical days when the policies of many organizations representing
various nationality groups may be viewed with suspicion and even alarm by
certain individuals who are not intimately acquainted with the aims, ideals, and
leadership of such associations, it becomes necessary and proper, in the public
interest, that such fraternal and educational orders as the Japanese American
Citizens League to unequivocally and sincerely announce their policies and
objectives:
Now, therefore, in order to clear up any misconceptions, misunderstandings
and misapprehensions concerning the functions and activities of this body, the
National Board of the Japanese American Citizens League issues the following
statement and declaration of policy:
We, the members of the National Board of the Japanese American Citizens
League of the United States of America, believe that the policies which govern
this organization and our activities as their official representatives are fourfold
in nature and are best illustrated by an explanation of the alphabetical sequence
of the letters J-A-C-L.
"J" stands for justice. We believe that all peoples, regardless of race, color,
or creed, are entitled to enjoy those principles of "life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness" which are presumed to be the birthright of every individual; to
the fair and equal treatment of all, socially, legislatively, judicially, and eco-
nomically to the rights, privileges, and obligations of citizenship. To this end,
this organization is dedicated.
"A" stands for Americanism. We believe that in order to prove ourselves
worthy of the justice which we seek, we must prove ourselves to be, first of all,
good Americans— in thought, in words, in deeds. We believe that we must
personify the Japanese American creed; that we must acquaint ourselves with
those traditions, ideals, and institutions which made and kept this Nation the
foremost in the world. We believe that we must live for America— and, if need
be, to die for America. To this end, this organization is consecrated.
"C" stands for citizenship. We believe that we must be exemplary citizens in
addition to being good Americans, for, as in the case of our parents, one may
be a good American and yet be denied the privilege of citizenship. We believe
that we must accept and even seek out opportunities in which to serve our
country and to assume the obligations and duties as well as the rights and privi-
leges of citizenship. To this end, this organization is committed.
"L" stands for leadership. We believe that the Japanese American Citizens
League, as the only national organization established to serve the American
citizens of Japanese ancestry, is in a position to actively lead the Japanese people
residing in the United States. We believe that we have the inspired leadership
and membership necessary to carry into living effect the principles of justice,
Americanism, and citizenship for which our league was founded. We offer
cooperation and support to all groups and individuals sincerely and legitimately
interested in these same aims, but we propose to retain our independent and
separate status as the Japanese American Citizens League. To this end, this
organization is pledged.
Summed up briefly, the Japanese American Citizens League is devoted to those
tasks which are calculated to win for ourselves and our posterity the status out-
lined by our two national slogans: "For better Americans in a greater America"
and "Security through unity."
11140 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
TESTIMONY OF MIKE M. MASAOKA— Resumed
Mr. Masaoka. I would like to say, very frankly, that my colleagues
and I represent pretty much the sort of dilemma that we are in. We
are a rather young group, being one of the latest of all the immigrant
groups here. Our parents are old, and because of the laws of the
United States they cannot become citizens and we, their children, are
citizens. We have that difficult problem.
Moreover, we have the difficult problem of having physical charac-
teristics which cause us to be easily singled out for whatever course
certain parties may deem necessary. Frankly, I woidd like to say
that the loyalty of our group has been questioned. Perhaps my own
loyalty would be questioned. In that respect I would like to offer
in corroboration the fact that the Honorable Senator Elbert D. Thomas
of Utah in the Congressional Record for Thursday, May 8, 1941, ex-
plained something of my background and had printed in the Congres-
sional Record the Japanese- American Creed, which was long before the
war, and still, I hope, exemplifies the spirit which we have toward
America. I have letters from the United States Senator, Abe Mur-
dock; another again from Senator Thomas. I have a letter from the
Governor of the State of Utah, Herbert B. Maw. I have another
letter from the mayor of Salt Lake City, Ab Jenkins. I have a letter
from the United States District Attorney of Utah, Mr. John Borden.
I have a letter from the Secretary of State of Utah, E. E. Monson,
who was president of the American Secretaries of States Association.
I have a letter from Mr. Douglas O. Woodruff, who was executive
secretary of the University of Utah Alumni Association. I have a
letter from the postmaster, I. A. Smoot, who was the president of the
National Association of Postmasters of the United States. I have a
letter from the president of the chamber of commerce of Salt Lake
City, Earl J. Glade. I have another letter from our dean of school
of social workers and professor of sociology at the University of Utah,
Arthur L. Beeley, and I have a letter also from the State superinten-
dent of education, Charles A. Skidmore, and letters from other people.
These are merely to substantiate the fact that I believe I am a loyal
American. And when anyone doubts that loyalty, I feel that, as an
American citizen, I am entitled to say what I believe about that.
LOYALTY OF ONE JAPANESE FAMILY
My mother was born in Japan, so was my father. My father was
killed when I was 9. There were eight children in the family. We
struggled through that, and today, out of that family of eight, one is
a volunteer in the armed forces of the United States, serving I know
not where; two more of us are 1-A; I myself am ready to go. I
have been classified as 1-A and this may be my last appeal on behalf
of the Japanese Americans, whom I believe are grossly misunderstood.
Frankly, gentlemen, when this committee first came here and when
we heard the testimony Saturday afternoon people said "Don't
show up, Mike. It is just a witch hunt." But after hearing what
has gone on, after talking to your staff I know that you gentlemen
are typical of the fair play which represents the American system.
And so I want to say in all fairness that we present to you the facts
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11141
which we feel are true in this case, realizing always, just as any other
American citizen, that the defense of our country is paramount.
But I would like to offer some refutation to the various arguments
offered, because I feel that you gentlemen want to know both sides
of the question. My colleagues will substantiate the claims insofar
as they regard San Francisco. With your permission, gentlemen,
I would like to briefly go through a number of statements which were
made.
I believe that you would be interested to note the great discrepancy
which occurs in statistics, and so on, which all goes to prove that —
well, I used to teach debate, for example, in high school. When we
wanted to present one side we went and looked at isolated cases and
just presented those to build a good case. On the other side we would
do the same thing.
Now, gentlemen, very frankly I am prejudiced. I am prejudiced
for the Japanese-Americans, because I think they are loyal. I know
that I am. I know that the great majority of us are. I think
that some of the other gentlemen are prejudiced for the other side.
I think somewhere between the two lies the truth, and I hope and
trust that you gentlemen will be able to find that truth.
The Chairman. What are you going to say about your people at
Pearl Harbor?
Mr. Masaoka. Very frankly, I think that is a little different situa-
tion.
The Chairman. I am asking that not in criticism but just to ask
you about it.
Mr. Masaoka. What was the question again?
The Chairman. What about your people at Pearl Harbor? Did
they remain loyal Americans?
JAPANESE AT PEARL HARBOR
Mr. Masaoka. Well, there seem to be some conflicting reports as
to that. In other words, frankly, Secretary of the Navy Knox him-
self admits that there were some Japanese who turned guns on the
invaders. Then, on the other hand, the reports would seem to indi-
cate another thing — sabotage. But I would like to make this a point,
which I think ought to be considered. Here in the United States of
America we are distinctly the minority group. We can be singled
out because of our characteristics. In the Hawaiian Islands or Philip-
pine Islands the Japanese are either in the majority or look like the
majority, and, therefore, I think they could hide more easily in the
general identity of the mass than we could here.
Furthermore, I think we are further removed from the domination
of the Imperial Japanese Government and I think that most of us
are cognizant of the things which America has to offer.
The Chairman. There are authentic pictures during the attack
showing hundreds of Japanese old automobiles cluttered on the one
street of Honolulu so the Army could not get to the ships. Are you
conversant with those things?
Mr. Masaoka. Only insofar as the general public is also informed,
I believe.
The Chairman. I am just thinking out loud with you now, don't
you see.
11142 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Masaoka. Yes. I understand, very frankly, the situation in
which you gentlemen are. I understand the terrific spot that we are
in, and I think that, as announced in this prepared statement, when
the military decides for military necessity or otherwise we should go;
we, as any other American citizens would be glad to cooperate and go'
i Jf v? believe that certain facts should be brought out relative to
the California situation.
The Chairman. All right. You may proceed.
Mr. Arnold. Before you start, could I ask you if your league
operated in Hawaii?
MEMBERSHIP IN LEAGUE
Mr. Masaoka. No. Our association is incorporated under the
laws of the State of California June 21, 1937. We have absolutely
no members m Hawaii. We have approximately 20,000 members
and have chapters in 300 communities in the United States.
Mr. Sparkman. Is your league a political organization?
Mr. Masaoka. No. It is nonpolitical, nonsectarian.
Mr. Sparkman. Nonpolitical?
Mr. Masaoka. I believe "nonpartisan' ' is better than "non-
political," because we do encourage our members to vote, to urge the
franchise and do anything else which any good American could do.
Mr. Sparkman. I was just interested in reading a little while ago
a letter that was addressed to this committee and written apparently
by a Japanese student. I noticed this paragraph in it [reading]:
I do not know what weight is given to testimony presented by representatives
ot the Japanese American Citizens League.
That is your league, is it not?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman (reading):
However, I think that I can safely state that many thinking people have con-
demned that organization as a spokesman for the Japanese population Its
officials are notoriously fearful of answering questions directly or formulating upon
policy which will reflect the desires and opinions as well as actions of the group
which they are purported to represent, Moreover, it is a political organization
and, hence, cannot be representative of those who prefer to hold their own political
views. * ^
I may say this: that the writer of this letter made a statement very
much akin to the one that you just made, that if, while all rights were
pleaded for, yet in the decision of those having the responsibility it
was decided that it was necessary to evacuate a certain area, that, of
course, loyal Japanese who were loyal Americans could be expected
to comply with those orders without complaint and simply count it
as part of their sacrifice in the interest of national security.
SIZE OP GROUP
Mr. Masaoka. I think that letter is indicative of one fact and an
interesting fact: that even the Japanese people themselves here in this
country are not directed from above and entirely unified to do one
great thing. In other words, we have the democratic process there,
we have diversity, we have contentions within our own group. And
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11143
I personally say this: we are the largest group of American citizens of
Japanese ancestry.
Mr. Spakkman. What is the size of your group?
Mr. Masaoka. Approximately 20,000 members.
Mr. Sparkman. In California?
Mr. Masaoka. No; throughout the United States. We have them,
of course, largely concentrated in the Western States, but we have
some farther east, not as chapters, but as members who moved from
San Francisco or coastal areas to eastern points.
Mr. Sparkman. How old is the organization?
Mr. Masaoka. It officially was incorporated in 1937, as I said be-
fore. The beginnings of the organization were about 1921 in Seattle.
Officially the first convention was held in 1930. It is a comparatively
young organization.
Mr. Sparkman. Is it made up only of citizens of the United States?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes. Every person is required to furnish proof of
citizenship before being permitted to become a member.
Mr. Sparkman. And limited, of course, to Japanese-American
citizens?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. And you have no organization outside of the con-
tinental United States?
Mr. Masaoka. That is correct.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you have any connection whatsoever with the
Japanese Government?
Mr Masaoka. No.
Mr. Sparkman. Or with any agency functioning within Japan?
Mr. Masaoka. No.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you maintain contacts with any such or-
ganization?
Mr. Masaoka. No. We have been repudiated many times and
denounced in the past by many pro-German people for the fact that
we have refused to cooperate with the Japanese Government on seem-
ingly educational projects.
Mr. Sparkman. You were born, of course, in the United States?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. Educated here?
Mr. Masaoka. College degree.
Mr. Sparkman. Where were you educated?
Mr. Masaoka. University of Utah.
Mr. Sparkman. Let us go back of that. Where did you do your
grammar-school work?
Mr. Masaoka. All my work was done in Salt Lake City. I was
born in Fresno, Calif., but my folks moved to Nevada, then Idaho,
and then Utah. I am a graduate of the Westside High School at
Salt Lake City and also the University of Utah of Salt Lake City,
and I have spent all my educational career there.
Mr. Sparkman. Have you ever been back to Japan?
Mr. Masaoka. No. I was offered a trip as a contest winner, and
the people thought maybe I would enjoy the trip.
Mr. Sparkman. Now, wait. Who offered you the trip as a contest
winner?
11144 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Masaoka. The whole thing is that every year they select what
they call the outstanding Japanese of the year; Japanese- American.
Mr. Sparkman. Who does?
Mr. Masaoka. The Young People's Chicago group that Senator
Thomas is cognizant of, as well as Mrs. Roosevelt. Then they, in
connection with this trophy that they offer to the outstanding Japanese-
American born citizen contemplate a trip to Japan.
Mr. Sparkman. Did you ever attend Japanese schools in this
country?
Mr. Masaoka. Personally I did not, but frankly
Mr. Sparkman (interposing). A great many of your people do?
Mr. Masaoka. Oh, yes. But I did not.
RELIGION
Mr. Sparkman. What is your religion?
Mr. Masaoka. To show you how American I am, Latter Day
Saints, Mormon.
Mr. Sparkman. Have you ever served as a missionary?
Mr. Masaoka. For the Mormon Church?
Mr. Sparkman. Yes.
Mr. Masaoka. Only as a block missionary within Salt Lake City.
Mr. Sparkman. Within Salt Lake City?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you have any adherence whatsoever to the
national religion of the Japanese people?
Mr. Masaoka. Do you mean I, personally?
Mr. Sparkman. You or other members of your family.
Mr. Masaoka. None in our family; no.
Mr. Sparkman. Are all of your family members of the Latter Day
Saints?
Mr. Masaoka. No. Three of them are. Others are members of
the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Sparkman. Three of them are members of the Presbyterian
Church?
Mr. Masaoka. No. Three are members of the so-called Mormon
Church and the other six are members of the Presbyterian faith.
Mr. Sparkman. What about the membership of your organization?
Could you say what percentage of them have received at least a part
of their education in Japan?
Mr. Masaoka. Those figures are rather hard to get. We estimate
approximately 20 to 30 percent, which I think is a rather generous
estimate.
Mr. Sparkman. I wonder if you could give us some estimate as
to a portion of your membership who have received a part of their
education in Japanese schools in this country.
Mr. Masaoka. That would be large; say 85 percent.
Mr. Sparkman. That is more or less characteristic, is it not, of the
Japanese to have these Japanese schools?
JAPANESE SCHOOLS
Mr. Masaoka. Yes. It is characteristic, but at the same time I
think it is the same as any other immigrant group. I have corre-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11145
spondence here which we will file to show that we have attempted
from time to time to get the State of California to include it in their
public-school curricula and other evidence of the sort.
Mr. Sparkman. Let me ask you this: You talk about including
it in the curricula of the public-school system. What is your under-
standing as to what is taught to the Japanese in these schools?
Mr. Masaoka. I have not too intimate a knowledge because I
never did attend.
Mr. Sparkman. I understand that.
Mr. Masaoka. But from speaking to many of the people, they
generally attend after school, and they attend from about 4 to 6
three times a week or something of the sort. Now, they are rather
tired after that. Practically none of them go to Japanese language
schools after they reach the junior high or high school age. They
generally go in order to converse with their parents or because they
can find no employment among other groups except generally the
Japanese or the civil service.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you understand the school systems to be for
the purpose of teaching the language?
Mr. Masaoka. Some schools; yes. Others are doubtful. I think
that the proper Federal authorities have investigated them, and I
am not a professional man in that respect and I want to speak frankly.
I don't know.
Mr. Sparkman. Well, isn't it your understanding, though, that a
great deal of Japanese nationalism is sought to be instilled into the
young Japanese of these schools?
SCHOOLS WERE CLOSED VOLUNTARILY
Mr. Masaoka. That may be true. You understand, of course,
that they are all closed now, not by mandate of the Government, but
by voluntary action.
Mr. Sparkman. You appreciate the fact, I believe, that there is a
great difference in the religion and nationalism and the close connec-
tion between religion and government as between the Japanese
Government and the United States Government, do you not?
Mr. Masaoka. By that do you mean you are concerned with the
Buddhist Church?
Mr. Sparkman. Of course, in this country we have long advocated
separation of state and church.
Mr. Masaoka. That is correct.
Mr. Sparkman. As a matter of fact, just the opposite is true in
Japan, is it not?
Mr. Masaoka. I am not cognizant of that fact. In other words,
don't know too much about Japan. And that is an honest statement.
Mr. Sparkman. Well, is it not true that among the Japanese there
is an intense nationalistic feeling generally?
Mr. Masaoka. No; I don't think so. But, first of all, let us define
"nationalism." What do you think is "nationalism"? That might
help.
Mr. Sparkman. When I speak of it in this connection I think of it
as verging very closely upon and, in fact, almost merging with re-
ligion.
11146 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
RELIGION OF JAPANESE-AMERICANS
Mr Masaoka. Figures might be helpful there. About 50 percent
or a little less would be Buddhist. I think a little more in America
are Christian than Buddhist. It is noticeable, too, that the older the
children become they tend to congregate toward the Christian
churches. Furthermore, the Buddhist churches as such seem to be
declining in popularity, if that is an indication.
I feel that I should make this statement at this time: That before
Fearl Harbor many of us had been teaching, or at least attempts had
been made to teach, concerning the honor of Japan as a nation But
1 think the attack at Pearl Harbor demonstrated to those who were
on the fence that there wasn't anything honorable in that and I
think most of us condemned more than Americans condemned the
fed that7 g WaS d°ne there' and * think the first generation
Mr. Sparkman. Do you think you could say with reference to the
membership of your organization that there is not a feeling of a
definite connection and loyalty to the Emperor of Japan?
t Mr Masaoka. No. I don't think our league subscribes to that.
1 don t think the great membership of our league subscribe to that
In lact, 1 am quite sure.
Mr Sparkman. Do you think you could truthfully and sincerely
say thai there is not in your membership a feeling of pride on the
accomplishments of the Japanese Empire?
Mr. Masaoka. Well now, there are a lot of things that I think we
ought to recognize that are fine about Japan, possibly courtesy, and
so on. But I think that the Japan of our parents is certainly not the
Japan of today, and I think there that we may have been misguided
as to many things there, too.
The Chairman. I would like to ask you a question. Are you a
full-time secretary for the Japanese American Citizens League?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes. I was the first paid official they ever had.
Ihe Chairman. How much money do you receive?
Mr. Masaoka. $150 a month.
??e pHAIRMAN- When did you become a full-time secretary?
Mr. Masaoka. The 1st of September of last year
The Chairman. 1941?
Mr. Masaoka. That is correct.
LEAGUE CHANGED ITS OBJECTIVES
The Chairman. And prior to that time your league was concerned
more or less with social events. Isn't that true?
Mr. Masaoka. Well, to be honest with vou there is a matter of
opinion there. The officers frankly felt that we were doino- verv
constructive work.
The Chairman. Why in September 1941 were you put in as full-
tune secretary, and why did you start increasing the enrollment of
members?
Mr. Masaoka. Well, it was felt by the national board, which is the
board of the highest officers, who represent the different districts
that an emergency was at hand and that in order to do our best as
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11147
Americans we needed an integration and coordination. Up to that
point, you see, we had very little coordination, very little concerted
action along a definite policy, Americanism policies, if you please,
and they felt that they should bring me in.
The Chairman. Have you ever received any literature or instruc-
tions from any officials or people in Japan?
Mr. Masaoka. No.
The Chairman. Never? At no time?
Mr. Masaoka. I personally have never received such a thing.
The Chairman. Well, do you know of anyone who has?
Mr. Masaoka. Oh, yes; people have received letters and books.
As to other information I wouldn't be cognizant of that. Naturally
they would try to hide such information from me.
The Chairman. And did any of those books or literature give you
or any of your members instructions what to do?
Mr. Masaoka. Not that I know of. In other words, very recently
some books did come to our attention which I turned over to the Naval
Intelligence without even looking at them because, frankly, I can't
read Japanese. It is a rather difficult language, and I have concen-
trated more or less on English.
The Chairman. But you could get somebody to read it for you,
couldn't you?
Mr. Masaoka. Oh, yes. But I did not.
The Chairman. You don't read Japanese at all?
Mr. Masaoka. Well, very frankly, I oftentimes don't even recog-
nize my name in Japanese print.
The Chairman. You can certainly speak English all right.
Mr. Masaoka. Well, I was brought up in a purely American com-
munity, more or less — Salt Lake City — where there are relatively few
Japanese. And my professors, well, Senator Thomas was one of my
professors; Governor Maw was another of my professors. They more
or less looked upon me as a prodigy, and I have often visited with
them. I have discussed theories of government with them, and so on.
The Chairman. But you tell this committee that you personally
have never received any literature or books or anything of that
character from Japan?
Mr. Masaoka. That's right.
The Chairman. But you know of others who have received them?
Mr. Masaoka. Well, I should assume there are others who have
received them.
The Chairman. Let us forget about the assumption. Do you
know of anybody else receiving anything?
Mr. Masaoka. Who have received letters from friends, and so on?
The Chairman. You said a minute ago something about books
that you turned over to the Naval Intelligence.
Mr. Masaoka. Yes. I turned them over to the Naval Intelligence.
Mr. Sparkman. What comment do you have to make on the state-
ment that has been made several times to the effect that no Japanese-
American citizen has given information to any of these American
agencies seeking to get information bearing upon national defense and
antisabotage?
Mr. Masaoka. I believe that that is not true. In fact, I know that
information has been given, but I believe it has largely been given to
the Federal agencies, notably the F. B. I.
60396— 42— pt. 29 13
11148 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Sparkman. Let me ask you this. Of course, you appreciate
that the feeling which you have heard expressed here does exist?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes, I do. I certainly do.
Mr. Sparkman. You acknowledge that fact.^ Do I understand
that it is your attitude that the Japanese-American citizens do not
protest necessarily against an evacuation? They simply want to
lodge their claims to consideration?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. But in the event the evacuation is deemed neces-
ary by those having charge of the defenses, as loyal Americans you are
willing to prove your loyalty by cooperating?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes. I think it should be
Mr. Sparkman (interposing). Even at a sacrifice?
Mr. Masaoka. Oh, yes; definitely. I think that all of us are
called upon to make sacrifices. I think that we will be called upon to
make greater sacrifices than any others. But I think sincerely, if the
military say "Move out", we will be glad to move, because we recog-
nize that even behind evacuation there is not just national security
but also a thought as to our own welfare and security because we may
be subject to mob violence and otherwise if we are permitted to
remain.
Mr. Sparkman. And it affords you, as a matter of fact, perhaps the
best test of your own loyalty?
Mr. Masaoka. Provided that the military or the people charged
with the responsibility are cognizant of all the facts.
Mr. Sparkman. Certainly. That is assumed.
Mr. Masaoka. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. You wanted to say something, Mr. Tani?
STATEMENT OF HENRY TANI, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, JAPANESE-
AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Tani. Yes, please. With reference to the line of questioning
that you are asking Mr. Masaoka, about the influence of the Japanese
culture in us. We don't walk around with our heads bowed because
we are Japanese, but we can't help being Japanese in features. My
mother left Japan over 30 years ago, and the Japan of which she
speaks to us of 30 years ago is not the Japan of today. I feel it is
different from that of my mother's day. And so in the culture that
she instilled in us, and by "culture" I mean courtesy, loyalty to the
State and country in which we are, obedience to parents, those are
cultures of Japan with which most of us have been brought up. And
I don't think those things are things of which we should be ashamed,
those things which we should ignore.
As for influences upon us today I, as an individual, or as a leader
of a group, have never been approached officially, unofficially, directly,
or indirectly in any respect in all my years.
Mr. Sparkman. You were born in this country, of course?
Mr. Tani. Right here in this city.
Mr. Sparkman. And where did you receive your education?
Mr. Tani. High school, grammar school, right here in San Fran-
cisco. My college degree was at Stanford University.
Mr. Sparkman. Have you ever been to Japan?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11149
Mr. Tani. Never.
Mr. Sparkman. Did you attend Japanese schools?
Mr. Tani. One year when I was 6 years old, when I lived in a so-
called Japanese area, and then my father moved in the so-called
Baker movement, which was supposed to be an Americanization pro-
gram. We moved from out of the Japanese area where our closest
Japanese neighbor was 3 or 4 miles away.
Mr. Sparkman. And with the exception of that 1 year you did
not visit Japanese schools?
Mr. Tani. None other than what my mother taught me at home.
Mr. Sparkman. May I ask you what your religion is?
Mr. Tani. I am Protestant. My sect is Evangelical and Reformed.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you feel any allegiance whatsoever to the
Emperor of Japan or the Japan Government?
Mr. Tani. None at all.
question of dual citizenship
Mr. Sparkman. Do you feel that he or his government has any
claim upon your services under dual citizenship?
Mr. Tani. Personally I have no dual citizenship.
Mr. Sparkman. Is that acknowledged by the Japanese Govern-
ment?
Mr. Tani. I don't know what they acknowledge.
Mr. Sparkman. Well, there was a law passed, I believe, or a regula-
tion established by the Japanese Government that would allow you to
deny or give up the Japanese citizenship.
Mr. Tani. Let us put it this way. My understanding of the
procedure of obtaining dual citizenship is this: I was born here; I am
an American citizen; my father had the privilege of recording me in
Japan to the consulate there by having my name recorded in the
Japanese census and thereby I would become a Japanese subject.
But my father neglected to do that. Therefore, as far as the Japanese
Government is concerned, I don't exist. That is my understanding.
And I have been told very recently that the law in Japan says that if I
was born prior to 1924 — I may be mistaken in that — then the Japanese
Government may have some claims against me. But if they have,
they have never done anything about it.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you agree with Mr. Masaoka in this statement
that he made, that if it is finally determined by those having the
ultimate responsibility^ of defending this area, that even Japanese-
American citizens should be evacuated, that it would be the duty of
such Japanese-American citizens to comply with such orders without
complaint?
Mr. Tani. Yes; I agree.
Mr. Sparkman. And cooperate wholeheartedly to that effect?
Mr. Tani. Yes; definitely.
11150 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
(The following statement was submitted subsequent to the hearing:)
STATEMENT BY HENRY TANI, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, SAN FRAN-
CISCO CHAPTER, JAPANESE-AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE, SAN
FRANCISCO, CALIF.
The Japanese in San Francisco
the PEOPLE
In any consideration of the Japanese people on the Pacific coast there is the
necessity of understanding the various classifications into which these Japanese
people fall.
THE ISSEI FIRST GENERATION
There is, first, the real immigrant Japanese group which made its main appear-
ance in the United States from 1890 to 1920. Immigration figures will reveal the
extent of this movement more accurately. The important observation to be made
at this time is the fact that with the Immigration Act of 1924 the flow of Japanese
immigration was effectively blocked.
This will naturally show that every single alien Japanese (with the exception
of a few merchants and ministers) in this country at this time have been resident
of the United States for 18 years at the least. It also follows that of this group
that is remaining in this country at this time practically all consider themselves
permanent residents.
One speaks of this first group as the first-generation Japanese. The common
term used to describe this group is the "Issei" (pronounced "iss-say," meaning
"first generation"). Our laws deny naturalization rights to these aliens, who
otherwise might have become good American citizens. Only in passing might it
be mentioned that, by and large, the Issei have been law-abiding and respectful
citizens, and that they had contributed largely to the economic wealth of their
neighborhood.
THE NISEI SECOND GENERATION
The offspring of the Issei is the Nisei, (pronounced "nee-say," meaning "second
generation"), who are born, reared, and educated in the American culture and
are inherently American in all manifest ways, except that there are occasional
cultural inclinations showing their Japanese home influence.
It is no exaggeration that by their own admission the Nisei consider themselves
far more American than Japanese. Testimonies to the contrary notwithstanding,
school teachers, business associates, religious leaders, and those who have come
to learn the Nisei in their normal ways of life will add their evidence to this
fact. The Nisei is a citizen. He takes his citizenship seriously. He meets his
obligation to society by cooperating with the civic authorities. Physically the
Nisei conform more* to the American standards than do their parents — the result
of the vigorous athletic program, the diet, and the relative free expression usual
to American growth.
THE KIBEI THOSE WHO RETURNED
Of the Nisei group, there is within them but yet apart from them another group
which is usually referred to as the "Kibei" (pronounced "ki-bay," meaning "those
who came back"). Like the Nisei, the Kibei was born in the United States and
thus is entitled to citizenship in the United States. Unlike the Nisei, the Kibei
receives his education in Japan and is therefore more culturally Japanese.
Of course, the degree to which the Kibei is more Japanese than American de-
pends largely on the number of vears and the age during which he was in Japan.
Many of them returned to Japan with their family at a young age and returned
to America in their late teens. It is unfair to classify the Kibei in one large group
and generalize too freely with them since the variation is so largely dependent
upon the many factors involved.
These things can be said of them, however: That their English is relatively
poor, mainly because they missed the American schooling which their Nisei
brothers and sisters got; their mastery of the Japanese language is definitely
superior than what little Japanese the local Nisei got in the language schools here;
their emotional life is definitely more unstable than for the Nisei, because the
Kibei missed the family life which the Nisei had.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11151
THE JAPAN-BORN NISEI
In all fairness to that very little minority within the Japanese community, one
must mention the few individuals who were born in Japan and came to this coun-
try with their parents in their early childhood. Such individuals missed out in
getting their United States citizenship by being born in Japan, but otherwise are
Nisei in all other aspects. This group is culturally American, and, though tech-
nically they are Issei, they are so only because of their birth in Japan.
POPULATION BREAK-DOWN
According to the 1940 United States census, there were in California a total of
93,717 Japanese, of which 33,569 were aliens and 60,148 were citizens. This
makes a ratio of 36 percent alien as opposed to 64 percent citizens. When cast
upon the whole State population, which is 6,907,387, there are 135 Japanese for
each 10,000 Californians.
For the city of San Francisco, the census figures show 2,276, or 43 percent,
aliens as against 3,004, or 57 percent, citizens, making a total of 5,280 Japanese
out of the city's population of 634,536. The ratio, therefore, in San Francisco
of Japanese to the total population is 83 out of 10,000.
NISEI BREAK-DOWN
According to the Nisei survey conducted by the San Francisco Chapter of the
Japanese American Citizens League in October 1940, a further break-down of the
total Nisei group revealed that 73.5 percent were Nisei, 22.8 percent were Kibei,
and 3.7 percent were Japan-born Nisei. This is true of San Francisco only since
the metropolitan area reflects the greater Kibei element.
Of all the Nisei who are 18 years of age and over, the concentration by age
showed that 61 percent of the total were between the ages of 19 to 25, inclusive,
and that 46 percent were between the ages of 20 to 24, inclusive. This substantiates
the fact that the average of the Nisei is 21 years old, further proved by the fact
that the birth rate of Japanese in California hit its peak in the year 1921. This
can also be verified by the high attendance of Nisei students in our universities
at this time. For instance, there were 500 at the University of California last fall.
JAPANESE TOWN
That the Japanese people in San Francisco are concentrated in their own
Japanese town is proven by the fact that in an area of 24 square blocks 73.3 per-
cent of the total Nisei in San Francisco, according to the Nisei survey, are stated
to be living within this area.
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
It is interesting to note that the Nisei survey showed the religious affiliations
distributed as follows: 42 percent Protestant, 35 percent Buddhist, 7 percent
Catholic, 3 percent others, and 13 percent none.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP
It is true that the Nisei themselves are very vague about their dual-citizenship
status since they are not well acquainted with the many laws that affect their
status. However, 32 percent seem to hold this dual-citizenship status to the
best of their knowledge, according to the Nisei survey. This figure includes
those who are not certain of their status, and therefore the percentage figure is
increased thereby.
CRIME AND DELINQUENCY
It is safe to say that, according to the best reliable sources, there is practically
no crime or delinquency record involving the Japanese in San Francisco. It is
also safe to say that relief cases (pre-war) have been very scarce and practically
unknown though there were a few isolated cases now and then.
SELECTIVE SERVICE
The number of selectees in the United States Army from San Francisco has
been variously estimated as being between 175 to 200, of which about 20 percent
11152 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
are volunteers. Of the total Nisei population, it is further estimated that 3,000
are probably in the United States armed forces.
PUBLIC CHARITIES
The community chest in its history of fund-raising campaigns have always
received 100-percent response from the Japanese group. The usual quota for the
Japanese community has been between $3,500 to $4,000, which is almost a dollar
a head. Even since the outbreak of war the Japanese contribution to the Red
Cross fund exceeded the expectation of local Red Cross officials.
TESTIMONY OF MIKE M. MASAOKA— Resumed
The Chairman. How many Japanese have you in California?
Mr. Masaoka. I have exact figures on that. This is taken from
the United States census figures for 1940. In continental United
States in April 1940 there were 126,947 Japanese. Out of that group
47,305 are Japanese nationals and 79,642 are American citizens.
Broken down, 80 percent of all the Japanese in the United States
reside on the Pacific coast. California alone has 93,713 Japanese,
or 73.8 percent of the total.
The Chairman. Do you attach any significance to the fact that
the Lockheed airplane factory at Los Angeles is surrounded by
Japanese?
Mr. Masaoka. Well, I am not particularly familiar with that
exact set-up, but I would like to state for the record that many of
these places were purchased long before the airports were ever there;
long before that.
The Chairman. You have approximately 93,000 Japanese in
California?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes. Almost 94,000.
The Chairman. As the spokesman for the Japanese here today,
would you say each and every one of that 93,000 is loyal to this
country?
r|Mr. Masaoka. No, not each and every one. I think that would
be impossible of any group. But I agree with the gentleman who
preceded me. We are also interested in finding those people out,
because if we don't find them out they are going to wreck our entire
society. We American citizens, especially, are not so much con-
cerned with ourselves as we are with our children. We would like
to commend you officially, publicly, and in every way for your appre-
ciation of the fact that after this is all over we must once again live
together as neighbors and fellow Americans.
The Chairman. What do you think about the statement of Attor-
ney General Warren here Saturday to the effect that in his reports
from law-enforcement officers, and he contacted several hundred of
them, that he knew of no instance where a Japanese gave any of
these officers any information as to a disloyal Japanese?
Mr. Masaoka. I don't know exactly what to say about that. I
wouldn't like to doubt his word, and yet I do know that personally a
number of people that I know of have contributed information.
The Chairman. The reason I am asking that is simply this — to give
you tbe benefit of a witness' right to tell you what has been said here
in order to have your views about that.
Mr. Masaoka. Yes, I understand that.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11153
TESTIMONY OF DAVE TATSUNO, PRESIDENT, SAN FRANCISCO
CHAPTER, JAPANESE-AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE, 2031 BUSH
STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Tatsuno. I am quite sure, many of the Japanese-American
citizens do not know of any case that should be turned in to the
authorities. Let us take my case, for example. I reside in the so-
called heart of Japan Town here in San Francisco. We have a dry-
goods store. It has been in existence since September 1902, and ever
since I have graduated from college back in 1936 I have been working
there. .
Most of our trade is with the Japanese, both alien and citizens, and
naturally I, of all persons, being in the heart of the Japanese commu-
nity, have talked with them heart to heart. I am trusted. Yet the
F. B. I. agents have approached me on a number of occasions and I
have had to profess that I don't know a thing. If I did, I would be
glad to say so. But what I don't know I can't say, because it would
be of no use.
SABOTAGE IN HAWAII
The Chairman. Let me ask you this: The sabotage at the time
of the attack of Pearl Harbor and the disloyalty of the Japanese
there was so widespread that the details have never as yet been fully
given to the public. Now, what I would like to get from you is this:
Do you think the Japanese of Hawaii stand on a different basis than
the Japanese in California?
Mr. Tatsuno. Yes; I would definitely like to say so. Let me give
you an example. I have a dry-goods store. We carry oriental goods
and we have imported some directly from Japan and we have bought
many from the local importers here. Yet, naturally, the amount we
sell of the native Japanese goods is very small, while in Hawaii you
will find that their dealings in Japanese native goods are a number of
times greater than those on the mainland here, which goes to show
that in Hawaii there was much of the Japanese influence among the
Japanese there. Also you must recognize the fact that one-third of
the population of Hawaii is Japanese whereas over here we are a very
small minority and we are not affected.
At the same time I would like to put into the record that I am quite
sure that the attack and the treacherous attack, much of it was com-
mitted by agents of the Japanese Government who came in different
disguise. I am quite sure of that.
The Chairman. Do you know of any of those agents here?
Mr. Tatsuno. Pardon?
WOULD REPORT SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES
The Chairman. Do you know of any of those agents in California?
Mr. Tatsuno. I do not know. If I did I would report them to the
F. B. I. As I said, since I am in the heart of Japan Town, the Naval
Intelligence, the Army Intelligence, and the F. B. I. make the rounds
and any time they ask questions I am always glad to help them.
11154 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The Chairman. You sound to me to be a pretty fair witness, but
you wouldn't go so far as to say that Japan hasn't these agents in
California? You know they have; don't you?
Mr. Tatsuno. Well, I couldn't say because I don't know. As one
American person put it, in total war that we have today there is a
great possibility — in fact, any nation that hasn't got fifth-column
activity to carry on a war — well, something is lacking.
The Chairman. I don't think Japan lacks it. You are not worried
about Japan in that regard, are you?
Mr. Tatsuno. But as far as California is concerned, as I say — and
I have been in close contact with the alien Japanese — since I have
been in contact with the many travelers from Japan, and they come
into our store regularly, many members of the different banks, the
import and export houses here in San Francisco, treaty merchants
sent from Japan. I may be pretty ignorant but I don't know. I
haven't had any signs.
Mr. Sparkman. Was your education all in this country?
Mr. Tatsuno. No. I was in Japan away back in 1924 immediately
after the earthquake for half a year. I attended fourth-grade gram-
mar school in Japan when I was 10 years old.
Mr. Sparkman. Is that the extent of the time you spent there, just
the 6 months?
Mr. Tatsuno. That is all.
Mr. Sparkman. May I ask your religion?
JAPANESE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Mr. Tatsuno. I am an elder of the local Presbyterian Church.
Before that I was a deacon. I am also a member of the local board of
management of the Y. M. C. A., and also last night I spoke at the First
Presbyterian Church at Van Ness and Sacramento. We had a joint
meeting with the American young people.
Mr. Arnold. Do the Japanese have a Presbyterian Church of their
own?
Mr. Tatsuno. We have a church of our own.
Mr. Arnold. You belong to the Japanese Presbyterian Church?
Mr. Tatsuno. Yes. It is controlled by the board directly, yes;
the national board.
Mr. Arnold. Is it organized about the same as the American
Presbyterian Church?
Mr. Tatsuno. It is typical. The only thing is that the older
people did not understand English well and they organized this
church. In fact, in our church we had a very earnest man working
for us, Dr. Sturge, who passed away in 1934. He spent 50 years
among the Japanese here in the United States working for us, and
we have such men with those ideals to look up to.
Mr. Arnold. He was an American?
Mr. Tatsuno. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. A white American?
Mr. Tatsuno. A white American.
Mr. Arnold. Does the Presbyterian Church belong to the same
diocese or whatever you might call it?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11155
Mr. Tatsuno. Yes. It is directly connected with the national
Presbyterian board. Also we have among our group the Young
People's Christian Conference groups. Henry was chairman of the
northern California chapter of the Young People's Christian Confer-
ence in 1938 and I was chairman of it in 1937. Therefore, with such
a background, we like to cooperate as much as possible.
Mr. Arnold. I was interested in your saying that even though you
are a merchant and come in contact with many Japanese customers
and others, that you never talked to each other about anything in
connection with Japan or this Government.
Mr. Tatsuno. No; I didn't say that. I said that although we do
have heart-to-heart talks I haven't found any inkling; any, shall I
say, evidence of fifth-column activity or sabotage, you see.
Mr. Arnold. Do you think you would learn of it if it existed
among those with whom you come in contact?
Mr. Tatsuno. If anybody, I should. If anybody, I am right in
the heart there, and I am sure that most of them trust me. You see,
Saturday, Attorney General Earl Warren said that because so far
there hasn't been a single sign of fifth-column activity that is a sign
that there is fifth-column activity. But I disagree with that. I
don't think that is real logic.
PRAISES JAPANESE RECORD IN AMERICA
Mr. Masaoka. For example, I would like to challenge the conclu-
sion drawn by the gentleman from Tulare, because in the depression
years very few Japanese, if any, went on the relief rolls that it was
an indication that we were receiving financial assistance from others.
I think that is an attitude of thrift and simple living which is char-
acteristic of the American pioneers. I think that is an evidence of
Americanism. We have a wonderful record of staying out of jail.
The only time I was in jail was on the night of December 7 when I
was in North Platte as a stranger there. They got me for vagrancy
and it was cleared up immediately from Washington. That was the
only time I was in jail. The Japanese have a fine record, I believe,
of abiding by the law. We stay off the relief rolls. We have a
wonderful record of contribution to the Community Chest, to the
Red Cross, and other civic groups. I think that all of those are an
indication of loyalty.
The Chairman. You have a wonderful record of keeping out of
jail. Don't you think that is smart?
Mr. Masaoka. Yes, I think it is smart for anyone. But I also
think that it is a sign of good Americanism that you have been taught
to do that.
Mr. Arnold. I have two questions and any one of you may answer.
Do Japanese aliens or their children have any feeling of animosity
toward the Government of the United States or the State of California
because such aliens are deprived of the right to own property in this
State?
Mr. Masaoka. I think it is possible that some would have. I
think it is only natural, to be honest, you understand?
Mr. Arnold. Some aliens and some of their children feel that?
11156 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Masaoka. Possibly. But the children may own land.
Mr. Tani. We are children. We can own land.
Mr. Arnold. But do you have any animosity because aliens can't?
Mr. Tani. It wouldn't exist now because most of us are of age and
can handle our own business. So if there was animosity, it wouldn't
exist now.
JAPANESE LAND PURCHASES
Mr. Arnold. Do you know of any instances where Japanese aliens
have acquired property in this State in the name of their children in
order to avoid the property laws?
Mr. Tani. Sure. My father bought a house in my name and my
sister's name and he had a lawyer named as trustee. That was the
usual procedure, but we lived in that house.
Mr. Masaoka. I would like to say that the California Supreme
Court, I understand, in two cases — the Fujita and Yano cases — gave
some countenance to a type of guardianship. I would also like to
say that a number of people tried, in fact encouraged, the Japanese to
use this type of subterfuge.
The Chairman. Mr. Kido is the president of your league?
Mr. Masaoka. He is an attorney and he is ill today. He has an
impacted tooth.
The Chairman. Well, gentlemen, it is getting late. However, I
would like to say this to you — that you are speaking now to part of
the Congress of the United States.
Mr. Masaoka. We appreciate that.
The Chairman. I would like to ask you if you know of any place
in Japan or the Philippines or Wake Island where any agency or part
of the Japan Parliament is according to the American evacuees or
interns a hearing such as this.
Mr. Masaoka. No. We appreciate that, very frankly. That is
what makes us like Americans more.
The Chairman. So you think that we can go back to Washington
now and rest absolutely and perfectly safe that there won't be any
disloyalty from the Japanese on this coast?
Mr. Masaoka. I think the great majority won't.
The Chairman. But it doesn't take many.
Mr. Masaoka. Yes, I understand that. But I would like to make
this request of you. Just as I pointed out, the tension is increasing
all around and immediate action would be very helpful, I think, to
all concerned to protect us from mob violence, to protect against
sabotage, which may come. Now, I think a decision will permit us
to inform our people as to proper procedure, to help them to get
ready to leave, if necessary; to contact the proper Government
agencies and otherwise. But I do not think it should be voluntary
evacuation for the simple reason that I am afraid of what is happening
in Tulare and other counties. If they just go voluntarily out without
knowing where they go, they may not only inconvenience the com-
munities to which they go, but they may disrupt those communities.
The Chairman. Thank you very much.
The committee will stand in recess until 2 o'clock.
(Whereupon, at 12:45 p. m. a recess was taken until 2 p. m.)
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGBATION
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1942
afternoon session
House of Representatives,
Select Committee Investigating
National Defense Migration,
Washington, D. C.
The committee met at 2 p. m. in the post office building, San Fran-
cisco, Calif., Hon. John H. Tolan (chairman) presiding.
Present were: Representatives John H. Tolan (chairman), of Cali-
fornia; Laurence F. Arnold, of Illinois; and John J. Sparkman, of
Alabama.
Also present: Dr. Robert K. Lamb, staff director; John W. Abbott,
chief field investigator; Leonard A. Thomas, counsel; and F. P. Weber,
economist.
The Chairman. The committee will please come to order.
Mr. Clark, you will be the first witness.
TESTIMONY OF TOM C. CLARK, COORDINATOR OF THE ENEMY
ALIEN CONTROL FOR THE WESTERN DEFENSE COMMAND,
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, FEDERAL BUILDING, LOS ANGELES,
CALIF.
The Chairman. Mr. Clark, will you please give your full name to
the reporter. This is for the purposes of the record.
Mr. Clark. Yes. My name is Tom Clark and I appear here as
Coordinator of the Enemy Alien Control for the Western Defense
Command.
The Chairman. That is the Justice Department?
Mr. Clark. Department of Justice; yes, sir.
The Chairman. Congressman Arnold will interrogate you.
Mr. Arnold. Mr. Clark, we are going to divide our questions to
you into two groups, the first dealing with the evacuation tomorrow
and the previous work of your office in connection with this problem,
and the second dealing with the President's Executive order of last
Friday.
We would like you to hold yourself in readiness to appear again in
about 10 days in Los Angeles to testify on later developments arising
from this Executive order.
Would you briefly outline for us the functions of your office and
what your office has done on the alien problem on the west coast to
date.
11157
11158 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Clark. Well, that is a pretty big job. I will do the best I
can, sir.
Mr. Arnold. All right.
Mr. Clark. I came into this 4 weeks ago this coming Thursday.
At that time there were so many agencies that were engaged in the
work of trying to solve the problem that there was no coordina-
tion between them. Since the President, in his Executive order of
January 6 and 7, I believe it is, appointed the Attorney General to
designate certain areas as recommended by the War Department
from which alien enemies might be evacuated, and since the duty was
upon the Attorney General — he had written several of the other civil
agencies requesting their cooperation in affecting an orderly evacua-
tion—it was thought that someone might be necessary to coordinate
the various activities of the various civil authorities that might come
into the picture. I have been out here for a couple of years with the
Department of Justice and have three offices out here in the vital
areas. So, they thought that possibly I might be the fellow to do
that work and that was the reason I was selected and that, I think,
outlines in a general way the functions I have to perform and the
duties that I have attempted to perform so far.
Mr. Arnold. Have you just been engaged in this work about 4 or
5 weeks?
Mr. Clark. As 1 stated, 4 weeks next Thursday.
Mr. Arnold. In your opinion, should there be a wholesale evacua-
tion from the military areas of all citizens and aliens whose origins are
in enemy countries?
Mr. Clark. 1 think it depends
The Chairman (interposing). May I interrupt, Mr. Clark and
Congressman Arnold? We want you to feel absolutely free, Mr. Clark,
not to disclose anything to this committee that gives comfort to the
enemy but also feel free to go as far as you can.
Mr. Clark. I appreciate that. If any question like that comes up
you can depend on me to be the first to say "I am sorry; I can't
answer." I will be glad to talk to the committee about other matters
that I find it not possible to discuss here if there are some of those
matters.
As far as the question you just asked I would say this: If the military
authorities, in whom I have the utmost confidence tell me it is neces-
sary to remove from any area the citizens as well as the aliens of a
certain nationality or of all nationalities I would say the best thing
to do would be to follow the advice of the doctor. Whenever you go
to a doctor if he tells you take aspirin you take aspirin. If he tells
you to cut off your leg so you can save your body you cut off your leg.
So I think it is is up to the military authorities to decide that question.
The Chaieman. Well, it is not only up to them but we all have to
obey them.
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir. That is right.
The Chairman. We have no discretion about it.
Mr. Clark. That is right.
The Chairman. But we thought we could give them some facts
that might help them. That is the reason for these hearings.
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11159
RESETTLEMENT OF ALIENS IN CALIFORNIA
Mr. Arnold. Now, in your opinion, is it necessary to remove these
evacuees from the State of California and, in fact, from the entire
west coast? If so, what areas do you think they should be placed in?
Mr. Clark. Well, from my study up to date I would say that
California can take care of the problem, providing the military
authorities decide what the strategic military areas are, and if we know
those, then, we can move these people, such persons as we think
should be evacuated from certain areas. We could establish some
place where they might be able to go. I think that California could
solve the problem without much interference with other States.
Mr. Arnold. You think there is enough area in California away
from the coast to take care of the situation?
Mr. Clark. Well, Congressman, I would say this: That largely
depended upon the military areas that might be created. General
DeWitt asked me this morning if I might release to the committee
and to the press some of his ideas about the matter. He said, "You
know, Tom, we have the deadline on the orders of the Attorney
General." And the General stressed the fact that these orders were
still in effect and that the alien enemies that were in the areas, or the
prohibited areas which became effective tomorrow night at midnight
would have to evacuate. If they don't, why, we intend for the
Federal Bureau of Investigation to see that they are evacuated. In
the meanwhile, the General is working on such military areas as he
and his staff deem necessary.
The Chairman. Mr. Clark, if I may interrupt there. The Attorney
General of the State of California, Mr. Warren, testified here Saturday
that while they give information to your department they have no
return information as to who are enemy aliens.
Would you care to comment on that? This committee thinks that
is very, very important.
PREPARING LIST OF ENEMY ALIENS
Mr. Clark. Well, the only comment I would make on that,
Congressman, would be that the list of enemy aliens, of course, has
not been prepared as yet. For example, we only had the list, had the
cards, the Form 22, as they call them, on the night of February 9.
The Chairman. Y s.
Mr. Clark. There was a considerable number of those Form 22 's.
In fact, in these eight States there are, I would say, at least four or
five hundred thousand, so you can see what a job it is when you say
"get up a list." I am satisfied of this: That the Federal Bureau of
Investigation will cooperate with any enforcement agency, local or
otherwise, in order to solve the problem.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. You made reference to the effective date of this
order, tomorrow night at midnight. Isn't that tonight at midnight?
Mr. Clark. No, sir. We construed the last order, the 15th, having
come on Sunday, as being effective Monday morning, so we are con-
struing this one as being effective at midnight, the 24th, the date that
is stated in the order itself, so tomorrow is the last day.
11160 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
PREFERS VOLUNTARY EVACUATION
The General further asked me to state that he was hopeful that the
enemy aliens in these areas would move out voluntarily. He thought
that they would. And while he was studying the problem of additional
military areas that he would create under the Presidential order, or
the Executive order, he hoped that the alien enemies would be pre-
paring themselves to evacuate voluntarily.
The Chairman. I don't think all of the American people recognize
the importance of the time element in this matter. Everything has
come on us in a rush. On Saturday we were with General DeWitt for
an hour and a half, and he told us to tell the public: "There will be no
mass evacuation. Hardship cases will be taken care of."
The Executive order of last Friday changed everything. So the
point is that as far as your Justice Department is concerned, you are
going to cooperate with the civil and local enforcement agencies of this
State, aren't you?
Mr. Clark. We are going to do everything that General DeWitt
requests us to do. In our conference this morning, he asked me to
see about coordinating matters much in the same way that we had
done in the past. Of course, the primary party responsible to carry
out the Executive order of last Friday is the Army. Personally, I
think, like I am sure you do, sir, and like the other congressmen of
California, evidenced in their statements in the public press, that the
Army is the proper party to carry this out because they are the only
department of government that have the facilities and the personnel
with which to do it in an effective way.
The Chairman. Yes; but the reason that we are here, Mr. Clark,
is that the high officials at Washington thought we should come out
here and get the opinion of the coast people who are directly involved,
don't you see? They might have some ideas too.
TVTt C">t at?.tc ~± gs sir
The Chairman, in other words, we are not telling you what to do
but we can give you some facts in these open hearings?
Mr. Clark. Yes.
The Chairman. Now, as far as the Army is concerned, General
DeWitt told us Saturday afternoon that he has never been so pleased
in his entire army life as he is with the work that your department is
doing.
Mr. Clark. Well, that pleases me very much.
The Chairman. But still you are human and therefore not a
hundred percent perfect as far as this is concerned?
Mr. Clark. That is right, sir.
The Chairman. We have to live in this country after this war is
over and we have nationalities no other country has. We are a
melting pot of the world. Maybe, we will get some ideas here. But,
at least, the people of the Pacific coast are going to be helped anyway.
We are not telling you what to do but we might give you some ideas.
help needed to solve problem
Mr. Clark. Well, I might say on that we certainly do need some
ideas. We need your help. I know personally I would welcome it
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11161
and I feel certain, although I haven't talked to the General, that
he would be happy to have them. We all have to work out this
problem together. I told that to the State defense councils I had the
pleasure of meeting with over the State during the past couple of
weeks. To solve this problem we will all have to put our shoulders
to the wheel.
I am happy to see your committee here, sir. I am sorry I couldn't
be here Saturday, but I only left Washington Saturday afternoon
about 2 o'clock, and we were grounded yesterday morning in Denver
and only arrived here last night. We have these three offices, one in
Los Angeles, one here, one in Seattle. They are staffed by experienced
lawyers, the staff we have gotten in the past 2 years. They are at your
disposal, sir.
Mr. Arnold. Now, Mr. Clark, do you know in a general way where
the people moving on the 15th of February have gone?
Mr. Clark. There were less than 400 that were required to move
from those specific areas on that day. I am sure that several groups
moved out of other areas. Mr. Neustadt could give you that infor-
mation better than I. I understand that he is preparing a list which
will be available, possibly, in a couple of days and he will be happy to
furnish that for you.
The Chairman. He is here now.
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir. My ideas would be just a guess and if you
don't mind I would rather not guess on a matter like that.
COMMUNITIES RESISTING RESETTLEMENT OF EVACUEES
Mr. Arnold. All right. Have any protests been received by your
office from communities which do not wish to receive evacuees?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
Mr. Arnold. We had testimony here on Saturday to the effect that
the citizens of Tulare County were resisting the entrance of Japanese
enemy aliens into that county. If this be true what action is your
office prepared to take with respect to this situation?
Mr. Clark. The Tulare citizens have wired several of us about the
problem there. They say that it would be better for the community
if there were no further migration of Japanese into that area. Frankly,
we don't have any idea of evacuating any Japanese into Tulare.
But if any of them happen to come in there, why, I hope the patri-
otism of the resident will be longer than their noses and that they will
at least receive them until we can find a little better place in which to
place these unfortunate folks.
Mr. Arnold. Do you not think this arises from the emphasis placed
to date on the machinery for evacuation rather than for locating these
people?
8,067 ALIEN ENEMIES IN AREAS
Mr. Clark. The best statistics that we had on the areas that the
Army requested the Attorney General to designate showed that there
were 8,067 enemy aliens within all of the areas. Of that number there
were only about 2,800 of Japanese lineage. Two thousand of those
live around the municipal airport in Los Angeles. So after consulting
11162 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
with Mr. Neustadt, who has done, by the way, a splendid job on this
whole proposition
The Chairman (interposing). He is blushing now on account of
that compliment.
Mr. Clark. Well, I mean that, sir. I told him that last night, and
I wired him from Washington.
Mr. Arnold. We think so, too.
Mr. Clark. The Department of Agriculture, likewise, has done a
splendid job in telling us where the agricultural areas that were suited
to these particular types of people are located and where labor is
needed at certain periods and dates. We decided that these 2,800
Japanese could be easily cared for in different areas without creating
any concentration or reservoir place. You might establish a registra-
tion center. We proceeded along the theory that those 8,000 could
be assimilated easily into the various areas of California. And I think
our position has been proven true.
EVACUATION FROM AIRPORT AREA
I sent a man around to the Municipal Airport last Friday and he
telephoned me he couldn't find any Japanese there. I think that we
have shown that they can be evacuated from those areas that have
been designated by the Attorney General at the request of the War
Department, sir.
Mr. Arnold. Can you tell us how much of the movement on the
15th of February disrupted the employment pattern of the areas
affected?
Mr. Clark. I am a lawyer and I don't know about that. How-
ever, I would say it didn't affect it at all.
Mr. Arnold. Do you know if any of these people have found
employment?
Mr. Clark. Mr. Neustadt can tell you that. I don't imagine he
has that information in his head but he can get it from his records.
But the whole program, sir, was predicated on the proposition that
they would find employment. In fact, that is why I insisted on hav-
ing Mr. Neustadt and his group, because the United States Employ-
ment Service operates in California and Washington and Oregon.
On every poster we put up in an area and on every piece of news-
paper publicity I stated that these enemy aliens should go to their
local employment office and Social Security Board, not only for infor-
mation as to what restricted areas were created and whether they
lived in them but to secure advice and counsel and assistance in
evacuating an area.
Mr. Arnold. I wonder if your office has adequate statistics as to
the age, the sex, and the occupational characteristics of those who
are being evacuated?
Mr. Clark. No. We don't.
Mr. Arnold. Do you know whether there has been any discussion
of using evacuees in reclamation work or on strategic military roads
or farm work?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir. There has been. Our form 22 on the regis-
tration will have all that information. I am sure Mr. Neustadt's
information includes all that. We also require the enemy aliens to
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11163
secure permission from the district attorney before they can move so
we will know every one that moves and where they have moved to.
Then, by reference to form 22 we could give you the information that
you would like to have.
Mr. Arnold. Has any arrangement been worked out with the
United States Department of Agriculture for the employment in
agriculture in California of evacuees?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir; they have been out here. Mr. Dodd came
out from Washington. Mr. Thompson, who sits here [indicating],
came out and has been working very closely with the war boards in
all the counties.
ALIENS SACRIFICING PROPERTY
Mr. Arnold. We understand that no provision has been made for
disposing of the nonmovable property of aliens and that many of them
are sacrificing it.
Do you not feel a custodianship should have been instituted before
the evacuation on the 15th of February?
Mr. Clark. Well, sir, I think that that is a condition that should
never have existed.
And it is rapidly becoming worse. I have some letters indicating
that persons not informed as to which areas are being and to be
evacuated have sold their machinery and their property for practically
nothing. Frankly, I think that if your committee could bring about
the appointment or the designation of the proper party to take care
of the property of these unfortunate people, you would have done a
splendid day's work. In fact, it would be well worth all your trip out
here if you could get that done and done immediately.
The Chairman. Well, Mr. Clark, we were not here 12 hours when
we immediately phoned Washington about this serious proposition.
Mr. Clark. That is fine, sir.
The Chairman. I think the reason for the delay is that Washington
is 3,000 miles away. They still don't have the story about vulner-
ability of the Pacific coast. We found it was a question of jurisdic-
tion. Then, we found out that the Treasury Department has the
jurisdiction.
Mr. Clark. Well, it doesn't matter who has the jurisdiction just so
they get busy.
URGENCY OF NEED FOR CUSTODIAN OF ALIEN PROPERTY
The Chairman. We have to have a regional office here to take care
of the property of aliens. That is true, isn't it?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. We have got to do it at once. Isn't that true?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. In other words, it should precede the evacuation,
is that right?
Mr. Clark. I think that would have been the orderly process, sir.
Mr. Arnold. You just returned from Washington, Mr. Clark.
Do you know if there are any plans to establish such an office or make
60396— 4L>— pt. 29 14
11164 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
other arrangements before the invocation of the President's recent
order?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
Mr. Arnold. There are plans?
Mr. Clark. There are, sir.
Mr. Arnold. Do you know whether the War Department plans to
call on the Department of Justice to assist in the evacuations under
the President's order?
Mr. Clark. General DeWitt told me he intended to do that, sir.
Mr. Arnold. Do you know whether the Federal Security Agency
plans to call on the Department of Justice to assist in evacuations
under the President's order?
Mr. Clark. I don't know. Mr. Nuestadt?
Mr. Neustadt. If the Army wants us to help or the Department
of Justice wants us to help they call on us.
all agencies must cooperate
Mr. Clark. Under the President's order the General can call on
any governmental agency.
Mr. Arnold. In other words, you intend to all cooperate?
Mr. Clark. I'll say we do.
Mr. Arnold. And do the job to the best of your ability?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
Mr. Arnold. We understand that the enemy aliens evacuated
bear the. expense of movement. Are any plans contemplated for
changing this arrangement under the President's recent order?
Mr. Clark. Yes; the order provides for it.
The Chairman. From under what appropriation will that money
come?
Mr. Clark. That is what I have been wondering about. I talked
to some of your good colleagues. They told me they would be
happy to request an appropriation for this purpose. The War De-
partment is taking care of that.
The Chairman. I think it is being taken care of through the
emergency fund.
Mr. Clark. The President gave Mr. McNutt, who is Mr. Neu-
stadt's boss, a half million to take care of this emergency that we have.
Mr. Arnold. I realize you can't commit yourself on the size of
future evacuations. However, Mr. Neustadt testified that at present
no Federal agencies are equipped to handle the evacuation of a large
number of aliens or citizens.
Would you agree with this statement?
QUESTIONS NEED FOR MASS EVACUATION
Mr. Clark. Well, I don't think that there is going to be any mass
evacuations.
Mr. Arnold. You don't think there will be any mass evacuations?
Mr. Clark. Just as Congressman Tolan said a moment ago. Gen-
eral DeWitt doesn't intend to have any mass evacuations. Frankly,
I think it is just a question of our being able to tell these people
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11165
where they can go. Then those that don't go, will be evacuated.
But the Army can take care of that without any trouble.
Mr. Arnold. You don't know of any plans for organizing a new
agency to take care of this?
Mr. Clark. No, sir; there are no plans.
The Chairman. May I interrupt at this point. I am trying to
think this thing out, as we go along.
The Army is working on this problem. We have the civilian defense
organizations in cities. We have a Justice Department; we have the
Social Security.
Should there be some place, on the Pacific coast, a sort of a clearing
house, a central body that checks in to see how you folks are getting
along, to make contacts with the law enforcement agencies of Oregon,
Washington, and California? Do you think that something like that
would be helpful?
Mr. Clark. I don't believe so, sir. Well, it all depends on the
jurisdiction that you gave them and the size of the agency and just
what their function would be. Frankly, I think, we have gotten
along a hundred percent.
Mr. Sparkman. Well, that is really your job, anyhow, isn't it?
Mr. Clark. That is what I have been doing.
Mr. Sparkman. You are a clearing house for those agents?
Mr. Clark. I have been clearing them 24 hours a day. It is hard
on my wife but it is not so hard on me.
The Chairman. Yes; you are clearing the people out.
Mr. Clark. No. I talk to Mr. Neustadt and he talks to his folks
and his lawyer, and I get together with them and we talk over his
problems. Mr. Thompson and I got together every time I was in
Washington. Mr. Dodd came out, and I talked to him. He is an
agricultural commissioner. We have talked to the W. P. A. Mr.
Hunter was out, and he sent Mr. Nicholson from Salt Lake City.
I talked to Earl Warren two or three times. I talked to Mayor
Bowron down in Los Angeles, where our trouble is, and Mr. Allen,
who is in charge of my office here in San Francisco and up north. He
contacted people up there.
The Chairman. Let me ask you right there, Mr. Clark: The mayor
of Oakland, or the mayor of Berkeley he can't come over here and see
General DeWitt.
Mr. Clark. No, sir.
The Chairman. He is busy and he can't talk to your boss, Mr.
Hoover. They have got certain ideas. Now, where can they go?
Mr. Clark. They have been coming to me, sir.
The Chairman. They have been coming to you?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir; or to my office. Of course, when I am not
here my office goes on.
The Chairman. I want to ask another question. Do you think
the Justice Department knows any more, for instance, as to who the
disloyal citizens of Oakland or Berkeley, Calif., are than the local
police officers?
Mr. Clark. I think that is a problem for all of us to consider, sir.
The Chairman. Well, do you pay any attention to them?
Mr. Clark. To the local police?
11166 • SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
ASSISTANCE OF LOCAL POLICE
The Chairman. Yes, to the local police.
Mr. Clark. I do, yes sir. They have been very helpful in our
various raids that you no doubt read about in the newspapers.
The Chairman. They have been very helpful?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. Well, now, I just wanted to get that thought over
to the people over there. I wanted to get that thought over. Who
do they go to? Do they go to you, or do they go to DeWitt; do
they go to give information?
Mr. Clark. They have been.
The Chairman. Have you got a clearing house
Mr. Clark (interposing). They have been coming to me. And
the General, whenever anybody contacts him, has been sending them
to me. He gets letters, of course, and usually sends them over if he
thinks that is anything to it at all.
We have an office here that takes care of that. Then, Mr. Harring-
ton, of my office, is in Los Angeles, and Mr. Burdell takes care of
Seattle and Portland.
We are lawyers. We don't presume to know much about some of
the problems that are involved here. We think that is largely a mili-
tary problem. We are trying in an emergency that came up very
suddenly, as you have already stated, to fill in a gap. It is going to
be a program that is going to take a long time to work out.
I think your over -agency idea would be all right, or that one such
agency, other than the Justice Department, should be designated,
such as the Social Security, for example. You have here a resettle-
ment problem. We are not resettlement people, we are lawyers.
Mr. Arnold. Have plans been made in connection with the Farm
Security Administration and the Work Projects Administration to
assist in the forthcoming evacuations out of prohibited areas?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir. I talked to Baldwin. He is head of the
Farm Security, and to Mr. Hunter of the W^ork Projects Adminis-
tration.
Mr. Arnold. And they are going to cooperate in this movement?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. There isn't presently any alien property custodian
out here, is there?
Mr. Clark. Well, the Federal Reserve bank, through Mr. Hale, as
I understand it, has charge of what you might call the stop accounts or
the frozen accounts in banks. I don't think there is any other agency.
When I left Washington last Saturday there was no other.
The Chairman. Mr. Clark, you are familiar, of course, with the
Executive order of the President issued last Friday?
Mr. Clark. Yes.
The Chairman. And you took part back in Washington in the
conversations in relation to that Executive order, is that true?
Mr. Clark. That is true; sir.
MEANING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER
The Chairman. Will you state briefly for the record and for the
people here what you understand that Executive order to mean?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11167
Mr. Clark. I think the Executive order simply places in the
Secretary of War the authority that is vested in the President under
his war powers to create such military zones as the Secretary of War
or any commander designated by the Secretary of War may think is
necessary to protect any part of the United States.
The Chairman. Mr. Clark, the congressional delegations of Oregon,
Washington, and California met almost daily. That Executive order
followed the recommendation of this Pacific coast delegation.
Mr. Clark. I think you did a swell job.
The Chairman. So far I haven't heard one single complaint about
j^our Department or General DeWitt.
Mr. Clark. Well, that is mighty nice.
The Chairman. But I still think that the local enforcement agencies
ought to get into this picture a little bit more and be heard.
Whether or not you are going to be the clearing house for them to
come to, we don't care. But there should be some place and some-
where that this could be done. We have got to back it up — this work,
with the men and women of California and Oregon and Washington.
Now, let me tell you something further. It is admitted in Wash-
ington that the most vulnerable part of the United States is the Pacific
coast. They tell us there that the West coast can be bombed and
probably will be bombed, so we haven't any time to lose. We are
here as a sort of a sounding board to get the opinions of you people.
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. First I think an alien property custodian should be
appointed at once so that we don't hurt any more people out here
than we have to. Secondly, I think the enforcement officers in these
cities should have a clearinghouse to go to — either to you, or to who-
ever has that capacity.
POSITION OF F. B. I. IN EVACUATION
Mr. Clark. Well, I agree with you on the first point. On the
second, the President in his Executive order, issued 2 or 3 days after
Pearl Harbor, designated the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
called upon all law enforcement officers and other persons, citizens or
otherwise, to report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation itself and
various offices over the United States any matter that they thought
would be of benefit to insure the proper enforcement of our laws and
the prevention of sabotage and espionage in the United States.
Frankly, Mr. Hoover, has, I think, one of the finest organizations
that has ever been set up of this type.
The Chairman. We agree with you.
Mr. Clark. I think you have to have an over-all picture of the
United States. I grant you that you have a peculiar situation in
California, but we have to look at it on a broad plane. If these law-
enforcement agencies will report and cooperate with the Federal
Bureau of Investigation I think you have the answer to your prob-
lem. But that is out of my line. I am not an investigator. I am
under the Attorney General of the United States; those matters are
entirely up to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They have been
doing a swell job, as I think you will agree.
The Chairman. Absolutely.
11168 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Clark. Now, if these local officers or any citizens will report
any matter that they think the F. B. I should know, they will find
that prompt attention will be given to it and absolute cooperation.
POINTS BROUGHT OUT IN EAST BAY PANEL
Mr. Sparkman. You would have been interested in hearing the
testimony of the panel of officials from the East Bay area this morn-
ing. They were not particularly complaining but they did mention
some things that might easily be smoothed out.
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. Such things as this: For instance, when the seizure
of alien property began — cameras, radios, and so forth — they said the
only information they ever had of that was through the newspapers
and the radio. They stated that aliens brought their property in and
that they had had no instructions whatsoever from anybody in the
Federal Government, asking them to receive that property, or telling
them what to do with it, or how to handle it.
It seems to me that cooperation is a matter that works both ways
and that in all fairness to those local officials they should have re-
ceived some definite instructions or requests from some agency of the
Federal Government as to how to operate.
Here is another thing they mentioned. In picking out some of
these defense areas and strategic military areas, the local officials,
who know a great deal more about their own community than some
of the outside people can possibly know, were never consulted and the
result was that some very peculiar situations developed. In one of
the East Bay cities it was stated that the most important military area
had not been designated as a restricted or prohibited area, whereas,
other areas of much less importance had been so designated.
I am just wondering whether in your capacity as coordinator some-
thing can't be done to let these local people, who feel their responsi-
bility to report irregularities and cases of disloyalty to the F. B. I.,
also participate in the whole program?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir; I think that is a good suggestion. As to the
cameras, that order was entered back in December. As I stated, I
didn't come into this picture until about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I found
out then that some of the material that had been picked up was being
kept in various offices, so I got Washington to enter an order requiring
everybody to turn it over to the United States marshal so we could
have it one place.
F. B. I. IN CHARGE OF EVACUATION
Mr. Sparkman. Well, to make it more recent, they say this evacua-
tion order is going into effect tomorrow but not one word has been
said to the law-enforcement officers with reference to moving the
people out of these areas.
Who is going to move them out?
Mr. Clark. The F. B. I.
Mr. Sparkman. Without the cooperation of local officials?
Mr. Clark. Oh, they will ask for that when it is necessary. The
local officials, in fact, posted those whole areas for us.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11169
Mr. Sparkman. Well, now, that is contrary to these mayors and
chief of police this morning.
Mr. Clark. Well, the civil-defense boards did.
Mr. Sparkman. I believe we even had some of those here too and
they said not.
Mr. Clark. They have been very cooperative. All we did was to
have the posters printed and then called in the local defense board
chairmen. They had them distributed and posted in the various
areas. It was most effective in southern California particularly.
We have done the same thing up here.
Mr. Sparkman. I hope when the testimony of the morning session
becomes available you will read particularly what these gentlemen said
from over in that area because it did give a picture of lack of coordi-
nation and lack of cooperation, even though they were anxious to
cooperate.
Mr. Clark. I will be happy to get that testimony. Everybody
knows where the areas are; the local defense board posted them.
As far as evacuation is concerned, frankly, I don't think we are
going to need anybody to evacuate them other than the F. B. I.
Mr. Sparkman. Well, now, that is true, probably, on this particular
evacuation but as other areas are set up and the people are moved
farther and farther inland, it seems to me that you are probably
going to have to change from a voluntary evacuation to one of actual
moving of the people.
COOPERATION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS
Mr. Clark. I think so, too. I think, in that instance the Army
would be charged with that responsibility and if they decide, like the
F. B. I. has in the past, to call upon local officials. I am sure they will.
We have found local officials not only anxious but willing to cooperate
in every request that we have made.
Mr. Sparkman. Well, these gentlemen signified their willingness
and their desire.
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. But I did gather from their statements that there
was a feeling of lack of instructions, lack of knowledge, and lack of
coordination.
Mr. Clark. Well, I am sorry that they have that feeling.
Mr. Sparkman. I just wanted to call your attention to that. I
thought it would be of interest to you. That is all.
Mr. Clark. I appreciate that very much.
The Chairman. Mr. Clark, I just have one or two questions to ask
you. We don't want you to get the idea that we are here in criticism
of you. We think you have done a fine job. General DeWitt thinks
so too. What is the number of your staff?
Mr. Clark. We have 31 lawyers and about 15 stenographers.
The Chairman. And what area do you cover?
Mr. Clark. We cover three States.
The Chairman. How many people are involved in this evacuation,
would you say?
11170 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
8,000 TO BE EVACUATED
Mr. Clark. In the evacuations, up to date, around 8,000.
The Chairman. 8,000.
Dr. Lamb. Does that include the evacuation effective on tomorrow,
the 24th?
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. Do you think your staff is sufficient?
Mr. Clark. I spoke to the Attorney General about that and we
are increasing the staff, sir.
The Chairman. How much?
Mr. Clark. He told me to put on any number I thought was
necessary. I don't think we are going to need very many more.
The Army has indicated that they have plenty forces to help. Frankly
we don't need lawyers to do this type of work.
The Chairman. Congressman Sparkman's questions, I think, hit
the heart of the whole tiling and that is the coordination between
the local enforcement agencies and you.
POSTING OF AREAS
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir. I just received a note from Mr. Allen, who
manages this area up here. He tells me the East Bay area was posted
by the Civil Defense Council of Alameda County, that the city
manager and the Civil Defense Board of Antioch posted them. The
sheriff posted them along the coast points and the Oregon State
police posted them in Oregon and the highway police posted them in
Washington.
Now, there are a lot of these people that are anxious to help and
we are anxious to get them to help. But when you get too many it
just creates confusion, so we have called upon those whom we think
are best suited geographically or otherwise to do the work that we
have in hand at that particular time and, frankly, we have gotten a
hundred percent cooperation.
The Chairman. But have you been designated by Washington as
a sort of a clearing house for the contacts with the local officials or have
you just taken that authority and are doing the best you can?
Mr. Clark. Well, I think the people, possibly from the newspaper
stories, decided they would call somebody and they began calling me.
In fact, I had to move my hotel because they called me so much.
The Chairman. Take the city of Oakland. If they have a situation
there or have some ideas about the areas or who should be evacuated,
who are loyal and who are disloyal, who would they go to?
DESIGNATION OF MILITARY AREAS
Mr. Clark. The Army has designated all of the areas and they have
picked those areas from a military standpoint. Personally, I wouldn't
quarrel with them from a military standpoint.
The Chairman. We can't. They have the jurisdiction.
Mr. Clark. They know where the defense areas are; they know
where the defense plants are. They know what their problem is.
I am not going to quarrel with them about that. I have had several
protests which I have taken up with the general and he has had investi-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11171
gations made by his staff. Of course, what you must remember is
that these original designations are just beginning in an effort to solve
the problem. It is a progressive problem. It is one that you can't
solve overnight.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Clark. So the general, in designating these areas, was desig-
nating those that he thought were the most strategic and that should
be evacuated as soon as possible. Later he is going to add additional
areas.
The Chairman. I am satisfied about that area proposition because
we can't do anything about it. That is up to the military authorities.
Let's not waste any time on that.
Whom do the local enforcement officers go to in Oakland to report
cases of loyalty and disloyalty?
Mr. Clark. The F. B. I.
Dr. Lamb. On that point, Mr. Clark, it isn't a question of loyalty or
disloyalty. As far as this evacuation is concerned it is a question of
alien or citizen. You evacuate them because they are in a certain
category.
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir.
Dr. Lamb. Appeal at this time makes no difference.
The Chairman. Oh, yes, Doctor.
Mr. Sparkman. Not yet.
The Chairman. Oh, yes; it does. There is absolutely going to be
discretion.
NO EXCEPTIONS FOR LOYALTY
Dr. Lamb. I would like to ask Mr. Clark that question with respect
to the 24th.
Is it true, Mr. Clark, that so far there have been no exceptions made
on the basis of appeals because the person is said to be loyal?
Mr. Clark. It has not been based on that at all. There are no
exceptions for that.
Mr. Sparkman. Not yet.
Mr. Clark. Under the new order it is a different proposition.
The Chairman. Yes. Let's get down to brass tacks now. The
wording of the Executive order is such as to include the evacuation of
all citizens. Well, it won't mean exactly that in practice; we know
that. It is going to be put on a registration permit basis with dis-
tinction made between loyal and disloyal. It has not been set up
yet. It will be set up because we discussed that for days back in
Washington. There is no question about that.
But what I would like to know, who do those people go to? Do
they go to you?
Mr. Clark. You see, the Doctor is talking about the old order that
the Attorney General had jurisdiction over, while you are talking
about the Executive order of the President. Is that right?
Dr. Lamb. I had reference to the fact that to date there is no
machinery set up for such decision.
Mr. Clark. Yes. Now, of course, under the President's order,
that is up to General DeWitt.
The Chairman. Oh, yes, we agree on that; it has not been set up
yet.
11172 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Clark. That is right.
The Chairman. But I am still thinking in terms of how these local
officials act? Who do they go to, what agency?
GENERAL DE WITT WORKING ON PLANS
Mr. Clark. Well, sir, under the order of the President of last
Friday, they will go to whatever agency General DeWitt tells them
to go to.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Clark. He is getting up that. He is working night and day
on the areas and on what agencies.
The Chairman. He is doing a good job.
Mr. Clark. Yes, sir; a splendid job. I think the people of the
west coast should be thankful for having him here. They are very
fortunate.
The Chairman. You see why we are puzzled about that. We get
puzzled in Washington. There are so many agencies we get lost.
Mr. Clark. The thing about this order, he can pick his agencies.
He doesn't have to have all of them. He can say "I want you to do
this and you that."
The Chairman. Yes. This is Dr. Lamb's question, if you care to
answer. There are no definite steps yet, or are there, in regard to
this evacuation, under the new Executive order of the President?
Mr. Clark. No, sir.
The Chairman. To be absolutely fair with you, Mr. Clark, Gen-
eral DeWitt told us Saturday afternoon that he had not received
definite instructions under the Executive order as yet. So that is
correct, is it?
Mr. Clark. No; the general has got his instructions and he is
working on them, sir, but I frankly can't discuss his plans.
The Chairman. Yes. Supposing, Mr. Clark, as long as we are
talking man to man, that there was an attack on the Pacific coast.
If it comes, undoubtedly it will come quite soon. Japan has got to
win this war quickly or she hasn't got a chance at all; we all know
that. Well, suppose there is a mass evacuation of the Pacific coast
people — where would they go?
Mr. Clark. Well, I don't know. If they have to go, I don't think
the Pacific coast is going to get panicky about it. I have been out here
a couple of years. I am very much sold on the folks out here. I
was here in the first black-out. During the second or third one I
was trying a case here in Judge St. Sure's courtroom and I didn't
notice any change. The people here are not the panicky type. If
there had to be an evacuation I imagine they would go inland. Of
course, we would be glad to have them down in Texas. We are the
same kind of folks.
The Chairman. For instance, the city of Los Angeles, or the
county there. I do not know how many people they have got there.
I used to know years ago. They had a couple of million then.
Mr. Clark. That is just south of your town, Congressman. They
have extended the limits so far that it has practically got in your
town now. You ought to know about that.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11173
The Chairman. But, you know, England had the very fond hope
that they wouldn't have to evacuate. We heard in Washington
Malcolm MacDonald, the son of the late Premier Ramsay MacDon-
ald. He told us about the evacuation there and the way they handled
it. I thought it was wonderful. They have gone out in the country
and they have taken these old English mansions. They had to evacu-
ate. The reason I asked that question was to look into that in case
something like that did happen, you see. Of course, you haven't
gone quite that far.
Mr. Clark. Well, sir, I would say this — I am sorry that I have to
keep on referring to this but it is my opinion: I think evacuation is a
military problem. I think that is a problem which should have been
solved in France so that they wouldn't have been troubled the way
they were. I think the general has got that in mind; he is pretty far-
seeing.
As far as Walter Lippmann's article was concerned, I think they are
going to have a lot of hurdles before they get to fighting here in
California. Mr. Lippmann doesn't think so. I think so, and I think
General DeWitt has plans. In fact, I know he has.
The Chairman. So do we.
Mr. Clark. I don't think we have to talk so much about the
evacuation. I think it is well to think of it, to have some plan. I am
sure the general has something along that line if it becomes necessary.
The Chairman. All right; thank you, Mr. Clark, very much.
Mr. Clark. Yes. Any time I can serve you just let me know, sir.
The Chairman. Mr. Clark, the two exhibits you submitted will be
inserted in the record at this point.
(The exhibits referred to are as follows:)
Exhibit A. — Typical Letters of Hardship Cases
Federal Bureau of Investigation,
111 Sutter Street, San Francisco, Calif.
Gentlemen: After watching nay mother worrying and suffering for several
weeks over the thought of being separated from the rest of her family due to alien
moving act, I write this appeal to your sense of justice to consider her case to
determine if any other adjustments are possible. In a brief summary of our
family history, I will attempt to show you why I am making this appeal to you.
In 1920, after my father, • ■ — — — , had been living in McCloud, Calif.,
for 10 years, my mother arrived from Italy. They were married the same year,
and in 1921 I was born and followed later by a brother and sister, all born in
California.
From McCloud we moved to Richmond in 1924 where my father has been work-
ing in factories since. At present, my sister is attending high school, and my
brother has been working for the ■ ■ since his graduation last month.
Since 1930 my mother has been managing a combination grocery store-gasoline
station (which incidentally has been serving the owners of our neighbor, —
Co., for years) in the front portion of our home. Closing of the store, with unpaid
balances on some of the equipment, will be necessary if my mother is required to
move. As for myself, I am in my fourth year of study in mechanical engineering
at the University of California and am in the process of applying for appointment
as ensign, — • — ■ — •, United States Naval Reserve.
Since my folks received very little education in Italy due to impoverished con-
ditions and since they have always worked here, it made it very difficult for them
to obtain their citizenship here. However, my father, beginning by learning the
alphabet, studied enough so that he was able to obtain his citizenship over a
year ago.
11174 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
After my father was naturalized, we children taught our mother, and she made
her application for her second papers last December. Since then, in addition
to our teaching her, she has been closing the store to attend school. She hopes
to be called for her test soon.
Since her arrival here, my mother has always done her best to do what a good
citizen should. As soon as war broke out, she invested a good portion of her
life's savings to buy $1,100 of defense bonds, and my father is buying them through
weekly deductions in his wages.
If you desire any further information, please let us know. We would feel
deeply obligated if after consideration of this letter you would make any sugges-
tions as to a more adaptable plan.
Sincerely yours,
February 6, 1942.
Attorney General,
Seventh and Mission Street,
San Francisco, Calif.
Your Honor: I am a widow who unfortunately haven't got my final papers.
I now live in Monterey. I came here because my son — — was stationed
here at the Presidio of Monterey. My son has been in the Army a little over 5
years. I as a widow had to give my consent and I gladly gave it. I have a
daughter who works at at the and she is my
only child living with me. I also rent out a room to a young lady a citizen. Now
I hear and read that all enemy aliens have to leave Monterey which, I believe,
includes me. I went to the police station here to try to find out officially what one
has to do and where one can live at and the sergeant told me he did not know
officially and that maybe there will be a change in the rules later on. I would like
to know just what to do because it will be hard to make a move at the last moment
because of the great confusion which will be on hand, because if all the enemy
aliens in Monterey will move at the last moment I know I won't be able to find a
place to live. I am a stranger here. Someone also told me that if one stays at
home and does not leave their homes at any time that one can stay where they
now reside. I would be very glad and happy to do that if I could. If you could
give me any information I would appreciate it very much and if you can't will you
please tell me who can. Thanking you a lot and awaiting your answer, I remain,
Yours truly,
February 9, 1942.
Office of Mr. Tom C. Clark,
Alien Coordinator, San Francisco.
Re request for curfew extension.
Gentlemen: The undersigned had to leave Germany in 1933 because he saw
no possibility to continue his studies, being of Jewish race. For this reason he
went to Italy and in 1938 was forced to leave the old country, when Italy declared
her scheme of racial persecution.
At the present time I am employed with the and working at the
, Street. My regular working hours are from 4 p. m. to 12 m.,
and it takes me approximately 45 minutes to get to Boulevard, where I'
live with my parents.
I would be more than grateful, if you could extend the curfew in my particular
case till 1a.m., because that would mean that I could hold my present job, and
it would keep me from becoming unemployed.
I arrived in the United States on May 8, 1939, and took out my first papers on
September 6, 1939, here in San Francisco.
I was deferred in the draft, and put in class 4-F, due to a serious heart ailment,
contracted in connection with a septic pneumonia, I had in November 1940. My
brother is serving with the United States Army.
As personal references I might mention Mr. , attorney,
Building, San Francisco, and Mr. , Building, San Francisco,
both of whom have known me and my family for a number of years.
I enclose a statement from my employer and have sent a copy of both letters
to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. San Francisco.
Hoping to receive a favorable reply, I am
Sincerely yours,
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11175
Eureka, Calif., February 6, 19^2.
Earl Warren,
Attorney General, Sacramento Calif.
Dear Sir: In view of the present alien situation I doubt whether this letter
will reach you personally, but I do wish I could have my questions answered if
possible.
In writing this letter I am speaking of my mother and father who are con-
sidered enemy aliens. They were both born in Austria in the late 1880's. My
mother came to the United States in 1923 and I was born a year later. My
mother and father lived on the edge of the woods in Eureka for the next 11 or
12 years. My father worked on a ranch that was below our home and my mother
did the work at home. There were only 2 children in the household; me and my
bigger sister. In 1930 my younger sister was born. My mother never got a
chance to speak to many English-speaking people and my dad was at home little
of the time to talk English himself. About 7 or 8 years ago we moved to a place
closer to the town. We bought the place and had a mortgage on it for several
years. My father was employed as a dishwasher in a local restaurant, and there
bit by bit learned to talk better English. My mother still couldn't speak good
English but had a better chance to learn as there were many English friends living
around us. In 1940 or 1939 they both applied for their citizenship papers, with
the understanding that they would have to learn to read and write by the time
their 2 years was up for their second papers. They had never gone to school
in the old country so they could neither read nor write their home language.
This made it more difficult for them to learn, but my mother started to go to school
for the foreign born. She had a hard time of it, but now she had come to the
point where she could read a considerable amount. My father did not have
much of a chance to learn as he had to work at night and sleep during the day
and do his work at home that I did not do.
I am a senior in the Eureka Senior High School and I was looking forward to
get a job in some defense industry when I graduate in June and help out my
mother and father. They have always been poor and have had a hard time of it.
My father only makes $3.50 a day and this has to support a family of four.
Under this new alien ruling my father who has work in a restaurant approximately
200 feet into restricted area. Unless my father gets a permit to get into this
area for his work and back he will be forced to work elsewhere. Now an alien
would have a hard time to find a job other than what he is fitted for. There are
not many other restaurants in which he could work if the job at which he is work-
ing now is taken away. They are known, that is my mother and father, by many
people in town who are respectable citizens and hold important offices. They
are known by most of the law-enforcing officers of the city. They have never
been in trouble of any sort and have always complied with the laws of our city.
We have an acre and a half of land and own cattle and fowl.
With the information told above I would like you to answer the following ques-
tions for me if it is possible.
Due to the fact that they are Austrians and are under the Axis domination
would that mean that he would be restricted from this work which is only 200
feet or so from the boundary?
Would it mean that I could not get a job in a defense industry or hold a govern-
ment job?
Is there any danger of them having to evacuate under any condition for any
reason that I have stated above?
Could he get a pass to go to his work and back if the verification of the people
I mentioned was stable enough?
Would the Government offer any job to him if he was unable to find a different
one in this city?
If you have any other information that might relieve me in my anxiety and
worry for their safety, please let me know. I would like to receive an answer
before February 25 if possible.
Respectfully yours,
11176 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Exhibit B. — Petitions of Italian Aliens Requesting To Remain in Mili-
tary Areas and Continue in Present Occupation
petition of and , , for permission to
continue to live in their homes which are within the so-called re-
stricted area
, 29 years of age, born in Italy, has lived in Santa Cruz, Calif.,
continuously for 23 years, and has petitioned for naturalization to become a
citizen of the United States. His wife, , is a native-born citizen of the
United States. They were married in June 1937 and have three children aged 4,
2, and 2 months, respectively.
He lives in property owned by them at '- Avenue, Santa Cruz, Calif.
, 59 years of age, a widow, born in Italy, has lived in the United
States continuously for 23 years and now resides in property owned by herself,
at Street, Santa Cruz. Her two sons and are her sole
support.
Brother and son, respectively, of petitioners, , is a citizen of the
United States, and is now in the United States Navy. Previous to entering
service, the two brothers conducted a retail fish market on the municipal pier at
Santa Cruz, the ownership of the same being vested in the name of .,
single.
None of the family has ever been arrested or accepted public or private charity.
They are all stanch believers in the form of government of the United States,
sincerely attached to the principles of the Constitution of the same, and pray
that it may survive.
If petitioner , is required to leave, it will work a great hardship
on the family, as citizen wife, minor children, and dependent mother, have no
means of support other than from his brother's business conducted by himself.
They pray that their petition may be granted.
PETITION OF AND WIFE, , TO CONTINUE. TO RESIDE
IN THEIR HOME
, 74 years of age, born in Italy, has continuously resided in the
United States since 1900 and in Santa Cruz, Calif., since 1908 and has declared
his intention to become a citizen of the United States. He is blind in one eye
and has not been employed for the past 9 years.
, 58 years of age, born in Italy, has continuously resided in the
United States since 1913 and has declared her intention to become a citizen of
the United States. She is an invalid and under the care of a physician.
They have four adult (two native-born) children; three sons, who are married,
and one daughter also married, and all are living apart from them.
They reside in property owned by them at Street, Santa Cruz, Calif.,
where they have lived for the past 10 years.
None of the family has ever been arrested or accepted public or private charity,
the children having provided for and supported petitioners. They are all stanch
believers in the form of government of the United States, sincerely attached to
the principles of the Constitution of the same, and pray that it may survive.
If petitioners are required to leave their home, it will work a great hardship on
them because of their advanced age and physical condition.
They pray that their petition may be granted.
PETITION OF AND WIFE, — , FOR PERMISSION TO
CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH THEIR CHILDREN, AND THAT BE
ALLOWED TO RESUME HIS OCCUPATION AS A COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN
-, 58 years of age, born in Italy, has continuously resided in the
United States since 1903, and has declared his intention to become a citizen
thereof. arrived in the United States in 1908, was married im-
mediately thereafter on January 12, 1909, and has never departed from the
United States.
Since their marriage they have resided in Santa Cruz, Calif., and now live at
■ Street on property which they own. They have six children. Two sons,
and , enlisted in the United States Navy, and their son, ,
enlisted in the United States Army, and all three are now in active service.
These sons were the support of the family. Three daughters, ages 29, 18, and 14,
respectively, are now living at home.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11177
has a tumor in her eye, and has been receiving medical treat-
ment at San Francisco, Calif., regularly.
owns his own boat and has been a commercial fisherman, having
been assisted by his sons, who are now in military service. He has no other
means of support for his family at home.
None of the family has ever been arrested or accepted public or private charity.
They are all stanch believers in the form of government of the United States,
sincerely attached to the principles of the Constitution of the same, and pray
that it may survive.
If they are required to leave their home, there will be no one to care for and
support their three daughters, nor have they any means of support unless the
father, , can resume his lifelong occupation as a commercial
fisherman.
They pray that their petition may be granted.
PETITION IN BEHALF OF TO CONTINUE TO RESIDE AT PRESENT
ADDRESS
is an Italian national who has been the subject of United States
immigration proceedings on account of his being a seaman who has been forced
to remain in the United States on account of the seizure of the vessel upon which
he arrived, said seizure by Federal action.
After due consideration of all the facts, the central office of the United States
Immigration Service, at Washington, D. C, authorized his release on bond in
the sum of $500.
Mrs , citizen of the United States, is the aunt of .
She resides at Street, Santa Cruz, Calif., with her family of American-born
children. One of her sons has been in the United States Navy since May 1941,
and another is ready to enlist. It is evident that the privilege accorded
was granted only upon the relationship and moral and financial standing
of Mrs.
has now been in the United States for nearly 2 years, and his
association with his relatives who are citizens of the United States and his famili-
arity now with the system of government of the United States, etc., have brought
him to the conclusion that he will be as loyal to said Government as are his rela-
tives with whom he resides. At some future time he hopes to be permitted to
become a legal resident of the United States and become a citizen thereof.
Reference is made to file No. of the central office of the United States
Immigration Service, Washington, D. C.
PETITION OF FOR PERMISSION TO CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH HER
HUSBAND AND CHILDREN
-, 46 years of age, born in Italy, has continuously resided in the
United States since her arrival with her husband, , who is a citizen
of the United States, having been naturalized on May 4, 1927. She petitioned
for citizenship in September 1941, and has just been notified to appear for examina-
tion by the United States Naturalization Service at San Francisco, Calif., so that
she might complete her naturalization in the near future.
She resides at Street, Santa Crus, Calif., in their own property. They
have twin sons, 20 years of age, who will automatically become citizens of the
United States on August 4, 1942.
She is a firm believer in the form of government of the United States, sincerely
attached to the principles of the Constitution of the same, and prays that it may
survive.
If petitioner is required to leave her home, it would work a great hardship on
her to be separated from her family.
She prays that her petition may be granted.
PEITTION OF FOR PERMISSION TO CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH HIS
FAMILY AND SUPPORT THEM BY BEING ALLOWED TO FOLLOW HIS OCCUPATION
AS A COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN
I am 53 years of age; born in Italy. I came to the United States in May 1914
and have never departed therefrom. I have filed my petition for naturalization
to become a citizen of the United States.
11178 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
My wife, , is a citizen of the United States. We were married
on November 4, 1916, and have seven children. My oldest son, , enlisted
in the United States Navy in May 1941, and is now at . My next
two sons, aged 20 and 18, respectively, are ready to join the United States armed
forces when called. My son-in-law has applied for entlisment in the United States
Navy, and, when accepted, my daughter will be compelled to reside at my home.
My wife has been under medical treatment with a spinal injury for the past 3 years.
We own our own home at Street, Santa Cruz, Calif, in which city we
have lived for the past 26 years, 20 years at the present address. At present our
household consists of wife and self, and five children.
I own two registered fishing boats and have been a commercial fisherman for
many years and until recently deprived of the privilege.
Neither I, nor any member of my family, have ever been arrested, nor have we
accepted public or private charity. I am a firm believer in the form of govern-
ment of the United States, sincerely attached to the principles of the Constitution
of same, and pray that it may survive.
If I am required to be separated from my family and also continue to be deprived
of an opportunity to engage as a commercial fisherman, it will work a hardship on
us which I feel sure it is not the desire of the Government to impose.
I pray that my petition may be granted.
Mr. Sparkman. Mr. Goldblatt.
TESTIMONY OF LOUIS GOLDBLATT, SECRETARY, CALIFORNIA
STATE INDUSTRIAL UNION COUNCIL, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Sparkman. Mr. Goldblatt, will you give your name and
official capacity in which you appear to the reporter.
Mr. Goldblatt. My name is Louis Goldblatt. I am secretary of
the California State industrial Union Council, affiliated with the
Congress of Industrial Organizations.
Mr. Sparkman. Mr. Goldblatt, you did not supply us with a
prepared statement. Will you just make your statement as you
see fit?
Mr. Goldblatt. Yes; I would like to.
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I have several
notes jotted down here and I would like to supplement them as I
go along. I can also submit a written copy later on. Is that
satisfactory?
Mr. Sparkman. If you will, we will appreciate it and be glad to
have it.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. As I understand, you made a request that you be
heard by the committee.
Mr. Goldblatt. That is right.
Mr. Sparkman. We would be very glad to have you make your
offhand statement and then give us such prepared statement as you
care to submit.
Mr. Goldblatt. This is a sort of semiprepared statement. I will
also give you a finished copy.
The attitude of the California State Industrial Union Council on
the establishment of restriction governing the movements and work
of aliens of enemy nationalities stems from the basic policies of the
Congress of Industrial Organizations, which is committed to the
speedy and successful prosecution of the war. The touchstone of
this policy is the belief that democracy can wage ar all-out war against
the Axis Powers and that the forces generated by a system of free
government can and will triumph over facsism.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11179
As labor-union members we recognize the urgent need for discipline,
responsibility, and loyalty by all the people and support of their
Government in the conduct of the war. Labor organizations, per-
haps more than other civic bodies, know the dangers and inade-
quacies of individual action in times of crises. Consequently we
support the relegation of matters dealing with sabotage and espionage
to the proper Federal agencies. Regulation of Axis aliens is regarded
in the same light.
INTEREST OF LABOR UNIONS IN EVACUATION
I might add here, Mr. Chairman, that the unions have a particular
interest in this entire question of migration of workers as a result of
these evacuation orders because, naturally, that would directly affect
labor supply, the question of replacement of certain people, and an
adequate backlog of labor, where that is necessary, in order to keep
defense production going.
So our purpose in appearing here is on several scores, one, of course,
to follow the entire proceedings and to try to get an idea how ex-
tensive this entire movement will be, so that we in turn can see what
labor can do to help to see to it that there aren't whole strings of
difficulties and hardships created within the defense production
program or related to the production programs.
Secondly, we want to express some opinions on the entire matter of
evacuation because it is not only the questions that arise now. The
crux of the matter eventually will be how extensive shall the evacua-
tion become. And in that regard we believe that some of the opinions
we hold may be of value in the committee's mind.
The Chairman. Yes. Let me make a suggestion to you. You
forget about that paper there. You just go ahead and talk the way
you are talking now. We have a lot of witnesses here that we have
got to hear and finish tonight.
Mr. Goldblatt. Surely.
denounces racial antagonism
The Chairman. Why don't you get those points right off the reel
to us? We will permit you to put the entire statement in the record.
Mr. Goldblatt. Surely. We naturally go along and concur with
all the recommendations that the Government deems necessary to
safeguard this territory. We feel, however, that a good deal of this
problem has gotten out of hand, Mr. Tolan, inasmuch as both the
local and State authorities, instead of becoming bastions of defense,
of democracy and justice, joined the wolf pack when the cry came out
"Let's get the yellow menace." As a matter of fact, we believe the
present situation is a great victory for the yellow press and for the
fifth column that is operating in this country, which is attempting to
convert this war from a war against the Axis Powers into a war against
the "yellow peril." We believe there is a large element of that partic-
ular factor in this present situation.
I am referring here particularly to the attack against the native-born
Japanese, an attack which, as far as we can find out, was whipped up.
There was a basis for it because there has always been a basis on the
60396— 42— pt. 29 15
11180 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Pacific coast for suspicion, racial suspicion, which has been well fos-
tered, well bred, particularly by the Hearst newspapers over a period
of 20 to 25 years.
Well, the result is that during this present situation local authorities
simply ran out on the problem. We are happy to see the Federal
Government step in and handle it. We are happy to see your com-
mittee here, because, frankly, to date we haven't seen either civic or
State leadership that is competent to handle the problem or that has
shown a great enough degree of impartiality to merit being even as-
signed the problem.
So that, in addition to the fact that this entire alien matter is
naturally one that belongs in the province of the Federal Govern-
ment, it is particularly important at this time because, frankly, I
think the only people who have shown a semblance of decency and
honesty and forthrightness in this whole situation are the second-
generation Japanese who, on then own accord, have made the state-
ment— some of these people are members of our unions — that in their
opinion the thing they ought to do is get out of here. They are in
accord with evacuation now, not in accord in principle but in accord
simply because they realize that, perhaps, the only thing they can do
now to avoid vigilantism, mob rule, and hysteria, beatings, and riots
is to evacuate. Of course, that doesn't speak very well for either our
State or local authorities that such a situation was permitted to arise.
WHERE WILL IT END?
What we are concerned with, Mr. Chairman is this: That if this
is to become the index of our dealings with the alien problem — in other
words, that if we are not to deal only with aliens but also with the
descendants of aliens — then there is no limit to this problem and the
program, and tins vitally affects our unions. It affects the principles
upon which we stand, affects the nature of our work, our entire job in
the administration of contracts and everything else, because once
this policy of making distinctions or determining espionage or sabotage
along racial, national lines, has begun there is no end. You know, I
am sure, and I am positive the military authorities know that neither
Hitler nor Mussolini will hesitate a moment to sacrifice any Germans
or Italians in tins country if that will suit their purpose in an all-out
war.
So that we can expect, I think, that if this campaign of isolating the
Japanese is successful the next step will be for several incidents to
occur winch involves Germans or Italians; then the whole of the wolf
pack will scream to the moon again and tins time it will be "Evacuate
all Italians, evacuate all Germans." The principle will have been set;
the pattern will have been cut as it has been by the Hearst press, by
the rabid, hysterical elements.
The Chairman. Suppose you were General DeWitt or the head
of the Justice Department on the Pacific coast and you had 120,000
Japanese.
How would you determine the loyalty and disloyalty of these
Japanese?
Mr. Goldblatt. In exactly the same way I would proceed to tell
who was a loyal or disloyal Italian or German.
The Chairman. Where would you get the information?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11181
INFORMATION GIVEN TO F. B. I.
Mr. Goldblatt. From many sources. I take it for granted that
the Federal authorities that are entrusted with this job, such as the
F. B. I., the Governmental Intelligence Service, and so forth, have, for
over a period of years been at work and undoubtedly have gathered a
great deal of information. For instance, I know that the unions I
myself am personally familiar with have turned over to the F. B. I.,
documents that involve Japanese espionage, particularly down along
the coastal sections of California. We got information on the activi-
ties of the German Bund at the Consolidated Aircraft Manufacturing
Co. That was all turned over to the F. B. I.
We are sure that after all a department of this sort that has been
working over a period of years has gathered its files.
We suggest in addition, if there is anything they believe we can
do — and our unions are patriotic organizations — let them give us our
instructions and we will go to work and do anything we possibly can.
The Chairman. We had our F. B. J. in Honolulu, yet they had
probably the greatest, the most perfect system of espionage and
sabotage ever in the history of war, native-born Japanese. On the
onlv roadway to the shipping harbor there were hundreds and hundreds
of automobiles clogging the street, don't you see? There they sought
to distinguish the Japanese in Pearl Harbor from our American
Japanese.
SECOND-GENERATION JAPANESE
Do you think there is a distinction yourself? Do you think we can
trust them?
Mr. Goldblatt. The Japanese?
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Goldblatt. I think that the second generation of Japanese
in this Nation should not be distinguished from the second generation
of any other nationality.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Goldblatt. Unless the F. B. I. or the military authorities
have documents and facts to indicate differently. In that case we
would naturally want to know. I am sure the public would want to
know. Where can this thing end? Let us say that the first case
is successful insofar as those people who want to disunite this Nation
are concerned. They succeed in two things. No. 1, driving a
big wedge in the direction- of their entire program which is, at least,
as far as the Hearst press, the ex-American firsters, who still are the
same thing, which is to convert this war from a war against the
Axis Powers into a war against this elusory "yellow peril." Lot's
say they succeed in doing that, Mr. Tolan. They take their next
step. The next step is a simple one, in my opinion. They have a
few Italians or a few Germans commit sabotage. After all, I am sure
that .neither Hitler nor Mussolini cares an awful lot what the conse-
quences are to a few Germans or Italians in this country.
The Chairman. Let me ask you something about the Italians and
the Germans. An Italian, for instance, has lived here for 30 or 40
years, has a family. That man is very easily checked up. But now
supposing you have 100 Japanese and you are the enforcement officer;
11182 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
you are the F. B. I. man. How are you going to check them? The
attorney general of this State told us Saturday that at no time have
they ever received any information as to the disloyalty of a Japanese
from a Japanese. They have with the Germans; they have with the
Italians.
Mr. Goldblatt. All I can say, it certainly doesn't speak very
well of our attorney general's office, that is all.
The Chairman. Uh-huh.
HAS PRESENTED INFORMATION ON DISLOYAL JAPANESE
Mr. Goldblatt. Because we have had information and we have
offered this information time and time again, offered it to various local
district attorneys, offered it to the F. B. I. We have given informa-
tion. There are local Japanese here who have given information.
There is every indication that at various times certain companies that
have employed Japanese, such as the Van Camp interests in southern
California, have made it their business to completely isolate the Jap-
anese, also to see to it that the Japanese have no contacts with various
local agencies of governmental law enforcement. We know those
things are true. Shall we, therefore, blame those local Japanese for
th,e activities of the company?
The Chairman. I get your idea exactly. You are of the firm
Opinion there is no race, including the Japanese, 100 percent wrong.
That is your thought, is it not?
Mr. Goldblatt. Well, of course.
The Chairman. What we are trying to worry about, how are we
going to discover those who are wrong?
Mr. Goldblatt. That is the same problem with everyone. There
are a bunch of small-fry fishermen out here. They are looking
around for a bunch of little fishermen right now. That is all they are,
just small fry. We let the big fishes get away such as Andriano
Sylvester, a man who is registered as a governmental agent of
Mussolini, and we allow him to serve on the draft board in San
Francisco, a man who has had a connection with every Fascist agency
in this city, a man who has been in constant contact with Mussolini,
a man who has spoken of him proudly all the way.
There is the editor of the D 'Italia, who wrote a book praising
Mussolini, who received all sorts of decorations from Mussolini, who
said it would be a mistake to send an expeditionary force, including
Italian boys. They are known all over as great patriots while we are
going against the little fry.
The Chairman. So you are not worried about Japan. They seem
to be winning a good many battles over there.
doesn't want to see nation divided against itself
Mr. Goldblatt. We are worried about Japan, deeply worried
about it. Insofar as we are concerned, we pledge here now that we
want every single possible step that can be taken by the Govern-
ment to be taken and we offer our fullest cooperation to the Govern-
ment in their efforts to detect espionage and saboteurs, not only
among Japanese but among Italians and among Germans, among
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11183
Americans, among any source, no matter where it be, no matter what
their wealth is, no matter what their political position, or no matter
what they happen to know. We are not concerned where a spy came
from. We don't care if he came over on the Mayflower or came out
of the humblest Japanese home; we don't care where he came from.
Get him and we will help out. But we don't want to see, in the
course of this program, a situation arise where this country will be
divided against itself, where one-half the Nation will be standing on
guard over the other half.
Where is this to end, Mr. Tolan? Italians will be the next to be
evacuated, then the Germans. Why stop with the Germans? Ac-
cording to the present Federal order Hitler could stay in San^Fran-
cisco in a prohibited area and one of German nationality would have
to leave because Hitler is an Austrian. So it will extend to Austrians.
It will go to Hungarians, to Bulgarians, to Finns, to Danes. These
are countries, many of them, which have declared war on us. "Where
is the mark to be drawn?
And, Mr. Tolan, if we follow such a procedure we can land in only
one place. We will do a perfect job for those who want to sabotage
the war effort. We will have the American people at each other's
throats. I know mining camps that are split right down the middle
between nationalities, where you have a group of Poles at one end of
the camp and a group of Germans at the other. You will have them
fighting in the streets against each other. You have Italians in the
mining camps alongside of Welshmen.
Where is this going to wind up? This country is a nation made up
of nationalities. The so-called American is only a product. He
came out of a crystal into which has been poured the peoples of all
the world. We forget what was written on the Statue of Liberty.
I have the words here. I would like to read them.
The Chairman. I don't think you better. Did you ever intend to
run for Congress?
Mr. Goldblatt. No ; I never intended to run for Congress.
The Chairman. I think you would make a very dangerous talker
the way you are going here today. I think you are wonderful.
Mr. Goldblatt. May I make some specific proposals that we have
in mind on antisabotage and antiespionage?
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Goldblatt. The C. I. O. stands ready and willing to give its
full cooperation to the proper Federal agencies in their efforts to
detect sabotage and espionage and provide safeguards against these
dangers.
I would like to have any questions on that, Mr. Tolan, because we
would like to be perfectly clear and not be misunderstood. We realize
that I, as representing the State C. I. O., am not taking a popular
position. I will be much more popular if I get my wolf's clothing
on and join the pack and start hollering for the nearest Japanese
scalp^ because that is popular.
WHAT IS A REALISTIC ATTITUDE?
Mr. Sparkman. Do you think you are taking a realistic attitude?
Mr. Goldblatt. I think I am. Let's get this clear. I think the
Japanese have to evacuate here. I think there is no choice. But it
11184 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
is not round one for us, by Americanism or by decency or honesty or
justice; it is round one for the opposition. All we want of your
congressional committee is a recognition that this is a victory won by
the opposition and that it cannot be the pattern for the future. Let
it' be the pattern for the future and you can stop the war against
Japan because we will be too busy here fighting among ourselves.
Mr. Sparkman. It seems to me you completely disregard the fact
that it was the action of the Japanese, both native-born and second-
generation Japanese, in Hawaii that very largely caused this present
situation.
Mr. Goldblatt. Oh, now, let's get this point clear. That may be
absolutely true. The only point I am making is that there doesn't
happen to be large groups of Italians or Germans or Bulgarians or
Finns or Rumanians in the Hawaiian Islands. They haven't settled
there. If this pattern is used here it will automatically extend. It
won't extend because you and I want it. It will extend because there
are forces powerful enough in this country, the America First forces,
the Hearst press, people like Dies, people li,ke Hamilton Fish, and his
tie-up with Viereck and the rest of them. These forces are strong
enough to see to it that this policy extends because that is the one
weapon by which they can beat America. They can divide it against
itself. That is what we are concerned with because then what will
happen? People will be fighting at each other's throats.
Mr. Sparkman. Of course, you are entitled to that view but I
think that it is not at all a proper view or a correct view. I don't
believe that there are such forces in America that are playing for the
defeat of America as you have pictured them and I believe that had
the Germans or had the Italians pulled upon us the same stunt that
the Japanese pulled at Hawaii this country would rightfully be just
as indignant toward them, but they have not done such a thing. And
I believe, regardless of what our feelings may be with reference to the
native-born American citizens, that we need to be realistic about this
thing and realize that the situation exists, and then try to see what the
best solution is that we can find for it.
Mr. Goldblatt. Congressman, may I ask you a question? From
the reports of your committee, you have done a very good job and I
have the highest esteem for the work that your committee has done —
I think it has been splendid — do you, in your opinion, believe that
there is a higher percentage of espionage, or rather of spies or saboteurs
among the second-generation Japanese than there are, let us say,
among the second-generation Germans in Yorkville, N. Y.?
Mr. Sparkman. Well, the only thing I can go by is what seems
to be the case thus far — we know that we have lost ground so far
because of the espionage, the sabotage conducted by the Japanese
whom we trusted to a certain extent in Hawaii.
Mr. Goldblatt. But that is only because in the particular case
that we are speaking of, in the case of Hawaii you had only a single
one of those groups to deal with; in this case it was Japanese.
Mr. Sparkman. I realize that is true. That is the reason I am
arguing that we ought to face the situation realistically.
Mr. Goldblatt. You are giving substance to the only argument I
am trying to make and that is this: The reason that you think these
Japanese ought to be evacuated is because they really knifed us in the
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11185
back with the help of local residents in Hawaii. Correct? All right.
Mussolini and Hitler will arrange to see that we are knifed in the back
by some local Italians. Then, people will ask you "Why don't you
do the same with Italians and Germans here as you did with the
Japanese?" And away we will go and what a merry-go-round that
will be because it won't come out any place; it will just bog down.
CONTINUES RECOMMENDATIONS OF LOCAL UNION
We believe the efforts of the Federal Government should not be
based on making distinctions by race, nationality, or citizenship.
We favor a campaign that will detect sabotage no matter what its
source and from which there will be no immunity by virtue of wealth,
political connections, or position in society.
We support the inclusion of aliens of enemy nationality from re-
stricted military and strategic areas. We favor the speedy establish-
ment of governmental machinery to provide for fair hearings and
examination to expedite the segregation of anti-Facsist from Fascist
elements.
Something, I believe, has been mentioned here before on the
Japanese question. We recognize that this problem falls within
Federal jurisdiction and believe the Federal Government and military
authorities should assume full responsibility in providing adequate
safeguards for the Japanese, both alien and citizen.
We urge protection of personal property and real property from
seizure. It must be the obligation of the Federal Government to
prevent land grabbing, raiding of homes or racketeering at the expense
of the Japanese ana other aliens who are evacuated by military order.
The Government should be responsible for providing humane treat-
ment in the course of evacuation and for the settling of Japanese
where they can perform useful work for the Nation. Under no cir-
cumstances should families be broken up. This may be accomplished
through the establishment of cooperative farms or placing Japanese
in various industries. It is most important that Japanese, particu-
larly the second-generation Japanese Americans, be given the fullest
opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty to this Nation in the per-
formance of useful work.
No concentration camps or forced labor should be imposed upon
Japanese or other aliens. Following their removal from military and
strategic areas, tribunals should provide for examination and an
opportunity to establish loyalty. Those Japanese who are enemy
agents, or where there is reasonable doubt of their loyalty, should be
interned and others should be accorded full civil liberties, the right
of movement outside restricted areas, and the right to work and
perform service to this country.
The same principles apply — I will skip most of them. I should like
to mention one point. In cases where aliens of enemy nationality
must perform night work arrangements should be made either to
switch them to day shifts or, where this is impossible, grant them per-
mits to move to and from work during restricted hours.
We also suggest in the case of certain aliens like Italian fishermen
that there be speedy hearings because those men are vital for industry,
to determine their loyalty and availability within the community.
11186 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FRIENDLY ALIENS
One other point we would like to stress before the committee, Mr.
Tolan. There has been very widespread discrimination against aliens
of friendly nations. We are referring to Norwegians, Chinese, and
Latin Americans, in addition to very harsh discrimination against
Filipinos, who, although not aliens are also not citizens, they are in
this middle zone. These people are actually helping in the war.
Lots of them are doing the fighting. We know the percentage of
sacrifices they have made. These people are fighting; they are not
being given a break in this country.
We urge upon your committee to see to it that these people are
given a break and allowed to contribute here locally.
The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Goldblatt. We will have your
entire statement inserted in the record. If there is anything addi-
tional that you want to insert in the record we will be glad to have it.
(The statement referred to above is as follows:)
STATEMENT OF LOUIS GOLDBLATT, SECRETARY-TREASURER OF
THE CALIFORNIA STATE INDUSTRIAL UNION COUNCIL, CON-
GRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS
The attitude of the California State Industrial Union Council on the establish-
ment of restriction governing the movements and work of aliens of enemy national-
ity stems from the basic policies of the Congress of Industrial Organizations,
which is committed to the speedy and successful prosecution of the war. The
touchstone of this policy is the belief that democracy can wage an all-out war
against the Axis Powers, and that the forces generated by a system of free govern-
ment can and will triumph over fascism.
As labor-union members we recognize the urgent need for discipline, responsi-
bility, and loyalty by all the people in support of their Government in the conduct
of the war. Labor organizations, perhaps more than other civic bodies, know the
dangers and inadequacies of individual action in times of crisis. Consequently
we support the relegation of matters dealing with sabotage and espionage to the
proper Federal agencies. Regulation of Axis aliens is regarded in the same light.
To say there is no danger of fifth-column activity by espionage or sabotage is to
ignore criminally one of the most important lessons of this war. The collapse of
many of the European countries is attributable in large part to the activities of
enemy agents who assisted the Axis Powers by espionage, fifth-column work, and
sabotage during the moments of great crisis. There are no facts to indicate this
country will be immune to this type of attack.
The California State Industrial Union Council endorses and'supports a policy
of vigorous precautions against fifth-column activity. We urge a diligent,
energetic campaign by Federal and military authorities to ferret out the enemy
agents within our boundaries. We pledge our cooperation and assistance to this
end.
When the first restriction on movements and work of aliens of enemy nation-
ality were issued, the California Congress of Industrial Organizations officially
stated:
"Because we are a democratic, liberty-loving nation, because our labor unions
have been the most militant crusaders for the rights of all Americans, citizens and
noncitizens, we regret any hardships which the Nation's crisis must inflict on these
aliens of Axis extraction and their families. Yet it is for these very reasons that
we must support the measures necessary to protect American freedom and what is
left of world democracy against the tyrants and butchers of Tokyo, Berlin, and
Rome. * * * Firmness must be matched with fairness, vigilance with good
sense. The Congress of Industrial Organizations will support all the action
necessary for a democratic victory ; it will be on guard to see that all these actions
actually strengthen democracy and contribute to victory."
We assumed that the exclusion of aliens of enemy nationality from specified
military areas was based upon information in the hands of the Government and
performed as part of a general program against fifth-column danger. Almost
NATIONAL. DEFENSE MIGRATION 11187
immediately following the initial moves against aliens of enemy nationality came
a widespread campaign demanding the removal from coastal areas of all Japanese,
whether alien or born in this country. The old flames of racial suspicion were
fanned to full blaze. Publicity seekers spouted ill-considered and vigilante-
inciting epithets against the Japanese born in this country. The Hearst press
found new field for its rantings about the "yellow menace." Politicans saw a
good occasion to garner publicity. Soon the wolf pack was in full cry.
POSITION OF SECOND-GENERATION JAPANESE
Let it be said that within this State there was heard but one voice of reason and
understanding. It came from second-generation Japanese, some of them members
of our unions. They proposed the evacuation of all Japanese, both alien and
citizen. Their proposal did not come from agreement with those who were leading
the pack. It rose out of a realization that the forces of hysteria and vigilantism
had won out over decency and government.
It is well that the Federal Government has stepped into this situation, because
the problem is national in scope and because there has been convincing demon-
stration that State and local authorises are not qualified to act in this matter.
Most of our State and local officials, rather than standing as bastions of justice
and equal protection under law, have joined the hue and cry against the Japanese
native-born. In the light of these developments no choice remained for the
thousands of loyal Americans of Japanese parentage but to agree to general
evacuation. To remain was to invite lawlessness and mob violence, to become a
source of constant irritation.
As some of these Japanese express it: "We want to leave. Perhaps that is the
greatest contribution we can make right now to the war. Maybe people will
settle down to fighting the enemy instead of us and go after the real fifth colum-
nists." At this reading these men and their families stand ready to comply with
all recommendations and regulations established by the Federal Government.
All they ask is fair treatment and a chance to show their loyalty and devotion
to our Nation by contributing to and participating in the war effort.
This entire episode of hysteria and mob chant against the native-born Japanese
will form a dark page of American history. It may well appear as one of the
great victories won by the Axis Powers. Surely it is a battle won by those
isolationist and America First Committee forces who have labored since the out-
break of hostilities to convert this into a war against the "yellow menace."
They won this round. All of us who failed to speak in time contributed to this
victory of the isolationist fifth column in America.
PRESERVATION OF FREEDOM
The words of Woodrow Wilson bear repetition: "Are we preserving freedom in
this land of ours, the hope of all the earth? Have we, inheritors of this con-
tinent and of the ideals to which the fathers consecrated it, have we maintained
them, realizing them, as each generation must, anew? Are we, in the conscious-
ness that the life of man is pledged to higher levels here than elsewhere, striving
still to bear aloft the standards of liberty and hope; or, disillusioned and defeated,
are we feeling the disgrace of having had a free field in which to do new things
and of not having done them?
"The answer must be, I am sure, that we have been in a fair way of failure —
tragic failure. And we stand in danger of utter failure yet, except we fulfill
speedily the determination we have reached, to deal with the new and subtile
tyrannies according to their deserts. Don't deceive yourselves for a moment
as to the power of the great interests which now dominate our development.
They are so great that it is almost an open question whether the Government
of the United States can dominate them or not. Go one step further, make
their organized power permanent, and it may be too late to turn back. The
roads diverge at the point where we stand."
Yes, the roads diverge at the point where we stand. Shall the persecution
and hounding of the Japanese be the mark of our future policy? Shall we follow
in the footsteps of Hearst and turn our war effort into an illusory battle against
the "yellow menace"? Shall we desert our Allies of the United Nations and
desert the cause to which we have dedicated our work and our lives — the obliter-
ation of world fascism? Shall the persecution of minorities rise in place of the
standard of democracy?
11188 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
If our treatment of the Japanese becomes the index of the future, we can readily
foresee the course of America. Hitler and Mussolini will not hesitate to sacrifice
the Italians and Germans in this country if it suits their policy of total war.
New incidents will occur, in which Americans of Italian and German descent
are involved. Then the fifth column in America will demand the evacuation
of all Germans and Italians.
And this is not the end. What of the other European nations that are coop-
erating with the Axis Powers, some of which have declared war upon us? Austria,
Rumania, Hungary, Finland, Bulgaria, Denmark — right down the list of Fascist
satellite states. If we do not call a halt — and call it now — America will be a
nation divided against itself. It will be an armed camp with half the population
guarding the other half.
AMERICAN UNITY
No matter how great our resources, no matter how strong our manpower, this
country of ours can never withstand the pressure of internal conflict arising out
of this policy of hunting down saboteurs and spies by race, nationality, or creed.
During a period of hysteria there are always those who think they can save their
own skins by joining in the persecution of another minority group. When it comes
their turn to be kicked around it is too late to reconsider.
The great need of America is the unity of its people. Much damage has already
been done to this unity by such practices as discrimination against Negroes and
minority groups, the refusal of officeholders to drop their political bias and work
for the general welfare, and the rejection by employers of all offers of labor cooper-
ation. If to these is to be added a policy of demarcation of Americans by race
and nationality, national unity will be nothing but a tragically empty phrase.
The American emerged from a crucible into which had been poured people from
all nations of the world. We are a nation of nationalities. Our system of govern-
ment rests upon the civil liberties and freedom of all races, creeds, and colors
within our boundaries. Out of the unity of these people has sprung our system
of government. The inscription on the Statue of Liberty is as much a part of
our American tradition as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore:
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift the lamp beside the golden door."
We think it is a sacred obligation of all governmental officials whether city,
State, or Federal, together with all right-thinking people, to join in a Nation-wide
effort to put an end to this growing tide of hysteria against our foreign-born and
the descendants of foreign-born.
If this is not done the consequences that will accrue are now visible in outline.
First, a growing campaign to sidetrack the war effort of this Nation from an
all-out fight against fascism, whether it be the Berlin, Rome, or Tokyo brand, to a
war against the so-called yellow menace. If this effort of the Hearst press and
fifth columnists is successful, America will fall prey to the well-known policy of
Fascist nations. Divide the anti-Fascists of the world and pick them off one by
one. America will then either fall in turn or be forced to deal with the Nazis
on their own terms. This may be part of the negotiated peace plans of America
First and Hearst, but it is not part of the pattern of life of the American people
or their Government.
Second, if this campaign against racial and national minorities continues, the
people of America will be thrown off guard in their fight against the espionage
and sabotage conducted by many other groups. They will be given the impres-
sion that security lies in the evacuation of the Japanese and thereby fall prey to
the activities of other dangerous elements. Time may well show that among those
who yell most loudly for the evacuation and hounding of the Japanese are fifth-
column elements who are quietly going about their work under the smoke screen
of protective hysteria.
Third, discrimination against races and nationalities will ultimately end in
race riots, national antagonisms, bitterness, and hatred. An ill-considered policy
will convert loyal Americans into fifth columnists. The Nation will be divided
against itself and exhausted in internal wrangling.
We make the following recommendations:
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11189
ANTISABOTAGE AND ANTIESPIONAGE
1. The Congress of Industrial Organizations stands ready and willing to give its
full cooperation to the proper Federal agencies in their efforts to detect sabotage
and espionage and provide safeguards against these dangers.
2. We believe the efforts of the Federal Government should not be based on
making distinctions by race, nationality, or citizenship. We factor a campaign
that will detect sabotage no matter what its source and from which there will be
no immunity by virtue of wealth, political connections, or position in society.
3. We support the exclusion of aliens of enemy nationality from restricted
military and strategic areas. We favor the speedy establishment of governmental
machinery to provide for fair hearings and examination to expedite the segrega-
tion of anti-Fascist from Fascist elements.
THE JAPANESE QUESTION
1. We recognize this problem falls within Federal jurisdiction and believe the
Federal Government and military authorities should assume full responsibility
in providing adequate safeguards for the Japanese, both alien and citizen.
2. We urge protection of personal property and real property from seizure.
It must be the obligation of the Federal Government to prevent land grabbing,
raiding of homes, or racketeering at the expense of the Japanese and other aliens
who are evacuated by military order.
3. The Government should be responsible for providing humane treatment in
the course of evacuation and for the settling of Japanese where they can perform
useful work for the Nation. Under no circumstances should families be broken
up. This may be accomplished through the establishment of cooperative farms
or placing Japanese in various industries. It is most important that Japanese
particularly the second-generation Japanese-Americans, be given the fullest
opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty to this Nation in the performance of
useful work.
4. No concentration camps or forced labor should be imposed upon Japanese
or other aliens. Following their removal from military and strategic areas,
tribunals should provide for examination and an opportunity to establish loyalty.
Those Japanese who are enemy agents, or where there is reasonable doubt of
their loyalty, should be interned and others should be accorded full civil liberties,
the right of movement outside restricted areas, and the right to work and perform
service to this country.
5. The Federal Government should assume the obligation of fair treatment
and protection against vigilantism for the Japanese aliens and citizens following
their evacuation and resettlement in other parts of the country.
OTHER ALIENS OF ENEMY NATIONALITY
1. The same principles governing evacuation cited above should be applied.
2. After the evacuation, hearings should be provided so that those who can
demonstrate loyalty and good citizenship may return to their present employ-
ment. . .,.
3. In cases of specific groups, such as fishermen, where evacuation will cause
severe dislocation in a vital industry, provision should be made for immediate
hearings, so that those who can demonstrate their reliability can continue to
work.
4. In cases where aliens of enemy nationality must perform night work, ar-
rangements should be made either to switch them to day shifts or, where this is
impossible, grant them permits to move to and from work during restricted
hours.
5. Consideration should be given to special treatment of hardship cases
among aliens of enemy nationality, which will permit invalids or aged and infirm
persons to live with members of their immediate families who are American
citizens, even though such residence be in a restricted area.
ALIENS OP FRIENDLY NATIONALITY
Discrimination against aliens of friendly nations, such as Norwegians, Chinese,
Latin Americans, etc., should be ended at once. They should be given full work
opportunities in all industries.
11190 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The Chairman. We will take a 5-minute recess. (A short recess
was taken.)
The Chairman. The committee will please come to order.
Mr. Thompson is the next witness. Step right up, Mr. Thompson.
TESTIMONY OF J. MURRAY THOMPSON, CHIEF, ECONOMIC SEC-
TION, WESTERN DIVISION, AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT AD-
MINISTRATION, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL-
TURE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Arnold. You are Mr. Murray Thompson, representative of
the Department of Agriculture?
Mr. Thompson. That is right.
Mr. Arnold. You have been designated by the Department on the
West coast to deal with the problems of enemy aliens in agriculture
since some time late in January?
Mr. Thompson. That is right.
Mr. Arnold. We have a few questions here, Mr. Thompson.
Would you please detail for the committee what your activities
have been and what your responsibilities and functions are on the
West coast?
EFFECT ON AGRICULTURE OF DELAY IN EVACUATION PLANS
Mr. Thompson. Well, I came out here early in January with two
representatives of the Treasury Department to survey this situation.
After a week we returned to Washington and reported considerable
uncertainty in agricultural areas as to whether they should go ahead
with their production or not. There was a certain amount of fear,
on the part of the public, from sabotage, and we recommended that
as soon as possible very definite plans be made for any evacuations
that might be needed. From the agricultural point of view we ex-
plained that the sooner these were made and the more carefully they
were worked out the more production we would have for our "food
for freedom" program.
Mr. Arnold. In other words, it is very essential that these decisions
be made as early as possible in order that arrangements for planting
may go ahead before the season is advanced too far?
Mr. Thompson. That is right. Of course, we wish to point out
that the military reasons are the sole reasons for determining any
areas to be designated and are the primary reasons to consider in
picking the locations to which they should go. But whatever is
done will have some effect on agricultural production. We are just
trying to hold ourselves in readiness to do whatever we can to assist
the Army and the Department of Justice and Social Security and the
farmers so that we will have as much production, particularly vegetable
production, as possible in 1942.
Mr. Arnold. Does your Department of Agriculture have any
plans for resettling evacuees?
Mr. Thompson. No; we have discussed it somewhat with General
DeWitt.
Mr. Arnold. You are cooperating in the matter?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11191
Mr. Thompson. Yes, and also with Mr. Clark. But we have
no definite plans because we feel under the orders that have been
given it is not quite our job to make those arrangements.
Mr. Arnold. Are you with the Farm Security Administration?
Mr. Thompson. No, sir. Of course, we have no enemy alien
units in the Department of Agriculture. My regular work is in the
A. A. A.
Mr. Arnold. Well, what function will the Farm Security Adminis-
tration play in the evacuation of these people?
Mr. Thompson. Well, they have indicated that they want to do
everything they can to help us. As your committee knows, these
mobile farm labor camps are very important in the ordinary course of
our agricultural production. It is hoped that they may continue their
normal use, if possible, but they will do anything that they can to help.
Mr. Arnold. Have you been in conversation with or made any
arrangements with the Federal Security agencies or the W. P. A. on
how evacuation should take place?
Mr. Thompson. No. We have discussed it informally and offered
our services to assist in locating any areas that might be suitable for
agriculture and to also furnish information regarding the needs for
agricultural labor in various areas.
Mr. Arnold. With what agricultural groups have you worked most
closely since you have been on the coast and in what areas?
Mr. Thompson. Well, of course, I have worked most closely with
the California Agricultural War Board which is made up of repre-
sentatives of the Department of Agriculture from the various agencies.
I have worked with some of the county war boards and some individual
farmers.
Mr. Arnold. What plans have been made for the use of the
evacuees in the agriculture of California? Was there any plan made
to put them in other areas?
Mr. Thompson. Well, there again we feel all we can do is discuss it
until the Secretary of War makes his next decision.
Mr. Arnold. I guess you could answer these questions better a
week from now than you could today?
Mr. Thompson. That is right.
Mr. Arnold. Do you expect that housing will have to be provided
for evacuees?
• Mr. Thompson. That, of course, depends upon the number.
Under the present number that have been evacuated there have been
no difficulties, but if we start talking in terms of 20,000 and above,
I think we will have to furnish some housing.
DESIRABLE WAGE POLICIES
Mr. Arnold. What wage policy does the Department believe will
be desirable in the employment of evacuees?
Mr. Thompson. If we should set up some camps, say, in some
interior points and permit these people to hire out as agricultural wage
earners we believe that they should be paid the going wage. It
might be possible to use a part of that wage for their keep and care,
thereby decreasing the expense to the Government.
11192 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Arnold. What has been the response of agricultural employers
in California to the proposal that evacuees be used in California
agriculture?
Mr. Thompson. It has been a very mixed response. Some groups
don't want any of them around, and other individuals have beema
very desirous of keeping their present labor and have indicated that
they could use more if they were under proper supervision so as to
avoid any possibility of sabotage and so as to convince the public
that it was safe to have them in their area.
Mr. Arnold. What groups of agriculture in the State have been
especially cooperative?
Mr. Thompson. They have all cooperated as citizens in their desire
to keep the country safe in a military way.
Mr. Arnold. Well, one more question, and you might want to
enlarge on it.
What provision has the Department made in order that the lands
previously operated by Japanese will be continued in production this
year if their owners or operators are evacuated?
AGRICULTURAL WAR BOARDS
Mr. Thompson. We have in each county an agricultural war board
which will consider this problem whenever the number of evacuees in
that county is sufficient to require any special attention. If necessary,
we will assign certain people to that work as a full-time proposition
in order to help others farm the land and learn how to grow the crops
and help others find labor when they need it. We have certain labor
committees in each county also that are set up for that purpose.
Mr. Arnold. Do you anticipate that sufficient labor can be had to
replace a large number of evacuees?
Mr. Thompson. Well, we anticipate a shortage of agricultural labor
in California this coining summer.
Mr. Arnold. That is all I have.
The Chairman. Dr. Lamb?
Dr. Lamb. Mr. Thompson, I would like to ask you about two
things which you said.
The first is on your statement about paying part of this money for
their keep. Do you contemplate that these evacuees will be wards of
the Federal Government?
Mr. Thompson. Well, that all depends on what happens. That
was just one possibility.
Dr. Lamb. And what do you mean by the use of the word
"supervision"?
supervision of evacuees
Mr. Thompson. Well, I believe that in most areas if any large
groups are evacuated the people in that area are going to expect
supervision of these people of some nature so that they will feel that
it is safe to have them in that area, and they will feel also that the
people who have been evacuated to that area will be safe.
Dr. Lamb. If the President's Executive order means what it seems
to, these evacuees will include citizens. Do you contemplate that the
supervision will be military?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11193
Mr. Thompson. That is up to the Secretary of War.
Dr. Lamb. What do the farmers in these areas seem to want?
Mr. Thompson. Well, 6 weeks or 2 months ago this supervision
might not have had to be too formal, but now there are certain areas,
I believe, that would take very obvious supervision to convince the
people.
Dr. Lamb. In your opinion, would it be a good idea to have the
evacuees located in those areas where such supervision would be
necessary?
Mr. Thompson. Well, that is a good question. From our point of
view we would like — if it is safe from the military point of vievv — to
see some productive work obtained from these people.
Dr. Lamb. Wouldn't it be better to have other workers perform the
labor in those areas rather than to subject the area to the atmosphere
of tension that you imply?
Mr. Thompson. Well, that depends upon the supervision. I
haven't outlined in detail as to how much tension there would be.
Dr. Lamb. There would be quite a lot?
Mr. Thompson. If you take a lot of these people in any of these
areas there is going to be tension whether there is supervision or not.
I think there would be less tension if there is supervision.
JAPANESE AGRICULTURAL WORKERS
Dr. Lamb. But you are in favor of the location of agricultural
workers.
Have you any estimates of what proportion of the Japanese popula-
tion are experienced in agriculture?
Mr. Thompson. Oh, roughly a third in this State.
Dr. Lamb. About a third?
Mr. Thompson. I mean that a third of the population of Japanese
in the State live on farms.
Dr. Lamb. Yes, so that for the two-thirds who would be evacuated
from nonfarm areas you would advocate locating in farm areas, work-
ing as agricultural workers under supervision?
Mr. Thompson. Well, if it is possible to draw such fine distinctions.
Of course, the agricultural people who are experienced in agriculture
would be much better as agricultural workers.
Dr. Lamb. Well, I am only drawing the fine distinction, for example,
with reference to the possible labor supply which these people repre-
sent.
Mr. Thompson. That is right.
Dr. Lamb. Would they be more profitable as workers in agriculture
if they were hitherto experienced in agriculture or would they be more
valuable if they were used in some other capacity?
Mr. Thompson. You are talking about the ones who have had no
experience in agriculture?
Dr. Lamb. Yes.
Mr. Thompson. I couldn't answer as to where their service would
be most valuable. They would certainly not be nearly as valuable
to agriculture as those who have had experience in agriculture.
Dr. Lamb. I asked because there seems to be a disposition in some
quarters to find the logical solution for evacuation in the location of
11194 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
agricultural camps under military supervision, and all the workers
who are evacuated, whether they have had previous experience in
agriculture or not, would be put into such camps.
I wondered if that would be your view?
Mr. Thompson. There would be some problems if you tried to make
everybody, regardless of his experience, become an agricultural
worker.
Dr. Lamb. That is all.
Mr. Thompson. I offer this document in evidence.
(The statement referred to is as follows:)
STATEMENT BY J. MURRAY THOMPSON, CHIEF, ECONOMIC SEC-
TION, WESTERN DIVISION, AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT AD-
MINISTRATION, SAN FRANCSICO, CALIF.
The Agricultural Aspects of the Evacuation of Enemy Aliens
Representatives of the Department of Agriculture have offered their assistance
to Army and Justice Department authorities in this evacuation problem on the
Pacific coast because of our interest in a large production of food, however, it is
evident without saying that military factors should be the sole basis for the deter-
mination of areas to be evacuated and the primary consideration in the choice
of places in which the evacuees are permitted to locate. The "food for freedom"
program of the Department of Agriculture is attempting to reach large 1942 pro-
duction goals of the many crops that are vital to the conduct of this war. Vege-
tables or truck crops are among the important items in this production program
and California produces far more than any other State. The enemy aliens and
Japanese- American citizens have been an important factor in California vegetable
production. However, we in agriculture will strive to maintain as much produc-
tion as possible even though, for military reasons, a large number of these people
are moved from the areas of their normal farming operations.
In this connection it should be emphasized that the earlier the Secretary of
War, and others that may assist him, complete the arrangements for the neces-
sary evacuations, the more vegetables will be grown in 1942. In many areas
California farmers are now engaged in farming operations in preparation for and
production of this year's vegetable crops. Large operators, both American and
Japanese, who depend upon Japanese labor, and Japanese operators who use
family labor are hesitating to proceed with normal farming operations because of
the fear that they may not be able to harvest their crops. The prospective over-all
labor shortage in California will, no doubt, also cause some farmers to switch from
vegetables and other crops requiring large amounts of labor to those with smaller
labor requirements. If a large number of Japanese are removed from vegetable
production, some farmers, if they have access to enough "stoop" labor, will attempt
to grow more vegetables in the expectation of a higher return, and at the same time
assist in meeting the vegetable production goals. The Department of Agriculture
will, of course, assist these farmers.
This assistance will be furnished by our agricultural war boards made up of
representatives of the various agencies of the Department in each State and
county. If necessary, we are prepared to take additional steps in order to keep
farm land from remaining idle. This work will include aid to farmers looking for
land or labor and also advice to alien property custodians in their efforts to
properly handle the farm land and equipment formerly controlled by enemy
aliens.
Because of the many remaining uncertainties, it is impossible to estimate the
amount of loss of vegetable acreage or production that will result from the evacu-
ation of enemy aliens and Japanese-American citizens from various areas in
California; however, some indication of the problem may be gained by a know-
ledge of the essential figures involved. In 1941, California-grown truck crops for
fresh market had a value of $85,000,000, or 32 percent of the total for the country,
and for the same year California truck crops for processing had a value of
$14,000,000, or 15 percent of the United States total. The value per acre of
truck crops in California far exceeds that for the other States; in terms of acres
alone, California had only 13 percent of the United States 1941 truck-crop acreage
for market and 9 percent of the acreage for processing. After a review, crop by
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11195
crop and county by county, with the Federal-State statistician and others, it has
been estimated that enemy aliens and Japanese-American citizens produced about
200,000 acres of vegetables in 1940, or about 40 percent of the California vegetable
acreage. In some commodities, such as snap beans, cauliflower, celery, peppers,
spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes, these groups farm over 50 percent of the
State acreage. It appears most likely that the removal of these people from their
farms in the near future will cause a material reduction in the acreage of certain
crops requiring special care and unusual amounts of hand labor, such as celery,
peppers, spinach, and strawberries. It is obvious that interference with the
production of such items should not be allowed to influence the decision as to the
necessity for evacuation or removal of any persons for military reasons.
In order to avoid confusion and minimize the loss of productive effort, it is
desirable that the supervision and location of all people moved be carefully
planned. If military safety permits, we should attempt to avoid the loss of the
agricultural labor of these enemy aliens and any citizens who may be moved. It
has been suggested that many of them could be resettled on land at some interior
points under military or police supervision. A careful survey might loeate
certain areas with soil and other facilities suitable for vegetable production, but
it may be that such agricultural areas cannot be located in which large groups
could be resettled quickly. A more practical solution might consist in the
location of those with agricultural experience in camps in areas that would be
safe from a military standpoint, but would be accessible to areas requiring agri-
cultural labor, particularly "stoop" labor. These evacuees could, under proper
supervision, be hired in groups at the going wage. They could migrate at various
seasons in accordance with the labor needs of the different areas, again under the
necessary supervision and control. By furnishing this labor in militarily safe
areas, they might free some Filipino and Mexican labor for farms located in the
more strategic military areas. A part of the earnings of these evacuees could be
applied to the cost of the camps and thus decrease the expense to the Government.
In summarizing, we in agriculture wish to emphasize strongly that after con-
sideration of the need for military safety and the prevention of sabotage, it is
highly desirable that early and definite plans and procedures be developed for
the prospective evacuation, so that a minimum of confusion, unused labor, and
loss of production will occur.
The Chairman. Thank you very much, Mr. Thompson. We ap-
preciate your coming here.
Dr. Reagor, Mr. Fisher, Reverend Chapman, Reverend Smith, Mr.
James.
Will you introduce yourselves for the convenience of the reporter?
Reverend Chapman. Gordon K. Chapman, in charge of the Pres-
byterian Japanese work on the Pacific coast.
Mr. Fisher. Galen M. Fisher, adviser to the Institute of Pacific
Relations and secretary of the Committee on National Security and
Fail- Play.
Reverend Smith. Frank Herron Smith, in charge of the Methodist
Japanese missions west of the Mississippi River.
Dr. R.eagor. W. P. Reagor, pastor of the First Christian Church of
Oakland and president of the California Council of Churches.
Mr. James. William C. James, businessman from Berkeley, also
clerk of the religious Society of Friends of Berkeley.
The Chairman. Dr. Reagor, I think wejwill hear you first.
TESTIMONY OF DR. W. P. REAGOR, PASTOR, FIRST CHRISTIAN
CHURCH OF OAKLAND, AND PRESIDENT, CALIFORNIA COUNCIL
OF CHURCHES, OAKLAND, CALIF.
Dr. Reagor. I have prepared my statement, Mr. Tolan. With
your permission I will read it.
The Chairman. Proceed.
60396— 42— pt. 29 16
11196 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Dr. Reagor [reading]: As Christians and as Americans, we are
gratefully pleased at the treatment which has been accorded to the
enemy aliens up to date. The F. B. I. has been thorough and pains-
taking in investigations, but it has" been uniformly gentlemanly in its
conduct. We have not heard of a single case of roughness. We have
been constantly represented at the Silver Avenue Immigration Station.
The treatment there has been generous and considerate. One of our
ministers spent 5 days at the Missoula camp. In spite of the fact that
there are 1,000 Italians and 650 Japanese within rather narrow
confines, the morale is excellent.
The Chairman (interrupting). Right there, Doctor, Missoula,
Mont.?
Dr. Reagor. Yes.
The management seems to be wise, practical, and kindly. We
believe no other nation today furnishes more boards of hearings to
assist aliens. Our boards are made up of our best citizens, who are
freely giving their time to these investigations that none may be
unjustly nor unnecessarily detained. The representatives from the
Social Security Board are located in every section where aliens must
be evacuated. They, too, have proven to be capable, sympathetic,
and constant in their endeavor to assist those who must move. We
are grateful for the way in which America has been managing these
difficult problems.
SELECTIVE EVACUATION
We believe that the method of selective evacuation ought to be
continued under properly constituted authority rather than the
acceptance of the policy of mass evacuation which has been proposed,
and for the following reasons:
First, the primary objective is that of the defense of our country
from attack from within. Most certainly there is a danger. There
are enemies within our gates. And we believe that properly con-
stituted authorities, particularly the F. B. I., are capable of handling
this problem, for most certainly it does represent a minority of aliens
who are involved, and that no such severe measure as mass evacuation
is necessary to protect our Nation from the dangers within.
Second, there is another objective which is before us. We need to
think not only of the protection of our country, but of building a
spirit of friendship and good will toward our Nation for the sake of
the future. There are undoubtedly large numbers of Japanese, both
aliens and American citizens, who are loyal to this country and who
deeply deplore the tragedy of our conflict. Undoubtedly, most of our
Japanese Christians are to be placed in this category. [Reading ends.]
DECLARATION OF LOYALTY
I would like to present this statement here now. It is a declaration
recently made by a group of Japanese Christians and signed by
1,400. I would like to read that statement, Mr. Tolan. I think it
is very significant. I have here approximately 1,400 signatures to
this statement which have been gathered from Japanese Christian
churches in northern California. These are all aliens, by the way.
[Reading:]
We, the undersigned, subjects of Japan, do hereby solemnly declare that we
shall do nothing whatever either to aid the belligerent activities of Japan against
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11197
the United States, or to impede the military and other activities of the United
States and the State of California.
We further declare our deep appreciation of the security, justice, and freedom
of faith and life vouchsafed to us by the laws and authorities of this Nation and
State.
There are 1,400 of these signatures here.
To continue, it would seem to be a policy of wise statesmanship to
seek to preserve large bodies of friendly support, not only for the
present, but for the future as well. We can do that by refraining
from the policy of indiscriminate mass evacuation
Third, I do not see how the Japanese could well be evacuated with-
out taking the Germans and the Italians. It has been reported that
the most dangerous individuals so far to be discovered are not Jap-
anese. It would seem to be an impossibility to move the nationals of
these three countries. If the Japanese alone are removed, the unfavor-
able reaction in the Orient would be tremendous. Several thousand
Americans are in Japanese control in the Far East and would be sub-
ject to reprisal. We would seem to the Japanese to be doing what
Germany does to the Jews and to the other European peoples.
Fourth, evacuating indiscriminately citizen Japanese would greatly
snake their faith in America. We find almost all of these second
generation young people, and particularly the Christian group
pathetically anxious to serve America and help us win this war.
They have no use and no sympathy for European dictators, nor for
the military party of Japan. Would it not be the part of wisdom
in America to help develop this spirit, and to build in their hearts
now a deeper loyalty for this country?
Finally, we pledge the Protestant churches of the State of Cali-
fornia the utmost cooperation to the national committee and to all of
the forces in authority in the solution of this problem. We realize
that it is pressing and important. Our only anxiety is that it shall be
conducted in a true American spirit, thus seeking not only to defend
this country, but to protect likewise, and to defend the things for
which we stand, even in the midst of war.
The Chairman. Well, thank you, Doctor.
TESTIMONY OF GALEN M. FISHER, ADVISER TO THE INSTITUTE
OF PACIFIC RELATIONS AND SECRETARY TO THE COMMITTEE
ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FAIR PLAY, 260 CALIFORNIA
STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
The Chairman. Mr. Fisher, I notice in your statement that no
satisfactory plan for settling evacuees in large numbers has yet been
made.
Has your organization any suggestions for settling or supervising
evacuees?
Mr. Fisher. One of the plans that has come to my attention is that
made by a number of graduates in agriculture — Japanese-American
citizens — which is entitled "Cooperative Farm Project for Alien
Resettlement." It has been submitted to a number of the agricultural
authorities, both Federal and State, as well as to other authorities,
and has met with their invariable approval. I will not here recount
its details.
11198 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
The Chairman. Yes. Well, I would like to have you give it to
the reporter, though, and mark it as an exhibit. Can you leave it
with us?
Mr. Fisher. I will, yes.1
INSTITUTE OF PACIFIC RELATIONS
The Chairman. You belong to the Institute of Pacific Relations?
Mr. Fisher. Yes.
The Chairman. What is that?
Mr. Fisher. That is an international body comprising 11 national
groups— Great Britain, Canada, United States, China, Japan, the
Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and, now inactively, France, the
Netherlands and Russia.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Fisher. Those 11 groups have maintained for the last 17 years,
under the lead of President Wilbur, of Stanford University, who is now
the international chairman, a series of studies and conferences, which
have had very wide circulation and use by publicists, journalists,
educators, and social leaders. The Pacific area and its economic,
political, and social problems constitute the field of study.
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Fisher. I am not speaking for that body today, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. No, I know, but you are connected. I notice
from your statement that you do not think that many of the Japanese
evacuees will be suited for farm work.
Mr. Fisher. I said that a considerable minority would not be be-
cause they are residents of the cities. I should guess that about
one-half of the Japanese city dwellers, and that means about one-fourth
of the total Japanese population in the State, would not be well suited
to agriculture.
The Chairman. Do you care to express any opinion as to the public
feeling at the present time against enemy aliens?
Mr. Fisher. I think that a large part of it has been whipped up by
interested parties who are not thinking primarily of the national secur-
ity and winning the war but are thinking of group interests or individ-
ual interests. On the other hand, I would not impugn the sincerity
of a number of others who believe that only by large mass evacuation
can the State and the Nation be protected, but I think that a great
many have not thought it through. As Mr. Neustadt and others have
testified, and as Mr. Clark and others have implied today, it is prac-
tically impossible to resettle such large populations as, say 90,000
Japanese and the 200,000 and more Germans and Italians, supposing
they were embraced in the same plan.
The Chairman. Now, you have a statement, haven't you?
Mr. Fisher. I have.
The Chairman. It will be inserted in the record in full.
Mr. Fisher. I offer the document in evidence.
(Statement referred to above is as follows:)
J See p. 11097.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11199
STATEMENT OF GALEN M. FISHER, ADVISOR TO THE INSTITUTE
OF PACIFIC RELATIONS AND SECRETARY TO THE COMMITTEE
ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FAIR PLAY, SAN FRANCISCO,
CALIF.
I, Basic Position
I fully accept as our paramount aim: Win the war — maintain national security.
Therefore, I approve any measures for control of either aliens or citizens that
may be required to achieve these ends, in line with the President's proclamation
of February 20.
But I am convinced that the sweeping evacuation of Japanese residents, whether
aliens or citizens, would hinder, not help, the attainment of these ends. Removal
of persons of any race or nationality should be confined to such as special investi-
gation shows to be dangerous or decidedly suspicious. Identification cards,
fingerprinting and photographs are all desirable.
II. Some Reasons for the Foregoing Position
1. The huge numbers involved make sweeping evacuation impracticable. Mr.
Neustadt's testimony seemed to me to imply this. There are in California over
90,000 Japanese residents alone, not to mention the much larger numbers of
Germans and Italians.
2. No definite plans have been made by any Government department for
settling or supervising large numbers of evacuees. The most specific plan I have
heard of is that proposed by several Japanese-American citizens, graduates in
agriculture, for establishing farm cooperatives, but that would require huge
Government loans to accommodate the 50,000 rural Japanese resident population,
and would not care for the many city dwellers who are unsuited to agriculture.
3. Some two-thirds — over 60,000 — -of the Japanese in California are American
citizens. Very few of them are dangerous, if we may judge by the fact that during
December only 2 or 3 of them were detained by the Federal Bureau of Investi-
gation, and I have not heard of many more being detained since them. Evidently,
the few who are found to be dangerous can be interned, without disturbing the
large majority.
4. Several "thousand citizens of Japanese parentage are serving in our armed
forces. Keeping their morale high is desirable for military efficiency; but to
evacuate their families, or even their alien parents alone, would impair their
morale and breed disaffection among the whole body of Japanese-American
citizens.
5. Any organized and extensive fifth-column activity by residents of Japanese
stock would presumably have to be led by experienced alien Japanese. Most of
the natural leaders have already been detained, and others can be, without
evacuating the thousands of rank and file Japanese.
6. Harsh treatment of the Japanese residents will give the military rulers of
Japan the finest sort of propaganda to support their claim to be "the protectors
and deliverers of the colored races of Asia from the arrogant and race-biased
white nations." The Nazis have already made much of our maltreatment of the
Negro. If we violate in any degree the equal rights of our fellow citizens of Jap-
anese stock, we mock our pretensions of fighting to defend democracy.
7. Since we are confident of winning the war, the Japanese residents are a
possible menace to our national security only during the war. Upon the coming
of peace, we shall presumably wish them to continue as heretofore to take their
place in our general life. If, however, we isolate them and give them cause to
resent unnecessary discriminations imposed during the war, then they will not
fit smoothly into our national life, but will present another acute race problem.
8. Our citizens of Japanese parentage are just as trustworthy now as they were
a few weeks ago when Governor Olson and other publicists paid tribute to their
loyalty and civic devotion. Has the set-back given to the Allied arms by the
military machine of Japan made our political leaders in State, county, and munici-
pality play the bully and turn against our Japanese citizens as scapegoats for
the remote culprits, in Japan, whom our Japanese-American citizens have re-
peatedly denounced? Like many other Americans who have long known hundreds
of Japanese, I would testify that among their most marked traits are loyalty and
gratitude. I strongly believe that the Nisei citizens will, with few exceptions, be
as loyal to the United States as any other group of citizens. The exceptions
are likely to be found chiefly among the Kibei, or American-born Japanese who
11200 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
are sent to Japan for their schooling, especially those who go before they have
finished grammar and high school here. The Kibei, however, are reliably esti-
mated to number less than a quarter of the total of the Nisei.
9. In connection with the whole question of citizens of Japanese stock, I wish
to testify to the great service to our Nation already rendered by the Japanese-
American Citizens' League. It is the only inclusive organization touching the
Nisei and it can be of great value in maintaining their undivided loyalty to the
United States.
10. Little evidence pointing to fifth-column activity seems yet to have been
discovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the naval and military
intelligence, although they have been hunting hard to find it. A high military
authority recently told me that he took no stock in the alarmist predictions that
fifth-columnists in California were only waiting for the ides of March. I hope
that our intelligence services will not relax for a moment their vigilance, but I
also hope that a panicky public will not try to stampede our military and judicial
authorities into evacuating thousands or tens of thousands of people, in order to
avert a possible danger than can probably be averted by evacuating a few hundreds.
In all the clamor about the Japanese residents, it may be that we are overlooking
a greater menace in the form of the Nazi partisans in our midst. The Japanese
spies and saboteurs can be much more easily spotted because of their color and
physiognomy than can Nazi or Italian plotters.
Galen M. Fisher is a native of Oakland, Calif., a brother of Ralph T. Fisher,
of the American Trust Co. He is adviser to the Institute of Pacific Relations,
of which President Ray Lyman Wilbur is chairman, and President Robert G.
Sproul is a vice chairman ; research associate in the department of political science
in the University of California; secretary of the Committee on National Security
and Fair Play, of which Dr. Henry F. Grady (president of American President
Lines) is chairman, and among the vice chairmen are Gen. David P. Barrows,
Alfred J. Lundberg, F. J. Koster, Maurice Harrison, and Presidents Sproul and
Wilbur; formerly, executive secretary for 12 years of the Rockefeller Institute of
Social and Religious Research, New York, and before that, for 21 years senior
secretary in Japan of the international committee of the Y. M. C. A.
Exhibit A. — Press Release by Northern California Committee on Fair
Play for Citizens and Aliens of Japanese Ancestry, December 29,
1941
Gov. Culbert L. Olson, honorary chairman; Gen. David P. Barrows, chairman;
Frederick J. Koster, Alfred J. Lundberg, Joseph S. Thompson, Monroe E.
Deutsch, J. Hugh Jackson, Aurelia Henry Reinhardt, Robert Gordon Sproul,
Ray Lyman Wilbur, Frank S. Gaines, Richard R. Perkins, James K. Fisk,
George G. Kidwell, George Wilson, Mrs. Wallace Alexander, Mrs. Robert
McWilliams, Mrs. Duncan Robinson, Mrs. Agnes Morley Cleaveland, Karl
Morgan Block, Benjamin W. Black, Chauncey Leake, Chester H. Rowell,
Arthur Cushman McGiffert, Irving S. Reichert, J. S. Curran, Ralph T. Fisher,
C. C. Young, Gerald H. Hagar, vice chairman; Galen M. Fisher, secretary of
committee.
RESIDENT JAPANESE SINCE OUTBREAK OF WAR WITH JAPAN
The central objective of our Committee on Fair Play has been supported by
the California public, even under the stress of Japan's treacherous attack. Cali-
fornians have kept their heads. There have been few if any serious denials of
civil rights to either aliens or citizens of Japanese race, on account of the war.
The American tradition of fair play has been observed.
We also have three other reasons for satisfaction :
1. All the organs of public influence and information — press, pulpit, school,
welfare agencies, radio, and cinema — have discouraged mob violence and have
pleaded for tolerance and justice for all law-abiding residents of whatever race.
Governor Clson [Aid Attorney General Biddle have issued proclamations to the
same end.
2. Federal and local officials charged with maintaining order and suppressing
subversive activities have shown both vigor and sympathetic consideration in
the fulfillment of their duty.
3. Private civic agencies have acted promptly to handle the many difficulties
encountered by Japanese residents on account of necessary wartime restrictions
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11201
on persons and property, and also to interpret to the public and to the aliens
affected the sometimes sweeping and technical Government regulations.
College students of Japanese ancestry, anxious to return to distant homes at
the close of the semester, were confronted by restrictions on travel and funds.
The International House in Berkeley quickly led the way in overcoming these
obstacles. The immigrant and family welfare agencies associated with the com-
munity chest in San Francisco grappled with the problems of other Japanese.
The Council of .Social Agencies in Berkeley appointed a special committee, and
Oakland Community Chest designated the International Institute to act in the
same capacity. In all these groups officers and members of the Committee on
Fair Play took an active part.
We now urge that members of the Committee on Fair Play, who live in other
northern California cities having numbers of Japanese residents, bring about the
formation of similar committees of consultation, or make sure that existing
agencies are meeting the need. The function of such committees is twofold:
To give counsel and relief to the Japanese residents at a time when many of the
Japanese-language papers on which they have depended for information have
been suppressed; and to utilize all local channels of publicity to make known the
following authentic information:
1. All law-abiding aliens who have lived in the United States continuously
since June 17, 1940 may transact financial and other business as before the war
and any citizen is free to employ them or deal with them.
2. Needy aliens are entitled to assistance from county relief funds on the same
basis as are citizens.
3. Unemployed aliens and naturalized citizens may register with the State
employment department. Those who have paid into the unemployment insurance
fund are eligible for unemployment benefits.
4. Enemy aliens are prohibited from traveling in public carriers and from
changing their abode, but they may travel reasonable distances in private auto-
mobiles. They may not possess firearms, cameras, short-wave sets, or explosives.
5. About 150 Japanese nationals in northern California have been detained for
investigation by the Department of Justice. Many of them have been sent to
Missoula, Mont., for lack of adequate accommodations in San Francisco. Civil-
ian boards to conduct hearings and make recommendations have been appointed
by the Department of Justice. Each person detained may call one witness, but
no attornev, to testify in his behalf. Final decision as to internment is to be
made by the Department in Washington. Only one citizen of Japanese stock has
been detained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in California, and he was
released after a few days. Cases of subversive or suspicious activity by Japanese
or anyone else should, of course, continue to be reported to the proper authorities.
6. American citizens of Japanese stock enjoy the same rights as any other citi-
zen, but on account of the difficulty of differentiating between them and alien
Japanese, public carriers and other parties, may when necessary, ask for the
presentation of a birth certificate, to prove citizenship by virtue of birth in the
United States. .
7. Speakers connected with the councils of civilian defense, ministers of religion,
and radio commentators are urging fair play and protection of Japanese residents
in the enjoyment of their legal rights, both as a demonstration of the American
way and as a contribution to national morale.
8. The Japanese-American Citizens League, consisting of some 8,000 citizens
of Japanese ancestry, has made repeated pronouncements of loyalty to the United
States and of opposition to the aggressive policies of Japan. Furthermore, sev-
eral bodies of long-resident first-generation Japanese aliens have made similar
declarations. Many such Japanese have encouraged their sons to enter the
United States armed forces and have subscribed to Defense bonrla
We appeal to all our members and to all citizens who see this statement to
make its contents widely known, and to cooperate actively in ensuring fair play
and security to all law-abiding Japanese residents.
Selective Evacuation of Japanese-Amebican Citizens
proposals presented to lt. gen. john l. dewitt by the committee on
national security and pair play
San Francisco, Calif., March 9, 19^2.
1. Controlling principles. — We assume that you are guided by the following prin-
ciples: The maintenance of national security is the controlling factor in deter-
11202 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
mining execution of the mandate given you by the Secretary of War. If, therefore,
either aliens, or citizens living in the most vital military areas constitute a military
hazard, they should be removed. A secondary, but very important factor is to
keep the infringement of the civil rights of citizens to the lowest possible minimum,
and to base it on military necessity — not on race or any other consideration.
2. Objective of our proposals. — We desire to aid you in applying the foregoing
principles by suggesting methods of discriminating between those citizens of
Japanese parentage (Nisei) who do and do not constitute a military hazard.
3. Alternative methods. — Method A: Let all Nisei be given the opportunity of
being examined as to their loyalty or disloyalty by hearing boards in the communi-
ties where they now reside. The appeal boards of the Selective Service appear to
be made to order for this purpose. If the number of appeal boards were insuffic-
ient, additional similar boards could be set up through local councils of civilian
defense or boards of education. The judgment of the hearing boards could be
made subject to review of whatever authority you might designate. Examinees
would appear voluntarily and have the privilege of bringing witnesses.
We urge that the evacuation of Nisei from other than the most vital areas be
deferred until after they have been examined. The process could be completed
in 6 weeks at the outside, as shown by this calculation: Assuming that half of the
Nisei, or 40,000, are minors who would elect to accompany their alien parents, and
that 10,000 adult Nisei would prefer to be evacuated without examination, the re-
maining thirty-five or forty thousand could be examined within 5 or 6 weeks, if
each of 100 boards passed on an average of 10 or 12 cases a day.
Method B: If, however, you deem it quite unwise to defer the evacuation of
Nisei from all of military area No. 1, then let them all be examined at the reception
camps as soon as possible, and let those who are found to be above suspicion re-
leased. This method seems to us to have two serious drawbacks: (1) The great
expense and difficulty involved in setting up competent boards at distant camps
and in summoning witnesses; and (2) the breaking up of the living arrangements
and occupational connections of examinees.
4. Some general considerations. — The proposed evacuation of the entire group of
Nisei, but of no other group of citizens, apparently on the basis of race, is already
embittering some of them and making them turn a ready ear to Communist and
other subversive ideas. It is also causing acute distress to many white citizens
like ourselves who are concerned over every violation of the democratic principles
for which we are fighting.
Since the Nisei are full-fledged American citizens by virtue of birth and up-
bringing in this country, certainly they should be given not less consideration than
German and Italian aliens, sympathetic as we are with those among them who are
thoroughly loyal to democratic ideals.
Furthermore, the indiscriminate evacuation of Nisei citizens will, in our judg-
ment, weaken rather than strengthen the civic morale which is an essential element
in national security during the war and of national unity after the war.
We are deeply sensible of the weight of responsibility resting upon you, and
desire to do all in our power to help you discharge it. Only in that spirit do we
venture to lay these proposals before you.
Dr. Henry F. Grady, Chairman,
(And names and positions of Vice Chairmen.)
COMMITIEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FAIR PLAY
Chairman, Dr. Henry F. Grady; vice chairmen: Gen. David P. Barrows,
Joseph S. Thompson, President Aurelia Henry Reinhardt, Mayor Frank S.
Gaines, George Wilson, Mrs. Robert McWilliams, Rt. Rev. Karl Morgan Block,
Dr. Chester H. Rowell, John S. Curran, Gerald H. Hagar, Robert A. Millikan,
Frederick J. Koster, Provost Monroe E. Deutsch, President Robert G. Sproul, Dr.
Richard R. Perkins, Mrs. Wallace Alexander, Mrs. Agnes M. Cleaveland, Presi-
dent Arthur C. McGiffert, Dr. Benjamin W. Black, Ralph T. Fisher, Maurice E.
Harrison, Alfred J. Lundberg, Dean J. Hugh Jackson, President Ray Lyman
Wilbur, George G. Kidwell, Mrs. Alfred McLaughlin, Mrs. Duncan S. Robinson,
Rabbi Irving F. Reichert, Dr. Chauncey D. Leake, Hon. C. C. Young, and Galen
M. Fisher.
THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION AND THE CALIFORNIA SITUATION
As a group of citizens concerned first and foremost with winning the war,
we welcome the President's proclamation of February 20, placing all residents
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11203
in vital militarv areas under the control of the Secretary of War and the military
commanders. We believe that the extreme gravity of the situation justifies this
drastic step. And as Californians, no less than as American citizens, we accept
it as a wise solution of the vexed problem of handling enemy aliens and dangerous
citizens. .
Freedom of speech is still unimpaired, and we are glad to know that Aational
Government authorities, including the military, desire constructive, nonpartisan
criticisms and suggestions. In that spirit we venture to offer a few suggestions
to them and to our fellow citizens.
Let the actual care of evacuated persons be committed as heretofore to civilian
governmental agencies experienced in matters of social welfare.
Let the removal of aliens and citizens be kept at the minimum consistent with
military necessity and national security. The uprooting of alien Japanese and
Italian farmers living outside vital military areas obviously would reduce produc-
tion of the food essential to winning the war, and the indiscriminate removal of
citizens of alien parentage might convert predominantly loyal or harmless citizens
into desperate fifth columnists.
The problem of providing permanent homes for the evacuated persons cannot
be solved by Government agencies without the cooperation of local officials and
private citizens. Thus far, the 9,000 evacuees are reported, for the most part,
to have found onlv temporary homes. In some communities the entry of Japa-
nese refugees has been resented to the point that long resident Japanese have been
warned not to harbor them.
There appear to be only three methods of caring for the evacuees: Either allow
them to settle where they can work freely and produce ; or set up supervised work
projects; or support them in whole or in part at public expense. If they are
to find places to settle down and become self-supporting, then some interior com-
munities in California itself or in other States must allow them to settle. This
may seem to certain communities like demanding a heavy sacrifice, but without
various kinds of sacrifice we cannot hope to win the war. If we mean it when we
glibly agree to bear any necessary hardship, then perhaps communities as well as
individuals will have to accept this as one of the inescapable sacrifices.
The integrity of our Nation and all the liberties guaranteed by it are at stake.
It is a national fight, and only the Government should call the signals. In the
spirit of the President's proclamation, it behooves us all — public officials and
private citizens alike — to set up no impediments in the way of the military and
other Federal authorities, and to place ourselves at their command.
Engaged as we are in a life-and-death struggle to preserve our hard-won demo-
cratic heritage, we should be traitors if we flouted democratic principles of justice
and humanity in our treatment of either aliens or citizens, even under the stress
of war. We therefore appeal to our official representatives, municipal, county,
State, and national, and to our fellow citizens of whatever origin, to maintain
order under law and the respect for persons summed up in the words "fair play."
Note. — The Committee on National Security and Fair Play is the direct suc-
cessor of the Northern California Committee on Fair Play for Citizens and Aliens
of Japanese Ancestry, but it embraces the wider scope implied in its title. Its
primary purpose is to support the Government and the armed forces in preserving
national security and winning the war, and at the same time, to foster fair play,
especially toward law-abiding and innocent aliens and citizens of alien parentage.
Galen M. Fisher,
Secretary of the Committee.
TESTIMONY OF REV. GORDON K. CHAPMAN, IN CHARGE OF THE
PRESBYTERIAN JAPANESE WORK ON THE PACIFIC COAST
The Chairman. Now, Reverend Chapman, what has been your
experience with the Japanese people?
Reverend Chapman. You mean in Japan or in California?
The Chairman. Your contacts with them in Japan or elsewhere.
• Reverend Chapman. Well, during my 20 years' residence in Japan
I think I can say that my experience has been on the whole favorable.
11204 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Generally speaking, they have shown consideration and kindliness
toward American citizens who happened to be residents there.
The Chairman. How have they treated our missionaries?
Reverend Chapman. Very well up until recent years; even the
Government has been cooperative.
The Chairman. How long a time did you spend in Japan?
SPENT 20 YEARS IN JAPAN
Reverend Chapman. Twenty years.
The Chairman. In what capacities?
Reverend Chapman. As a missionary educator, professor in a
theological college. Since returning here I have had some opportunity
to meet Japanese people as I have traveled about from church to
church and I would like to give several of those observations.
Two of our churches are involved thus far in prohibited zones.
That means, of course, that the alien members, and in both cases they
constituted nearly half, have already moved out.
The Japanese people, as far as I have been able to observe, have
been and are very cooperative. They are disinclined to ask for aid
of any kind. In fact, our churches made plans some time ago to care
for all our evacuees through the courtesy of people in inland churches.
However, much of that plan has been obstructed because of local
antagonisms. Just as you heard from the people from Tulare County
and other sections, particularly the valley sections of California, the
local people are opposed to almost any influx of Japanese. And so
we are very much put out at this time in order to provide housing,
not to say work, for these people.
I believe it is true to say that our Christian group is in the main
free from any subversive or suspicious activities of any kind. I think
that is proven by the fact that there have been practically no arrests
of active Christians, and I am speaking right up to date.
HARDSHIP CASES
The problem of divided families, and we have been hearing about
it — we heard about that this morning — is a very acute one. I could
have matched the stories that were told this morning many times over
from Japanese sources.
There are Japanese parents and Japanese widows who have sons
in the armed forces of the United States. I have been doing some work
in the American Army under the chaplains among the Japanese
soldiers. I think it is true to say that Army officers, as far as I have
been able to talk with them, testify that they believe them to be loyal
and to be faithfid soldiers.
Now, I think that there is a great danger that we shall overempha-
size the influence of Japanese-language schools and also the effect of
trips to Japan and sojourns in Japan. There is very much in the
Japanese system which does not commend itself to people who have
already tasted of American life and American privileges. The^
Japanese who returns to Japan — I am speaking of the second genera-"
tion — they are very likely to have unpleasant experiences. They are
more or less on the spot. I think that in many cases it has had a
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11205
salutary influence for them to go to Japan, to see what Japanese life
is, to sense the spirit of oppression and suppression that more or less
prevails there. I have had a great deal to do with such people while
they have been in Japan and I think on the whole that rather than
encouraging them to support ideas like the new order in Asia and the
divine destiny of the Japanese and the Emperor and so on, it has
turned them the other way.
FEARS EFFECT OF DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Personally, I am very much concerned at one point that was
voiced by our C. I. O. friend, although I am not a member of the
C. I. O. I do feel that any treatment, any policy that appears to be
discriminatory will not only open the way for very serious future
repercussions and problems in this country, but that it will have a
very unfortunate effect upon Japan and her policy regarding the
treatment of American citizens there, also it will have an unfortunate
effect in countries like China where there is a great deal of feeling
because of the policy of western nations in the past toward the yellow
race. And I trust that whatever is done we will keep that in mind.
Now, when it comes to conceptions like the idea of a divine ruler
and a divine state I think it must be recognized that that same
philosophy is increasingly common in nations which belong to the
Axis in Europe and that these philosophies may have just as sub-
versive an influence upon people who adopt them or who are sym-
pathetic with them in this country as does the Japanese philosophy.
In my experience with Japanese young people I have not detected any
of this difficulty that has been mentioned over and over again of
getting information as to whether or not a person is loyal. This
difficulty of getting information from Japanese is something that I
have not experienced. I want to say today that on several occasions
information has been given me by Japanese young people with the
intent that I should take it up with the F. B. I. and I have done so..
I could not agree for a moment with the declaration of the Attorney
General that there have been no cases of that kind. I believe in the
main they are not conscious of such activity because subversive
workers know that these young people are in the main loyal and thus
they are not sharing any of their plans or purposes with any of these
second generationers. I thank you for this privilege and I would
like to submit this statement.
(The statement referred to above is as follows:)
STATEMENT BY REV. GORDON K. CHAPMAN, IN CHARGE OF
PRESBYTERIAN JAPANESE WORK ON THE PACIFIC COAST
Some Phases of the Japanese Problem in California
Qualifications: The writer, Gordon K. Chapman, was born and educated in
the State of California and has had lifelong associations with Japanese people.
He spent 20 years in Japan as a missionary of the Presbyterian Church, engaged
in evangelistic and educational work. He has a working knowledge of the Jap-
anese language and is quite familiar with their culture and customs. He is now
acting as official representative for the board of national missions of the Presby-
terian Church in the United States of America for Japanese work on the Pacific
coast.
11206 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Control of enemy aliens and others engaged in subversive activity: It is the
considered opinion of the writer that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was
doing an excellent piece of work in uncovering subversive activity and apprehend-
ing potentially dangerous Japanese. This conclusion is based on observation and
some contact with Federal Bureau of Investigation agents in various places.
The present evacuation from "prohibited zones" is working great hardship on a
people who are in the main loyal and is accomplishing little or nothing as a defense
measure. It would have been better to have left these aliens in all places except
those in close proximity to strategic installations. While our inland churches
had made plans to house and provide some measure of work for such evacuees,
these plans were largely hampered because of the opposition to further influx of
Japanese into most communities. It is the opinion of the writer that any and all
plans which make a special class of the Japanese and provide restrictions from which
Germans and Italians are exempt are manifestly unfair and contrary to Ameiican
principles and ideals. Any scheme for the control of enemy aliens and other po-
tentially dangerous persons should be equally applicable to Germans and Italians.
Long and wide experience with American citizens of Japanese race has convinced
the writer that they have become more thoroughly Americanized than is the case
with the children of certain other racial groups. And it is true that these young
people of Japanese parentage have again and again demonstrated their loyal
Americanism. I shall enlarge on these points below:
The question of loyalty: This is admittedly a very difficult question in that
even citizens of European origin have proven disloyal and engaged in subversive
activity. The writer has had a good deal to do with the members of so-called
Japanese-American citizens leagues and knows of no other young peoples' groups
which have been exerting so much influence for Americanism among their own
people. Pressure has been brought to bear on their members to renounce Jap-
anese citizenship when it was known to be involved and there is reason to believe
that this is no longer a major problem in most places; though the writer has found
some young people, especially girls, who seemed to have no knowledge about the
question at all and supposed that they were only Americans. As a class these
young people are mentally alert and very well versed in American ideals. In
spite of the fact that they have acquired a slight smattering of Japanese language
in language schools, in most cases this particular training did not take and the
trip to Japan usually is but a demonstration to them of the superiority of American
ways. The writer personally knows many who have become intensely anti-
Japanese because of their experiences when they visited the native land of their
parents. As the President of a Japanese-American citizen league said to the
writer last night: "'We are striving to be loyal and cooperate with the Government
in this time of crisis. We thought that this war was going to give us our great
opportunity to prove our loyalty as American citizens, but now we are being dis-
charged from the Army and made to feel that we are not wanted. If they don't
want us to fight Japan, why don't they give us a crack at Hitler,. etc." Any
policy which involves racial discrimination at this time is likely to embitter a
generation of fine young people who have proven that they can become loyal
Americans and drink more deeply of our culture than is the case with many Mexi-
cans, Italians, and certain other races.
The assertion has been made that the Japanese-Americans have not been
cooperative in exposing Japanese who were engaged in subversive activity. How-
ever, the writer can testify that he has received information from such young
people which he has passed on to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents. And,
it must be admitted that it is not easy to secure such information. Enemy
agents are likely to be working under cover and thus are undisposed to take
Japanese-Americans into their confidence. The alien parents of these young
people are for the most part industrious people of rather advanced years and it is
not to be expected that such are engaged in subversive activity.
Japanese Christian churches: There are quite a large number of Christian
churches among Japanese people in California and it is a notable fact that most
of those who have been suspected of subversive activity have not been members
of these Christian groups. One of the hardest things to bear just now is to see
these churches which happen to be located in prohibited areas losing their older
members and in most cases their pastors. And if the Japanese-American citizens
are also to be evacuated to other localities, then we shall have to face the dissipa-
tion of the work of years. These churches are centers of Christian-American
culture and it will be a great pity to drive out these Japanese Christians from
their church homes. The boundaries which mark the present prohibited areas
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11207
have been so drawn that in several cases the church buildings are located within
a block or block and a half of the line. It would appear right that some provision
be made whereby these older believers will be able to continue to attend churches
which are within such a short distance of such a boundary line. It is also to be hoped
that some special permit will be issued, whereby alien pastors can continue to
minister to their scattered flocks.
Repercussions in the Far East : Reports which have come to our foreign mission
board through the Swiss Legation indicate that thus far our missionaries in Japan
and occupied areas of Asia have for the most part been treated with kindness and
consideration. However, the Japanese Government has made it known that its
policy in this respect will be largely guided by our treatment of their people in
America. Furthermore, any racial discrimination which robs Japanese-Americans
of their rights as American citizens will also have an effect on Asiatic attitudes
toward America. It is likely to appear as a repudiation of the rights of human
freedom at a time when we are having a difficult enough time proving to the world
that we are actually fighting such a battle for the world. These factors should
be kept in mind in any formulation of policy.
A fair and constructive policy : It appears to the writer that it should be possible,
within the scope of the recent Presidential or Executive order, to formulate a policy
which would provide for the examination of all potentially dangerous persons and
the licensing or issuing of permits to those who can be proven loyal. The same
tests can be applied to Japanese as to Germans and Italians, together with any
supplemental tests that seem necessary. The writer knows of no reasons why it is
difficult or impossible to test the loyalty of Japanese aliens or Japanese-Americans.
The fact that Japanese Government agents were allowed to carry on their sub-
versive activity in Hawaii with resultant evil is no reason for being discriminatory
here where the authorities are "on the alert." To allow Japanese who are
exceedingly skillful in certain industries to continue to work and produce for the
Nation at this time would seem to be the part of wisdom. And mass evacuation
policy is unnecessarily drastic, contrary to our American principles of fair play,
destructive of some of our best human resources and likely to help to defeat some
of the chief aims of the war.
TESTIMONY OF REV. FRANK HERRON SMITH, IN CHARGE OF
METHODIST JAPANESE MISSIONS WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI
RIVER
The Chairman. Reverend Smith, do you have any statement to
make in regard to the loyalty of the Japanese-American citizens?
Reverend Smith. Yes, sir. Will you permit me to protect my
Americanism a little bit, since I am friendly to the Japanese, by say-
ing that when you were in Kansas University and an all-star orator
there — I think you won all the contests of the year, and that was
when oratory was as important as football — I was an underclassman
and one of your admirers.
The Chairman. Reverend Smith, I want to say to you that you
delivered that much better than I ever delivered any speech.
Reverend Smith. I am friendly to the Japanese because after
finishing my theological education at Northwestern University I was
for 21 years in the Orient. Twelve and one-half years of that time
I was superintendent of our Japanese missions in Korea and Man-
churia and I was called back from there by our board in 1926, and
since 1926 I have given all of my time day and night to these Japanese
in America.
JAPANESE CHRISTIANS
I have now 55 paid workers in these three coast States and Idaho,
Arizona, and Colorado. We think there are a little more than 5,000
Christians among the fifty or sLxty thousand — these new figures are
11208 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
not yet clear — first-generation alien Japanese. In other words, about
one-tenth of the alien Japanese are Christians. About one-half of the
Japanese Americans are favorable to Christianity and prefer Chris-
tianity and probably 15,000 of them are working now as ardent
Christians. Now, it is my belief from this close association over many
years with these Japanese that fully 90 percent of the first-generation
Christian aliens are loyal to America. They are gladly sending their
sons to the Army. They are buying bonds. They send their children
to our schools and most of them would already have become American
citizens and be beyond this doubtful stage had we allowed them
naturalization, which we do not allow.
I believe that the second generation Japanese Christians, like David
Tatsuno and Henry Tani whom you heard here this morning, boys
whom I have known 15 years, boys whom I married to their wives,
are as truly American as your son, Congressman Tolan, or my son
with whom these boys went to school and where they received the
same education.
So far as my observation goes, these young Christians are loyal to
America almost to a man.
I regret that I do not know the young Buddhists very well but I am
quite confident that in spite of their un-American practices and leader-
ship the great majority of them too are loyal to America.
The Chairman. I think you have got me mixed up in winning
those debates down there in Kansas. I think you were the debater
yourself. I want to tell you a story about that.
We had a little debating team against Missouri in 1901 and 1902.
So one day my son Jack came to me and said "Dad, I thought you
won those three debates, according to your story." He said, "I met
a fellow today that debated against you and you lost two out of three.
He was from Missouri."
Reverend Smith. He is a story teller.
TESTIMONY OF WILLIAM C. JAMES, CLERK OF THE SOCIETY
OF FRIENDS, BERKELEY, CALIF.
The Chairman. Mr. James, will you briefly describe the activities
of the Friends Service Committee?
Mr. James. Well, I should state, Congressman Tolan, that I really
don't officially represent the Friends Service Committee. I happen
to be a member of that organization but here today I represent the
Societ}7 of Friends which, of course, is associated with the American
Friends Service Committee.
Our executive committee of the Friends Service Committee didn't
have the opportunity to meet after we knew that I would have the
privilege of appearing here, so I merely represent our meeting in
Berkeley, but if you want any statements from the Friends Service
Committee I could submit them. However, I don't think that is
necessary. I think they are pretty well known.
The Chairman. What do you think about the employment of
these people who are evacuated? Have you any ideas about that?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11209
OPPOSES MASS EVACUATION
Mr. James. I think that many of these evacuees can be employed.
I am somewhat familiar with the plan that Galen Fisher presented.
I think it and some other plans have much to commend them. Per-
sonally I am strongly opposed to mass evacuation. I have it here in
a statement if you want me to read it.
The Chairman. Go ahead.
Mr. James. It composes the statement that was drawn up rather
hastily by three or four of us this afternoon. [Reading:]
The concern of the Society of Friends at this time is that those in
authority realize and appreciate that the majority of the people in-
volved in the problem before us are valuable human beings who are
loyal to our institutions and are contributing to the welfare of our
local communities and the State.
We have true sympathy for and want to help those faced with the
responsibility and duty of making and carrying out governmental
policy and edict. We greatly appreciate the tolerance and under-
standing already shown, particularly in this area.
As a result of religious and racial persecution which many of those
involved have received from other countries, they are particularly
appreciative of American ideals and are ready and willing to become
good and useful United States citizens. Many of them have sons
who are in our Government service. This latter statement applies
to aliens of all enemy nationalities.
Realizing as you do that efforts should be made to distinguish care-
fully between the loyal individuals and the few others, we trust that
too hasty action will not be taken. We hope that the general policy of
the Government will provide for other than mass evacuations and
that any necessary evictions be made on an individual rather than an
indiscriminate basis.
Our concern then leads us to the serious consideration of some of
the proposed plans for resettlement and rehabilitation of those for
whom evacuation is necessary.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Society of Friends of
Berkeley. [Ends reading.]
The Chairman. You see, Dr. Reagor and you gentlemen here, there
is nothing comparable to our situation in the entire world.
Dr. Reagor. That is right.
The Chairman. In Japan you have Japanese, in Italy you have
Italians, but here we have them all. Isn't that true?
Dr. Reagor. That is correct.
The Chairman. So it is a very, very delicate proposition because,
as I have repeated and repeated again, after the war is over we still
have to live with all the nationalities, don't we?
Dr. Reagor. Yes.
The Chairman. There is no question about that and the war's
end is bound to come.
Now, the only good that we could do with your ideas is to submit
them to Congress, but it is in the hands of the military. We were
sent out here as a sort of a sounding board for the military, and the
Justice Department. I think what you have said here today will
probably be a very valuable contribution to us.
11210 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Is there anything else you want to add?
Reverend Chapman. Mr. Chairman, there is one matter that I
promised to present and I am speaking on behalf of our Japanese alien
pastor.
The Chairman. Yes.
CHURCHES IN PROHIBITED AREAS
Reverend Chapman. As I understand, it has been necessary for
them, for the pastors of churches in prohibited zones, to leave these
zones, and they are no longer permitted to minister in their churches.
Their hope and desire is, and also the desire of the church members
is, that some plan be worked out by which these pastors at least can
be permitted to minister to their flocks on both sides of the line, as
it were. In two cases, for instance, our churches are located within
a block and a half or two blocks of the boundary line and they can
come within a block and a half or two blocks of the churches but' can't
enter.
And so if, in the future, a plan can be worked out by which permits
can be given to pastors after ascertaining their loyalty, and possibly
also to members, to enable them to attend these churches it would be
very much appreciated. I am sure we can assume that the Christian
churches are very important when it comes to the matter of the main-
tenance of morale. That is recognized in the Army by our system of
chaplains. So in order to keep up the spirit of these people some plan
should be worked out by which Christian groups can be kept intact
and by which Christian workers can go on with the very valuable
service that they are performing.
Reverend Smith. May I mention two points there, Air. Tolan?
One point, the possibility of deciding which Japanese are loyal and
which are disloyal. I am interpreter for the San Francisco Board of
Hearing which has been operating under Mr. Biddle, and also I in-
terpreted 3 days in a crisis for the Board of Hearing in the State of
Washington. These men here, Mr. Lillick and Mr. Harrison and Mr.
Dill, I consider high-grade citizens, and I believe that if you ask them
whether they could tell who are loyal and who are disloyal of the men
whom they examined that they would tell you that in many cases
the}' can, many cases they cannot. Well, of course, men whom they
deem disloyal or doubtful should be put in one class and those whom
they deem loyal, perhaps, should be given the identification card of
which you spoke. •
WOULD MAKE LOYAL JAPANESE WARDS OF AMERICA
Now that the military has come into it, it is my belief that these
committees set up, say, one representative of the military and two
civilians who could very easily pass on these matters. A committee
like that could tell who are loyal and who are disloyal in many cases;
most cases, I believe. The loyalty of the second generation young
people can be tested as easily as that of any American and the best
witness would be the school teacher, the American school teacher.
These aliens who pledge their loyalty to us now, in my opinion,
should be sworn in as wards. They can't be citizens. 'They can
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11211
never go to Japan again. They should be sworn in as wards of
America before they are given these identification cards.
The other point, the matter of these zones, that belongs to the
military. We are cooperating. Alameda is our zone. We have
done, I think, more than any organization there. J. C. Elliott has
done fine work, too, in keeping up the morale of the people of Alameda
so that there was no hysteria there and no excitement, and that
movement has been carried out smoothly and without any difficulty,
and we can help with the others.
It is my belief that the women and children are not dangerous.
These old ladies, very few of them under 50, are not a dangerous
element and might well be left in their homes where most of these
women and children can work as they have been working, and sup-
port themselves, and will not disrupt society. The old men and the
sick men, I believe, can well be left alone. We had there in Missoula
one man who died of T. B. and another died of cancer when I was
there. If an investigation was made some months previous, such
men would not have been taken there.
DOES NOT FEAR A SECOND PEARL HARBOR
Mr. Warren spoke of the danger here of sabotage and there being
a timed attack. Now, in my judgment, there is little danger of that
for one reason, because within a very few hours after the Pearl Harbor
incident the F. B. I. picked up practically all of the Japanese brains
of every community here and put them under detention immediately.
That leadership is under detention now. And I believe that it is
possible to make these distinctions and it is possible to handle this
question safely and wisely and humanely without tins tremendous
mass movement and mass evacuation.
And I pledge toyou, sir, or to General DeWitt, or to any organi-
zation the assistance of — I pledge my own 55 workers as interpreters
and helpers and I wouldn't hesitate a moment to pledge the Presby-
terian friends, the Catholic friends, the Congregational friends. All
of us who are engaged in this work will be glad to take our part in
doing tins sifting.
Mr. Fisher. Two days ago I was conversing with a high military
officer as well acquainted, I suppose, with conditions in California as
almost any man. He said he placed no confidence at all in the pre-
dictions of the fifth-column coordinated activity for the one reason
that has just been given by Dr. Smith", that the brains had been
seized and further leaders can easily be seized. He said for his part
he thought that the Nazi elements in our State were far more menacing
than any Japanese menace.
The second comment I wanted to ask, if I may, is that while the
Japanese-American Citizen League, composed of American-born
Japanese, has not been a model in all respects, I think it has rendered
a very substantial service to our country and is the only organization
now in existence which can help to build moral and interpret Ameri-
canism to a good many of the Japanese. The churches are doing
splendid work in that direction but the Japanese-American Citizen
League also is a very valuable factor.
60396— 42— pt. 29 17
11212 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
COMMITTEE PANEL
The Chairman. Now, let me get my own reaction of this com-
mittee here. First, you are not in favor of mass evacuation of
Japanese, is that right?
Reverend Chapman. That is right.
Mr. Fisher. That is right.
Reverend Smith. That is right.
Dr. Reagor. That is right.
Mr. James. That is right.
The Chairman. This panel here is in favor of treating them on the
same basis as the Italians or the Germans?
Reverend Chapman. Yes.
Mr. Fisher. Yes.
Reverend Smith. Yes.
Dr. Reagor. Yes.
Mr. James. Yes.
The Chairman. You think it can be done by a careful investiga-
tion to ascertain who are loyal and who are disloyal Japanese, the
same as Italians and Germans?
Dr. Reagor. Yes.
Reverend Chapman. Yes.
Reverend Smith. Yes.
Mr. Fisher. Or who are dangerous, that is.
The Chairman. Yes; or who are dangerous.
What would you suggest? There are about 6,000 Japanese down
at the Lockheed Aircraft factory in Los Angeles. Would you segre-
gate the Japanese, that is, wholesale?
Reverend Smith. That is a question for the Army to decide.
The Chairman. I know, but I want to get your idea about that.
The Army will decide it, there is no question about that, I think.
Reverend Smith. If I were a general, I would certainly make a zone
3 miles or 5 miles around every vital project.
The Chairman. Well, that is what we are doing.
Reverend Smith. Well, I see. I am not an Army man but you
asked me what I would do, and that is what I would do.
The Chairman. Would you take them all?
Reverend Smith. You mean the second generation?
The Chairman. Second, third, fourth, fifth, right on down the
line, see?
Mr. Fisher. I should stop.
The Chairman. Yes?
Mr. Fisher. I should discriminate even there.
Mr. James. I don't think so.
Mr. Fisher. Just as I would among Americans, I mean white
Americans.
Mr. James. I have confidence that the Army will do it better than
it might be done by other groups. W"e won't mention any certain
ones but that is my own confidence.
The Chairman. You see, you are very distinguished citizens, rep-
utable men. The Army is listening to you on this now. This is
just a futile gesture unless we can tell them what you people think.
They have a problem. You say you will leave it to the military.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11213
Well, that is no conclusion ; it is left to them anyway. But we thought
we might be able to give them some ideas.
Reverend Smith. I wouldn't allow anyone within 2 or 3 miles of a
vital plant, I don't care what his color or ancestry is, without an
identification card.
The Chairman. Mr. Fisher doesn't seem to agree with you.
Dr. Reagor. There is a vast difference in that and evacuation from
military areas.
The Chairman. I am just trying to think out loud with you; trying
to get some information.
Mr. James. We appreciate that.
Reverend Chapman. Mr. Tolan, I think that we can make this a
little bit clearer if we can give a specific instance or two. Now, I am
very well acquainted with the Monterey Bay area. I know many
Japanese there. I know the Army authorities quite well, for instance
at Fort Ord. I have had a great deal of conversation regarding this
particular problem. Down there certain highways were made the
boundary lines. It appeared to me that the first areas named were
where certain important installations were, and then a line was drawn,
or a highway was taken that would embrace all of the strategic
installations. But between these installations there are great areas
which are included in prohibited zones where there are no installations
of any importance, and people have been evacuated from those areas.
I think that certain discrimination should be shown as for example in
the case of a Christian church or a community that is just over the
line, over on the other side of the highway. In Watsonville you have
a highway running right through the town and people are apt to move
from one part of the town to the other, and, unfortunately, on the
wrong side of the line. Now, I would hope that in cases like that
that there could be an investigation and if there are no strategic
installations on the other side of the highway that be taken into account.
The Chairman. Let me ask you, you have great information with
regard to Japan, being there for years. Have you any knowledge as
to how Americans are being treated in Japan?
TREATMENT OF AMERICANS IN JAPAN
Reverend Chapman. Yes; our board of foreign missions has been
able to secure information through the offices of the Swiss Govern-
ment. They are acting on our behalf in Japan, as you know, and
we have learned that approximately one-third of our group have been
taken into custody. Two-thirds are still allowed considerable free-
dom and some, for instance, are continuing to teach in certain schools.
The Swiss authorities have also assured us that all are being treated
with kindness and that as far as they know there has been no bad
treatment as far as Americans are concerned.
The Chairman. One third are interned?
Reverend Chapman. Yes; one-third of our group are interned and
two-thirds, apparently, are not interned at this time.
The Chairman. W^ell, you have about 100,000 Japanese in Cali-
fornia. A third of them would be about 33,000. No such numbers
like that have been taken into custody here.
11214 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Reverend Chapman. Of course, it must be recognized that we rep-
resent a special class, that is, people who are engaged in a form of
propaganda. Christian propaganda is regarded by the Japanese
military authorities as something which is antagonistic to the ideals
of the new order in Asia, or the Asiatic coprosperity sphere, and
because they regard us as propagandists of an order which they do
not admire, I think that more of our number would be interned than
would be the case with the general civilian population where most of
the people are engaged in the ordinary pursuits of life and are not
engaged in propaganda of any kind, presumably.
The Chairman. Well, this is a very interesting panel and, of course,
we could spend a lot more time.
Dr. Reagor. Would you like to have these 1,400 signatures in your
record?
The Chairman. Yes, we will mark it as an exhibit.1
Mr. Sparkman. Mr. Slade is the next witness.
TESTIMONY OF H. F. SLADE, ASSISTANT CASHIER, FEDERAL
RESERVE BANK, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Sparkman. Will you give your name and official capacity in
which you appear here, to the reporter for the record?
Mr. Slade. My name is H. F. Slade. I am assistant cashier of the
Federal Reserve bank. I am in charge of one division of foreign
funds control.
Mr. Sparkman. Tell us just what activity that office embraces,
the scope of your authority, and some little history of the activity of
your office.
Mr. Slade. As an officer of the Federal Reserve bank we act as
fiscal agents of the Treasury Department, by request of the Treasury
Department, in administering foreign funds control, which I need not
take your time to describe. As you know, that authority is derived
from Executive order of the President known as Executive Order
8389.
Mr. Sparkman. That is the Executive order freezing the funds of
aliens?
Mr. Slade. Of "nationals", which is a slightly different term from
"aliens." A national may be a citizen, a resident of a foreign country,
or an American citizen who is domiciled in a foreign country.
Mr. Sparkman. Would you tell us something aDout the difference
between a generally licensed national and a blocked national?
GENERALLY LICENSED AND BLOCKED NATIONALS
Mr. Slade. I might go one step further. We speak of native-born.
Naturally, a native-born citizen is an American citizen, regardless of
his race or creed.
A generally licensed national is one who, under a definition of the
regulation of the Treasury Department, is accorded certain privileges
practically equal to an American citizen, with the exception of report-
ing requirements.
1 Material referred to is held in committee files.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11215
As a rule a generally licensed national is one who has been in the
United States continuously since June 17, 1940. It takes in many of
the aliens who come here, but have not obtained citizenship papers as
differentiated between the newcomers since June 17, 1940.
Those who have been out of the country, or who came here since
June 17, 1940, or who represent foreign interests in some manner, are
so-called blocked nationals.
Mr. Sparkman. Would you briefly outline for us the difference in
the situation between those who are in a position to apply for a license
and those who are not available to make such application — the situa-
tion of a bank, the situation of some of these steamship companies,
and so forth?
PERMISSIVE LICENSES
Mr. Slade. The licenses issued under the Treasury regulations
with few exceptions, have been permissive licenses. They would
permit a national to perform some act that he wished to perform.
Naturally, if there is not a duly authorized representative available
to apply for a license to do some act that he might want to do, under
the present set-up that act is not performed. If, however, there is
a representative, a relative with power of attorney, or an official who is
available, or possibly, in case of the bank you mentioned, the State
superintendent of banking, who is authorized to act for that institu-
tion, they may apply for a license and receive a license to perform
that act.
Mr. Sparkman. Would you tell us briefly what disposition was made
of any perishable cargoes that may have been left on the doc^s at the
time of the freezing order?
Mr. Slade. Well, there have been listings made for the benefit of
the armed services in locating strategic materials. In some instances
of a semiperishable nature, in order to do what seemed to be obvious,
to conserve the properties of those who could not be contacted or
communicated with, the Treasury Department has issued a directive
license.
As a rule, where there were any representatives who could take such
action on their own behalf, they have acted without directive licenses.
Mr. Sparkman. It is our understanding that under certain Execu-
tive orders of the President, a Japanese national cannot diminish his
assets. Would you explain to us just what that means?
GENERAL LICENSE 68~A
Mr. Slade. We spoke of generally licensed nationals. Under a
general license, 68-A, issued by the Treasury Department to Japanese
who have been here continuously since June 17, 1940, could carry on
business, withdraw money from banks, and do many of those commer-
cial acts, with the provision that the license did not authorize them
to substantially diminish their assets in the United States; meaning
either take them out of the country, or give them to relatives or
friends without consideration.
Mr. Sparkman. We are aware, of course, that your office is not in
any way a custodian of the property of the enemy alien, but could you
make a distinction for us between the activities of your office and
11216 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
those activities which might conceivably be administered by an alien
property custodian, or a similar officer?
Mr. Slade. Well, as I said previously, the licenses issued in our
capacity as fiscal agents of the Treasury Department have been per-
missive licenses. They have not been of a nature of management,
or the carrying on of businesses.
There have been some instances in which properties were put under
the seal of the Treasury Department and guards, or supervisors in-
stalled at the premises, but those were merely for the sake of preserv-
ing the properties in their present status, and not for operating them.
Mr. Sparkman. Could you tell us whether any data or statistics
have been collected concerning the holdings of property or assets by
enemy aliens?
FOREIGN PROPERTY REPORTS
Mr. Slade. Yes. The regulations of the Treasury Department
provide for the filing of foreign property reports. There have been
many hundreds of thousands of property reports filed, both by aliens
and by citizens, or domestic institutions holding credits or properties
of aliens. That applies not only to enemy aliens, but to friendly
aliens as well.
Mr. Sparkman. Is your office aware of any trading or transferring
of title without having obtained a license?
Mr. Slade. There would, of course, be exceptions to any such
sweeping regulation as the one we are discussing, possibly through
ignorance of the regulations. If we were aware of any transfers of
property without a license we would be required to turn it over to an
investigative unit of the Treasury Department, who would look into it.
There have been some transfers without a license which are under
investigation.
Mr. Sparkman. Mr. Slade, with the increase in the evacuation of
these people from this area, don't you think that there should be
established here some office of custodian of alien property?
Mr. Slade. Well, that is a problem that is beyond the scope of
my official position, or beyond my recommendation. It seems ob-
vious that if people are moved away from their properties, unless
some legal representative in the form of an attorney in fact, or a
relative, can administer those properties they will be subject to
depreciation and deterioration and be at the mercy of people who
want to buy them at less than real value. But I don't feel that
that comes under the foreign-funds control because most of those
can be moved at will, or traded at the will of the present owners.
They will sell or move out, as they like.
Mr. Sparkman. In short, the function of your office is to license
transfers, whereas the custodian would be one of management and
control?
Mr. Slade. Yes. It is a different operation.
The Chairman. Thank you very much, Mr. Slade. We appreci-
ate your coming here.
Tatsu Ogawa.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11217
TESTIMONY OF TATSU J. OGAWA, FORMER FLORIST, BERKELEY,
CALIF.
The Chairman. Please state your name.
Mr. Ogawa. Tatsu J. Ogawa.
The Chairman. Where were you born?
Mr. Ogawa. In Hawaii, on the island of Maui.
The Chairman. How long ago? You are not sensitive about your
age, are you?
Mr. Ogawa. Not at all. In 1896.
The Chairman. How long have you resided in the United States?
Mr. Ogawa. Ever since 1915, during the first San Francisco Fair.
The Chairman. Where did you go to school?
Mr. Ogawa. I attended school here in Oakland, Los Angeles, San
Diego, and the university at Davis.
The Chairman. Are you married?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes, I am.
The Chairman. Any children?
Mr. Ogawa. Four children, sir.
The Chairman. Have you been in business in this country?
Mr. Ogawa. I have been, sir.
The Chairman. Where?
Mr. Ogawa. In Berkeley, on University Avenue.
The Chairman. What sort of business?
Mr. Ogawa. In the floral business.
The Chairman. How long were you in business?
Mr. Ogawa. Approximately 12 years.
The Chairman. In one place?
Mr. Ogawa. In one place, sir.
The Chairman. Well, you are not in business now; are you?
Mr. Ogawa. No, sir.
The Chairman. What caused you to go out of business?
Mr. Ogawa. I think it is due to — I don't know exactly — but I
think it is due mostly to depression.
The Chairman. What?
Mr. Ogawa. Depression. I think so, but not exactly discrimina-
tion, but business fell off.
The Chairman. You have been 12 years in business. It took quite
a while for depression to catch up with you, didn't it?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes, sir; it finally caught up with me.
The Chairman. That partner didn't help you out any, did he, the
partner that you had in business?
Mr. Ogawa. Not very much.
The Chairman. Except to help you out of business, is that the
idea?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes; that is right, sir.
The Chairman. Was he a Japanese?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. How long were you in partnership with him?
Mr. Ogawa. Ever since we started in together.
The Chairman. Don't you think that that was the real depression
that caused your loss of business, this partnership as much as any-
thing?
11218 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Ogawa. Probably so; yes.
The Chairman. He sort of held out on you, didn't he?
Mr. Ogawa. Well, I don't like to say.
SERVED IN FIRST WORLD WAR
The Chairman. Did you ever serve in the armed forces of the
United States?
Mr. Ogawa. I am glad to say I did, sir.
The Chairman. For how long?
Mr. Ogawa. From October 1917 until discharged in April 1919.
The Chairman. Did you go to Europe?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes, sir. I served with Company G, Three hundred
and Sixty-fourth Infantry, Ninty-first Division.
The Chairman. Did you see any action over there — did you get
in any battles?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes.
The Chairman. Did you win any?
Mr. Ogawa. I hope to say we did. We were in the St. Mihiel drive
and the Meuse-Argonne offensive.
The Chairman. Were you wounded?
Mr. Ogawa. I was wounded on the morning of October 2, 1918, at
Meuse-Argonne offensive.
The Chairman. Then were you discharged on account of disability,
or what?
Mr. Ogawa. I was discharged with good health, but my health
has been failing ever since.
The Chairman. Are you drawing any compensation for that?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes.
The Chairman. How much do you receive?
Mr. Ogawa. $24.
The Chairman. $24 a month?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. Are you a member of any patriotic organization
in this country?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes, I am, I belong to the San Francisco Three
hundred and sixty-third Infantry Association, and across the bay I
belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled
American Veterans, of which I am chaplain, and I am sergeant at
arms of the Ninety-first Division Association.
The Chairman. That is about all you can belong to because I
think that is about all there are.
Mr. Ogawa. They won't leave a good man out.
The Chairman. What are you doing now?
Mr. Ogawa. I am working at the Moore Shipyard.
The Chairman. What kind of work are you doing?
Mr. Ogawa. I am a helper there.
The Chairman. How much money are you making now?
Mr. Ogawa. It depends on the work I do; depends on the days
that I put in.
The Chairman. Well, approximately how much a week?
Mr. Ogawa. It varies from $35 to $50.
The Chairman. Where is your family?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11219
Mr. Ogawa. My wife and four children are back in Hawaii visiting.
She was just about ready to return when war was declared.
The Chairman. They went before the Pearl Harbor attack?
Mr. Ogawa. Yes; she left here last July.
The Chairman. Do your people live over there, your father and
mother?
Mr. Ogawa. Her folks are all there.
The Chairman. Do you hear from her now?
Mr. Ogawa. I haven't had a letter for about 5 weeks from her.
Where she is, how she is getting along, I haven't any idea. I am
very anxious about it.
The Chairman. Do you own your own home?
Mr. Ogawa. I am glad to say that I am purchasing it under the
Veterans' Welfare Board.
The Chairman. When did you buy it?
Mr. Ogawa. 1935. I have a beautiful home and enjoy it very
much.
The Chairman. Have you been able to keep up your payments on
your home?
^ Mr. Ogawa. I am trying my best to keep them up, because I love
my home so well. I think I have one of the best homes in Berkeley.
The Chairman. Are you able to send any money to your family
in Hawaii?
Mr. Ogawa. I am sending them some; yes.
The Chairman. How old are your children?
Mr. Ogawa. The oldest is 12, then 10, 6, and 5.
Mr. Sparkman. Just where is your family in Hawaii?
Mr. Ogawa. On the island of Maui, in the town of Puunene.
Mr. Sparkman. Are you a citizen of the United States?
Mr. Ogawa. I am glad to say that I am, sir.
Mr. Sparkman. Do you anticipate that you are to be affected in
any way by any of these orders, that is, do you live within a restricted
area?
Mr. Ogawa. My home is in a restricted zone.
Mr. Sparkman. Not in a prohibited zone?
Mr. Ogawa. Well, I am in the north of University Avenue and west
of Grove Street.
Mr. Sparkman. Are you going to be required to move out tomorrow,
day after tomorrow?
Mr. Ogawa. I haven't heard anything like that yet.
Dr. Lamb. You are in the curfew zone, aren't you?
Mr. Ogawa. I don't know just how it is.
Mr. Sparkman. There is no order that applies to you as yet?
JVIr. Ogawa. No.
Mr. Sparkman. You simply anticipate that there may be some
order later?
Mr. Ogawa. If it comes through; yes.
Mr. Sparkman. Is there any likelihood of your losing your job?
Mr. Ogawa. The dark cloud seems to be hanging before me now
and I may lose my job tomorrow, or at least in a very short time.
Mr. Sparkman. No one has actually told you so?
Mr. Ogawa. I was called into the office last Thursday afternoon
and I was surprised to hear that my services were no longer needed at
the Moore Shipyard.
11220 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Sparkman. If you lose your job you will also lose your home?
Mr. Ogawa. I suppose as long as I keep up my payments I can
maintain my home, but when I am not able to pay I don't know what
the Veterans' Welfare Board will do. I haven't discussed with Mr.
House that matter. I am doing everything possible to keep my home.
We are thinking very dearly of that home, my wife and I.
The Chairman. Thank you very much.
Call the panel.
Mr. Arnold. We have two witnesses next, Mr. Kunitani and Mr.
Iiyama, appearing in behalf of the Nisei Democratic Club of Oakland.
The committee will be glad to have you proceed in as brief a man-
ner as you can. I have no questions. Just make your own state-
ment.
TESTIMONY OF ERNEST IIYAMA, PRESIDENT, NISEI DEMOCRATIC
CLUB OF OAKLAND, CALIF.
Mr. Iiyama. I will give a brief outline of the background of our
organization and then there will be a short introduction from one of
our members.
Mr. Arnold. Yes. You may proceed.
Mr. Iiyama. We were organized during the 1938 campaign, and
the purpose of our organization was to bring about democratic edu-
cation of Nisei Japanese and also action in the political field.
Our members are Young Democrats. We have approximately 50
members now.
Mr. Sparkman. Is your organization opposed to Republicans or
any other political party?
Mr. Iiyama. We were affiliated with the Young Democrats, Inc., of
California.
Mr. Sparkman. All of you?
Mr. Iiyama. Yes.
Mr. Sparkman. All of you now?
Mr. Iiyama. Well, we were until the Young Democrats split, and
although we are not members of the organization now we are still
Young Democrats.
The Chairman. You don't mean to tell the committee that
Democrats ever split, do you?
Mr. Iiyama. There was some difference, I believe.
TESTIMONY OF MICHIO KUNITANI, BERKELEY, CALIF.
Mr. Kunitani. I want to qualify that. As I am a Federal em-
ployee, I have been hatched out. I am not speaking as a member pf
the organization, but in behalf of the organization, as a former member.
The Chairman. When did you get hatched out?
Mr. Kunitani. You ask Senator Hatch.
Mr. Sparkman. Weren't you on the committee that reported out
that Hatch Act?
The Chairman. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. You may proceed, Mr. Iiyama.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11221
Mr. Iiyama. We have joined the Young Democrats in the political
and social field, and we have participated in pro-Democratic resolu-
tions, in presenting pro-Democratic resolutions to vocational organiza-
tions. We supported the embargo on war materials to Japan, and
the embargo of oil to Japan before the war broke out.
We have supported President Roosevelt's present program to defeat
the Axis Powers.
Since the war has broken out we have increased our meetings to
once a week to keep up with the events that are breaking so fast.
That is, briefly, an outline of our organization.
Now, I would like to have Mr. Kunitani present a brief introduction.
TESTIMONY OF MICHIO KUNITANI, BERKELEY, CALIF.— Resumed
Mr. Kunitani. We come here as Americans prepared to take a
frank attitude and make frank statements, and speak to the members
of this committee here just as people probably would in the cloakroom
of the House of Representatives. We are going to be very informal.
We would like to be able to present our statements in very brief
outline and then we would like to have questions asked later, if that
is all right with the Congressmen.
We come here as Americans, not by virtue of our birth in America,
but by virtue of the social and cultural forces in America. We come
here to be treated as Americans and we want to live as Americans in
America.
As I say, we are Americans, not by the mere technicality of birth,
but by all the other forces of sports, amusements, schools, churches,
which are in our communities and which affect our lives directly.
Some of us are Yankee fans; some of us are Dodger fans; some like
to sip beer ; some like to go up to the Top of the Mark once in a while ;
we enjoy Jack Benny; we listen to Beethoven, and some of us even
go through the Congressional Record. That is something.
The main idea that our group wanted to present here today was
that we didn't want to be treated as a special group of enemy aliens
and as descendants of enemy aliens. We want to be treated as
Americans, or as other groups, such as Italians, Yugoslavs, or Finns.
It seems that among the reasons put forth by the committee, and
the witnesses who testified this morning, and last Saturday, on why
they thought that we should be treated as a special group were the
following:
No. 1. Our physical characteristics.
No. 2. The question of dual citizenship.
No. 3. The vague question of Shintoism and national religion.
No. 4. The question of the language schools which many of us
have attended.
SUGGESTED POLICIES FOR TREATMENT OF EVACUEES ,
Our group is in favor of evacuation if the military authorities of
the United States deem it necessary. But if we do evacuate we think
certain considerations should be taken into account:
No. 1. If we are evacuated we would like to have food, shelter,
and clothing, whether it be in North Dakota, Arizona, or Florida.
11222 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
No. 2. We think some plan should be instituted so that the
evacuees can participate positively in the defense effort and that we
can, by our efforts in some way help gain a quicker victory for the
anti-Fascist forces.
No. 3. We want the evacuees who are in the various professions,
such as doctors, opticians, lawyers, and so on, to continue to act in
that capacity.
I would like to touch on the question of loyalty. There has been a
hue and cry by a lot of the people in California that there has been no
anti-Fascist action on the part of any Japanese group. I would like
to refute that statement right here and now.
Our organization, since the Democratic campaign of 1938, has come
out on numerous occasions against shipments of oil and scrap iron to
the Fascist war lords of Japan, and we opposed aggression in Ethiopia.
Our records are filled with communications to our Congressmen, even
to our Representative, who happens to be Mr. Tolan, urging them
to vote against such measures in Congress.
I want to touch upon the question of the language schools. I would
like to point out to the members of the committee that our parents,
most of them, have had very little education. You will find in any
group, whether they be Jews, Yugoslavs, Finns, Danes, or Japanese,
that the people who do migrate to other lands are usually those who
have not had economic security in their native lands and, therefore,
have come to new areas in order to gain a livelihood. Most of our
parents fall into that category.
REASONS FOR JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
They set up these language schools for various reasons.
No. 1. They thought that since they enjoyed the fruits of American
life that they should contribute something to America. They thought
that the fine parts of Japanese culture could be integrated into
American life and that the second generation of Japanese, if they were
able to read and write, could thereby discover the better side of Jap-
anese culture and they could give that as their contribution to
America and, if they could do that, the parents would die happy.
No. 2. This so-called indoctrination on the part of our parents
hasn't been only along Japanese lines, but it has also followed Amer-
ican lines. We had 500 students registered at the University of
California last semester. That is the largest enrollment of any
minority group in the State of California. The record will also show
a large number of Japanese students attending universities and high
schools.
There is another reason why a" study of the Japanese language is
encouraged and that is because a knowledge of the Japanese language
is essential to the economic picture into which the Japanese man or
woman has to fit. At least, in this generation most of our employers
happen to be Japanese.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11223
DISCRIMINATION AND ITS EFFECT
We were discriminated against in private industry and, therefore,
the only other channel into which the Japanese people could gain an
economic livelihood was in the Japanese group. It was essential for
us to learn the Japanese language so that we could converse intelli-
gently with our employers.
Another point that I want to bring out is that there aren't very
many Japanese in the civil service of the Federal Government, or in
the State and local governments. That those who are working for the
Federal Government are in there because they are discriminated
against in private industry. It is usually in the case of professional
workers rather than, we will say, those who fall in the category of
laborers.
Another point I want to bring out is that the time spent in language
schools amounts to about an hour a day, maybe two or
three times a week.
Most of the time of the Japanese student is spent in the public
schools. He spends from 6 to 8 hours in public schools. After school
he goes into the extra-curricular activity of the public schools. His
Sundays and Saturdays are taken up by participation in athletic
events, Boy Scout activities, and such.
The time element there is not present in which the young Japanese
could be indoctrinated with Shintoism or anything else.
Mr. Arnold. What is taught in those language schools?
Mr. Kunitani. I went to a Japanese language school for about 4
years. I did not like to go at all. I went home and told my mother
I had attended school when, as a matter of fact on some occasions I
had not. She said, "What did you do?"
I lied, and said, "I did this and I did that."
I memorized a couple of poems. I knew that Yokohama was so
many miles away from Tokyo. I learned something about geography.
There was nothing indoctrinating me in the worship of my ancestors,
or anything like that. I didn't go high enough to learn what they
taught in the higher grades. I just went to the equivalent of about
the third grade in the Japanese school. Even then I attended only
haphazardly.
My case, I think, is typical of most of the Japanese who attend
Japanese language schools.
Mr. Arnold. Do you have any knowledge of what they teach
higher up in these Japanese language schools?
Mr. Kunitani. That I don't know.
Mr. Arnold. Haven't you ever inquired?
Mr. Kunitani. No. I wasn't interested.
Another point is this: Most of the second generation Japanese do
not know the language sufficiently to be indoctrinated. In fact, most
of our homes are places where, after dinner, we don't congregate
around the living room, or at the dinner table and talk. Usually
after 6 or 6:30 it is: "Well, I have to go to the basketball game," or
"I have to go to a show."
That point is well brought out by the fact that the Army had to
hire Japanese students to teach Japanese enrollees the Japanese
11224 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
language. That has been the case at Camp Roberts and at Fort
Orel. It bears out my point that most of the Japanese, the young
Japanese, don't know the language at all.
Mr. Arnold. Were those college graduates?
Mr. Ktjnitani. I mean all second generation Japanese.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP
Now, I want to touch on the question of dual citizenship. I do
not know very much about its history and background, but I can
present my case in point.
I didn't even know that I was a citizen of Japan until I was about
17 years old, and a freshman in college. My father happened to tell
me that I was a citizen of Japan. Therefore, I went through the
legal channels and expatriated myself.
Mr. Arnold. You expatriated yourself as a Japanese?
Mr. Kunitani. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. You have renounced your Japanese citizenship?
Mr. Kunitani. Yes, sir.
Mr. Arnold. How did you do it?
Mr. Kunitani. The only legal channel set up at that time was to
renounce your citizenship through the medium of the Japanese
consulate. They sent some papers to my father's prefecture and they
crossed my name off the record, or something like that.
I have a record of all that at home, but it is all in Japanese and it
would have to be translated.
Another thing I would like to point out to the members of the
committee is the indivisibility of citizenship in the eyes of American
law. If we are citizens here that is enough. I don't think all this
cry about the question of dual citizenship is that important. I mean
it doesn't play a major role in our lives.
Another thing in connection with dual citizenship that I would like
to point out is that since the only other channel of expatriation has
been closed to us by the closing of Japanese consulates, we favor the
bill which was before Congress which provides that legal means be
set up so that Japanese who have dual citizenship could expatriate
themselves through American courts. Our organization is in favor of
such a measure and we have written to our Congressman to support it.
Another tiling I would like to point out, and it is probably a ques-
tion you would ask me, is this: What about the recent raids by the
F. B. I., when they found thousands of rounds of ammunition, sabers,
binoculars, flashlights, and what not, in some of the homes, after the
date set for turning in such contraband?
Our answer to that question is this: That our organization has in-
structed its members many times to tell their friends, and their
parents, to surrender such things. I think most Japanese people have
done this, and have carried out the regulation of the Department of
Justice and the War Department in that connection.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11225
JAPANESE IN DEFENSE AREAS
Another tiling I would like to point out is this: Which came first,
the defense areas or the Japanese farms that are around the defense
areas?
I would like to point out that agriculture was the first occupa-
tion open to the Japanese people. The people who came here first
were agriculturalists. One-third of the present Japanese population
in the United States is engaged in agricultural pursuits. It just
happens that they have followed a pattern. It is a similar pattern in
Des Moines, Iowa, in Jamestown, Va. as well as in California. It is a
social pattern which is not peculiar to California, or to Washington.
The fundamental basis is the same all over the United States.
Mr. Arnold. How do you account for the fact that Japanese
citizens own all the land around the Lockheed plant in Los Angeles?
Mr. Kunitani. Well, I don't know about that.
Mr. Arnold. Attorney General Warren testified that the land that
had been bought up by Japanese in and near these plants couldn't
grow enough to hide a jack rabbit. Do you know anything about
that?
Mr. Kunitani. I don't know anything about that. I couldn't
refute Attorney General Warren on that point at all.
But I would like to point out the principle of these things. I think
all these other things can be taken up later by the committee. I don't
think we should waste time on them at the moment.
Mr. Arnold. We must move along for we have two more witnesses.
Mr. Kunitani. I will be through in another 5 minutes.
JAPANESE ON TERMINAL ISLAND
I now come to the matter of the question of Terminal Island.
Those fishermen on Terminal Island were there 20 years ago and that
military airport that happens to be there was just completed in 1938.
I know that for a fact. I think you could go through the records of
the Navy Department and find out when that field was put on
Terminal Island.
Another thing that I want to point out is that there is no conscious
movement of Japanese to these areas. It is just simply a matter
of following their occupations — farming. If it were third- or fourth-
generation Japanese probably there might be — I mean if we found
farms were around strategic areas, probably there would be a conscious
effort by the Japanese to move around to certain areas, but I don't
think at the present time, in this generation at least, there is any
conscious movement on the part of the Japanese as a whole.
There may be some Japanese who have started farms around
certain defense areas. Mr. Warren brought that out last Saturday.
That I cannot refute. But I would like to point out the other side
of the picture at this present time.
Another thing that I want to point out is our position in the war.
Our club has been against any aggression, whether it be Japanese,
Italian, Fascist, Spanish, or otherwise. Our records are just filled
with resolutions which we passed against the action of those countries.
11226 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Arnold. How long ago?
Mr. Kunitani. That was before the war; we started our organiza-
tion in 1938. Our hands are clean and our houses are open. You
are welcome to come to any member of our organization to discover
whether or not he is loyal. We have no hesitancy on that part.
SABOTAGE AT PEARL HaRBOR
Another point I want to bring out is about Pearl Harbor. We hear
lots about sabotage at Pearl Harbor.
Mr. Tolan pointed out frequently this morning, and this after-
noon, that he heard of Army trucks put in the road. I don't know
where Mr. Tolan got that information. I don't know whether that
is true or not. I cannot say. I can only go on the Roberts report,
which was the only official United States document put out, as to
what happened at Pearl Harbor, and why things happened as they
did. I think if you gentlemen look into the Roberts report again
you will find that no mention was made of sabotage on the part of
Japanese-Americans. They pointed out that 200 members operating-
out of the Japanese consulate were the most active participants in
fifth column activities in Hawaii.
I mean to say the average Japanese in California isn't intelligent
enough to go about and engage in fifth column activities. The odds
are against him. He has an oriental face that can be easily detected.
I am not saying there wasn't any fifth column activity in Pearl
Harbor on the part of Japanese, but I don't think there was wholesale
fifth column activity on the part of the Japanese-Americans or the
aliens in Pearl Harbor.
The Chairman. You don't want to leave the impression that
Japanese are not smart, do you?
Mr. Kunitani. No, not that. I think some of them are alert and
intelligent.
The Chairman. Did you read the report of Secretary Knox about
sabotage in Pearl Harbor?
Mr. Kunitani. As I said before, the only report that I could
believe, as a citizen, is the official report of the Government, and that
was the Roberts report.
I think President Roosevelt said in his press conference the other
day, when asked by Pearson, and some of the other reporters, if it
were not true that even the Spaniards and Arabs knew about what
happened at Pearl Harbor, his answer was, "Complete rot," and he
spelled out r-o-t. That is the report I got. As far as our organization
is concerned, it is standing by the only official report put out by the
United States Government, which is the Roberts committee report.
I don't know where Mr. Tolan got his information. It may be
true. I am not saying that it isn't.
Mr. Sparkman. The Roberts report did not deny the idea of
sabotage and fifth-column activity. It simply didn't mention it.
Mr. Kunitani. Yes. There was no positive statement in the
report itself. It didn't say they didn't do it nor that they did do it.
What they said was that there were 200 operators under the Japanese
consulate and they were the main saboteurs in Pearl Harbor.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11227
Another point I want to make is this idea of hardship cases. I think
Congressman Tolan pointed out numerous times this morning what
should be done about hardship cases.
PLANS FOR EVACUATION
Our organization has a definite plan as to what should be done about
such cases if evacuation is to be instituted here in California.
No. 1. Our prime purpose is that we should not be treated any
differently than Italians, Germans, Finns, or Yugoslavs. We want to
be treated equally.
No. 2. We think that the Federal authorities should handle such
cases. We don't believe that local authorities have the time, or the
money, to set up agencies to take care of such cases.
We believe that the Federal Security Administration, under the
able direction of Paul G. McNutt, should take the matter into its
hands. I don't think the Army and Navy should do it. They have
a big fight on their hands outside. I think they would be willing to let
civilian bureaus handle this job of hardship cases. We think that
the United States Employment Service, or the State social security
board, should take such cases and deal with them.
I do not think any individual in America has any idea as to the
numerous problems which will arise when you transplant a whole
economy from one area to another. There are so many variables
involved that I do not think anybody could begin to comprehend them.
We have tried to point out what, in our opinion, should be done.
Mr. Arnold. Who is the young lady beside you?
Mr. Kunitani. She happens to be my wife.
Mr. Arnold. Is she a member of your organization?
Mrs. Anne Kunitani. Yes, I am a member.
Mr. Arnold. I might ask Mrs. Kunitani the same question I asked
an Italian lady this morning.
Is your husband a 100 percent loyal American?
TESTIMONY OF ANNE KUNITANI, BERKELEY, CALIF.
Mrs. Kunitani. He is a Democrat and has been ever since I have
known him. Does that make him a 100-percent American?
Mr. Kunitani. That puts me on the spot.
The Chairman. Do you think that the Democrats alone can win
the war in this country?
Mrs. Kunitani. Not necessarily.
Mr. Arnold. As one Democrat to another, I want to commend
you
Mrs. Kunitani (interposing). I might tell you it was on the basis
of his anti-Fascist activities that I met him and married him.
The Chairman. Are you sorry?
Mrs. Kunitani. Not as yet.
Mr. Arnold. Does that include anti-Japanese activity?
Mrs. Kunitani. Oh, yes. We don't discriminate among the
Fascists.
60396—42 — pt. 29 18
11228 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Mr. Arnold. Japan became a member of the Axis after Italy did.
Mrs. Kunitani. Yes. I want to bring out the fact that both the
president of our organization and my husband have been to Japan
and their reaction to what they saw there in the way of military ac-
tivity did not affect them favorably. It had just the opposite effect.
It was because of what they saw there that they have become especially
ardent in championing the cause against the Axis Powers.
Mr. Arnold. I think perhaps your statement has more effect in
the record than what these two gentlemen have said.
Mrs. Ktjnitani. I think you are prejudiced.
The Chairman. Well, a woman must always have the last word.
What do you think about this proposition: Do you think the United
States today is more in danger of sabotage from Germans and Italians
than it is from Japanese?
Mrs. Ktjnitani. No; I wouldn't say that they are in greater danger.
But I think there is just as much danger. Of course, here on the
Pacific coast I think everyone has a tendency to be prejudiced more
against the Japanese as a potential saboteur than against the others,
because the danger seems more imminent.
As my husband stated, we feel we would be perfectly willing to
abide by the regulations set down by the Federal Government, pro-
vided they are set down with equality toward all of these descendants
of Axis aliens.
JAPANESE REPORT FIFTH-COLUMN ACTIVITIES
Another thing we forgot to mention is the fact that in our own
membership we have had people who actually reported fifth-column
activity. I don't care to divulge the names in public, but if you care
to have them
The Chairman. Reports against Japanese fifth columnists?
Mrs. Ktjnitani. Yes.
The Chairman. Then there are some fifth-column Japanese?
Mrs. Kunatani. Yes — if not actual fifth-column activity, there are
people who have definite pro-Japanese sympathies.
Mr. Kunatani. I think that the Army and Navy Intelligence, and
the F. B. I. have known that for a long time. I wouldn't say at the
present time there aren't foreign agents here. I think there are lots
of them here, as well as native agents — I mean people who are Amer-
icans and who would like to see our country defeated. This question
of fascism is not delegated to one country or to one race. It is uni-
versal, a universal pattern.
Mr. Arnold. You have presented your testimony in a splendid
manner. We appreciate your coming and would like to hear more,
but we have two other witnesses.
Mr. Iiyama. May I mention a couple of things before closing?
We would like to have the Japanese-Americans represented on the
committees which will plan evacuation, and things like that, because
it is our problem and I think we could contribute something to it.
If there is any committee set up to plan these things we would like
to have representation on that committee.
Another thing that we would like is that some centralized Govern-
ment body be established so that Japanese can go to them to get
information on their problems and how they can solve them.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11229
Another thing is the control of the press. I think the Government
should control the press, as far as the Japanese press is concerned, and
to some extent the American press. They are playing up the racial
line which only goes to break up the unity of the people. I would like
to see some Government control over those things too.
The Chairman. Thank you.
Mr. Arnold. We have two more witnesses — James M. Omura and
Miss Okuma.
These witnesses have requested to be heard, as I understand it, as
they do not feel that what was said by the representatives of another
Japanese-American organization has properly presented their case.
Mr. Omura. Do you want me to proceed?
Mr. Arnold. A woman should always have the last word. You
may proceed.
TESTIMONY OF JAMES M. OMURA, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER,
CURRENT LIFE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Mr. Omura. I appear before this committee informally. I have
just come from work and I am not dressed properly for an appearance
before such a committee.
Mr. Arnold. What is your work?
Mr. Omura. My regular work is that of a buyer and head packer
for the Amling Wholesale Florists.
Of course, on the side, I publish Current Life, a magazine dedicated
toward better understanding. It is entirely supported by what
income I gain from my regular job. It was originated in October 1940.
Since then we have been doing our best to present the factual side of
the Nisei problem.
Of course, we understand and recognize the fact that much of what
is being said in the Japanese newspapers and in the Japanese com-
munities is in a great measure propaganda.
We are opposed to what we believe is a one-sided presentation of
the issue.
Since this publication, Current Life, came into being, we have
attacked our own racial society as well as the greater American public
in what we believe is unfairness and injustice.
I requested to be heard here due largely to the fact that I am
strongly opposed to mass evacuation of American-born Japanese.
It is my honest belief that such an action would not solve the question
of Nisei loyalty. If any such action is taken I believe that we would
be only procrastinating on the question of loyalty, that we are afraid
to deal with it, and that at this, our first opportunity, we are trying
to strip the Nisei of their opportunity to prove their loyalty.
I do not believe there has ever been, or ever could be again, a
situation of this kind where the Nisei can prove their loyalty.
I suppose you understand that I am in some measure opposed to
what some of the other representatives of the Japanese community have
said here before this committee. Unfortunately, I wasn't here, and
I have no report on it, so I do not know actually what was said, but I
do know generally what they are promoting.
I specifically refer to the J. A. C. L. It is a matter of public record
among the Japanese community that I have been consistently opposed
11230 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
to the Japanese-American Citizen League. I have not been opposed
to that organization primarily in regards to its principles, but I have
felt that the leaders were leading the American-born Japanese along the
wrong channels, and I have not minced words in saying so publicly.
I do not know what else I could say, except that I desire to have
an unpublished editorial of Current Life read into this record.
Mr. Arnold. Do you have it there?
Mr. Omura. Yes.
Mr. Arnold. Just leave that with the reporter and it will become
a part of the record.
(Editorial referred to above is as follows:)
In Spirit, We Are Americans
Promoters of racialism — the gulf which seems to eternally divide oriental
Americans from fellow Americans of Caucasian ancestry — have enjoyed a virtual
field day to date in their vigorous campaign to oust resident Japanese, including
bona fide citizens, from their hard-won economic niche * * * modest as such
may be. The theory of racial "divine creation" is a theory which gains greater
and more ominous impetus with the progress of war in the Pacific, especially
intensified at the current hour by virtue of repeated Allied losses in the Far East.
The Nisei Americans, the unfortunate children of destiny in this Pacific war,
are mere stepping stones for political aspirants and self-seekers. They are being
utilized today as political footballs for ambitious officeholders and aspiring dema-
gogs who find it quite opportune to grind their personal axes on the fate of these
oft-vilified and persecuted voiceless Americans. The extent to which bigotry arid
racial antipathy can go in denying civil liberties — a vital cornerstone of democ-
racy— to a segment of the population is witnessed in the summary dismissal of
Nisei civil-service employees in the city and county of Los Angeles.
Racialism doubtlessly will play a significant and important role in the war over
the Pacific. And the brunt of the guilt for the criminal act of December 7, at
Pearl Harbor seems destined to fall upon the guiltless brow of the poor, hapless
Nisei — merely because they wear the outward features of the race whose people
committed the now historic crime. For that act, the Caucasian population on the
Pacific coast will find fiendish glee in exacting punishment upon citizen Americans
with Japanese faces. What could be more unjust and un-American?
The future of Nisei Americans is indeed dark. They walk through life in fear,
dreading that with each passing moment new restrictions and edicts, disrupting
the normal conduct of their daily lives will be adopted. They have watched with
saddening brows the pathos and confusion of their alien parents being uprooted
forcefully from the homes which took some of the best years of their oppressed
lives to "build commanded by the stern measures of a nation at war to go else-
where in some distant alien" surroundings to build anew. Will the hour arrive
when they, too, must unwillingly follow after?
Should that hour come, the history of our American Republic will never again
stand high in the council chambers of justice and tolerance. Democracy will
suffer deeply by it. The forceful evacuation of citizen Americans on the synthetic
theory of racial fidelity — "Once a Jap, always a Jap" — would be an indictment
against every racial minority in the United States. It would usher in the bigoted
and misguided belief that Americanism is a racial attribute and not a national
symbol. The scar that will be left will be broad and deep — a stigma of
eternal shame.
We must stand shoulder to shoulder in these critical hours. National unity
is not best served bv discriminating against a segment of the citizenry merely
because of physical differences. It would be well to remember that the Nisei
Americans and their alien parents have contributed generously and are con-
tinuing to contribute in like fashion to the cause of national defense. In spirit,
we are Americans.
Mr. Arnold. How much circulation does Current Life have?
Mr. Omura. We have approximately 500. This circulation, may
I add, is made up of American people as well as Nisei. We have been
driving into the American field to present what we believe is our prob-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11231
lem to them and have not been concentrating so much on our own
people because we believe they know the problem just as well as we do.
(The following material was received subsequent to the hearing
and accepted for the record.)
Mr. Omtjra. It is doubtlessly rather difficult for Caucasian Ameri-
cans to properly comprehend and believe in what we say. Our
citizenship has even been attacked as an evil cloak under which we
expect immunity for the nefarious purpose of conspiring to destroy the
American way of life. To us — who have been born, raised, and
educated in American institutions and in our system of public schools,
knowing and owing no other allegiance than to the United States —
such a thought is manifestly unfair and ambiguous.
I would like to ask the committee: Has the Gestapo come to
America? Have we not risen in righteous anger at Hitler's mistreat-
ments of the Jews? Then, is it not incongruous that citizen Americans
of Japanese descent should be similarly mistreated and persecuted? I
speak from a humanitarian standpoint and from a realistic and not a
theoretical point of view. This view, I believe, does not endanger
the national security of this country nor jeopardize our war efforts.
Let me here insert an editorial published in the San Francisco
Call-Bulletin of December 17 and excerpts from which have appeared
in various metropolitan dailies in the United States:
A Plea for Tolerance
The war that every loyal Nisei American had dreaded and wished to avoid is
upon us. We each are faced with the darkest and bitterest hours of our lives —
and the supreme test lies before us. It is our duty — and it should be our wish —
to prove the unflinching and unswerving loyalty that we have professed so often
in the past. The sacrifice is indeed great, but our courage and our faith should be
equal to the task.
Japan's act of aggression on American soil at Pearl Harbor and in the Philip-
pines was a dastardly crime. It was a criminal assault upon an unsuspecting
nation. We condemn it as a felonius and shameful attack. There can be no
satisfaction until the forces of Imperial Japan are crushed — and they shall be
crushed. American men and American resources will triumph in the end.
P But in the confusion of national peril, we dread the flight of reason. It is our
fervent hope that Occidental Americans will make some distinction between
Nisei, who are citizens, and alien and enemy Japanese. We trust that they will
not lose sight of the salient fact that American does not signify a racial trait but a
national symbol. The loyal Nisei, many of whom are in the Army, deserve as
much consideration as other fellow Americans. The bombs that fall on American
soil peril their lives as well.
We recognize the fact that there are in our midst a number of Japanese, citizens
as well as aliens, who constitute a threat to the security of our Nation. We
firmly believe that such individuals should be interned, as they are being interned.
We approve of those protective measures followed by the F. B. I. and the Secret
Service and heartily endorse the course which they have invoked. We call upon
every loyal Nisei to cooperate to the fullest with these agencies, for a traitor
among us is an enemy to us as well. And may Almighty God be with us in these
grave hours.
I believe that this editorial explains quite amply what a number of
us Nisei sincerely think and believe. We cannot understand why
General DeWitt can make exceptions for families of German and Ital-
ian soldiers in the armed forces of the United States while ignoring the
civil rights of the Nisei Americans. Are we to be condemned merely
on the basis of our racial origin? Is citizenship such a light and tran-
sient thing that that which is our inalienable right in normal times can
be torn from us in times of war? We in America are intensely proud
11232 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
of our individual rights and willing, I am sure, to defend those rights
with our very lives. I venture to say that the great majority of Nisei
Americans, too, will do the same against any aggressor nation — though
that nation be Japan. Citizenship to us is no small heritage; it is a
very precious and jealous right. You have only to look back on our
records in social welfare and community contributions to understand
that.
May I ask the committee members if any or all of you are acquainted
with the Nisei? I believe that much of this distrust of citizen Japa-
nese is based on ignorance. It would seem more compatible in the
sense of fair play and justice that we should not be prejudged and that
racialism should not be the yardstick by which our loyalty is measured.
Our words, in current times, have no meaning, and so I ask you to
examine our records, for there I beleve that to a large measure, if not
necessarily so, lies the true determination of our oft-questioned loyalty.
It seems to me that we are less fortunate than our alien parents.
They, at least, are subjects of Japan and are entitled to recourse and
redress through the Japanese Government. Not so is our case. We
are but children of destiny — citizens by birth but citizens in virtually
name only.
May I further state here that the above additional material would
have been incorporated into the Tolan committee record in San Fran-
cisco had we been properly prepared.
Mr. Arnold. Now, Miss Okuma, you may proceed in your own
way.
TESTIMONY OF CARYL FUMIKO OKUMA, MANAGING EDITOR,
CURRENT LIFE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Miss Okuma. I would just like to say something about the ammu-
nition that has been collected as contraband by F. B. I. agents down
the peninsula. I was down there on business for my magazine the
other day, and it was called to my attention by my subscribers that
a great many of the aliens were taken with contraband. I think that
was clue primarily because either proper instructions were not given
to these people, or that those who did have the information had re-
ported to the sheriff and the chief of police, and were told that they
didn't want this so-called contraband. Most of it, I believe, was
ammunition and equipment for sporting goods stores and they said,
"We don't want to take that since they operate sporting-goods stores.
How would they live if they didn't have this equipment to sell?"
So you see these aliens brought that in, but they said, "Oh, no.
You can have it."
Then as a result of the last round-up by the F. B. I. agents they
were interned on account of this contraband in their possession.
I would like to stress the point that cooperation should be more
thorough on the part of the Federal Government and local authorities.
If you are going to classify certain equipment as contraband there
should be some way to notify these people to that effect,
This confiscating of contraband is a strike against the Japanese-
Americans. Many of those Japanese-Americans live with their par-
ents, who are aliens, and when newspapers publish facts about 5,000
bullets, or things like that, it is a black mark against the Japanese-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11233
Americans. It doesn't give us a chance to prove our loyalty. For
all we know, perhaps they did report them and they were turned back.
I have had evidence that they were turned back.
As far as evacuation is concerned, 1 guess it is mostly the press prop-
aganda that is sliding toward mass evacuation and it is picking up
momentum. The Japanese-Americans can be questionable, if you are
going to judge by our faces. I don't think it is fair at a time like
this. We should be given a chance to prove our loyalty. I believe
there should be some way, some method established by which we
could be evacuated safely and without hardship in breaking up families
unnecessarily.
Mr. Arnold. Thank you very much.
Mr. Abbott. Mr. Chairman, I should like at this time to offer for
the record a group of exhibits from sources not represented by wit-
nesses.
The Chairman. The exhibits will be made a part of the record.
If there is nothing further, the committee will stand adjourned.
(Whereupon, at 6 p. m. the committee adjourned; subject to the
call of the chairman.)
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1. — Position of the American Legion, Department of
California, on Enemy Aliens and Restricted Areas
The American Legion,
Department of California,
San Francisco, February li , 1942.
Hon. John H. Tolan,
House Office Building, Washington, D. C.
Dear Congressman Tolan: Enclosed you will find copies of letters to Secretary
of War Stimson and to General John L. DeWitt, together with resolution adopted
by the American Legion war council of the Department of California. I believe
the resolution represents the general feeling not only of The American Legion but
also of all the loyal people in our State.
General De Witt has the authority to close certain streets and areas here in San
Francisco in order to protect the loading of transports. In so doing he has exer-
cised his authority as commanding general to establish martial law in a modified
form, but to date the War Department and the commanding general have failed
to take any adequate action concerning the two hundred thousand Axis aliens,
agents and sympathizers who now reside in California.
As commander of the Department of California, and on behalf of our 75,000
members here in this State, I urge you to see that some immediate drastic action
is taken which will eliminate all possibility of a repetition of the catastrophe which
occurred at Pearl Harbor, which I feel, along with other Legionnaires, was made
possible by the fifth column activities of the Axis aliens and agents residing in
that Territory.
The American Legion, Department of California, has definitely placed the
responsibility for the protection of our people and the vital defense industries in
the State of California in the hands of the Secretary of War and the commanding
general (John L. De Witt) of the Fourth Army.
With kindest personal regards—
Robert F. Garner, Jr.,
Department Commander.
The American Legion, Department of California,
San Francisco, February 17, 1942.
Hon. Henry L. Stimson,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.
My Dear Sir: The American Legion, Department of California, war council,
at its meeting held in San Francisco, Saturday, February 14, passed a certain
resolution, copy of which I am enclosing for your information.
As you will note from the resolution, the Department of California contends
that the 200,000 Axis aliens who now reside within this State constitute a well
organized fifth column, which force is a menace to our national security. We
feel, also, that Fritz Weidemann and other capable Axis aliens have organized a
perfect system wherewith to conduct the same sort of activities that made the
Pearl Harbor attack a success.
The Department of Justice has done a good job as far as it has gone but its
action to date is and has been entirely inadequate. We contend, also, that the
problem is of a military nature and one which the Army rather than the Depart-
ment of Justice should handle. The responsibility for the protection of this area
has been definitely placed in the hands of Gen. John L. DeWitt and we believe
that the War Department should order General DeWitt to take some immediate
drastic action which will eliminate all possibility of fifth column espionage and
sabotage in the State of California.
11235
11236 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
I have written this date to General DeWitt expressing these same ideas and am
sending copies of this letter together with the resolution and my letter to General
DeWitt to our California congressional delegation in Washington.
Very truly yours,
Robert F. Garner, Jr.,
Department Commander.
The American Legion, Department of California,
San Francisco, February 17, 1942.
Lt. Gen. John L/De Witt,
Commanding Fourth Army,
Presidio of San Francisco.
My Dear General: The enclosed resolution was passed by the American
Legion war council at its meeting held in San Francisco, Saturday, February
14th, after much discussion had been heard concerning the Japanese, German,
and Italian population now residing in the State of California.
It was the consensus of opinion that the problem of protection against all
fifth column activities in this combat zone was purely one of a military nature
and particularly concerned yourself as commanding general of the Fourth
Army.
We of the American Legion believe that Fritz Weidemann and other capable
representatives of the Axis group have established a well organized, well planned
tactical set-up to conduct fifth column activities within our State. The fact
that there are some two hundred thousand of these aliens in California leads us
to conclude that, as I have wired you before, some immediate drastic action
should be taken by the Army. We feel, also, that the Department of Justice
has only scratched the surface of this problem and that its precautions are entirely
inadequate.
I am writing to the Secretary of War along this same line as I have written
you and am sending copies of both letters to our California congressional delega-
tion in Washington.
Very truly yours,
Robert F. Garner, Jr.,
Department Commander.
The American Legion, Department of California,
San Francisco, February 16, 1942.
The following resolution was adopted by the War Council of the American
Legion, Department of California, Saturday, February 14, 1942.
Whereas California has been designated & s a combat zone, which presupposes
the likelihood of enemy activity therein; and
Whereas the extent of the danger therefrom is known only to the Army and
Navy whose responsibility it is to insure the safety of the area; and
Whereas there are, in the State of California, tens of thousands of enemy aliens
living almost without restriction, and in a position to endanger the security of
our State; and
Whereas the Army has taken some steps to control the activities of such aliens
in small areas of the State; and
Whereas in the opinion of this council said action is in no sense sufficient to
insure the protection of our State from sabotage and other fifth-column activities;
and
Whereas the civil authorities of our State and local communities have neither
the necessary information nor the jurisdiction essential to the adequate regulation
of alien enemies; and
Whereas in the opinion of this council the solution of the enemy alien problem
is one for the military rather than the civil authorities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the American Legion, Department of California War Council,
assembled in meeting at the War Memorial Building, San Francisco, this 14th
day of February 1942, does recommend as follows:
1. That the military authority in this combat zone should be extended to every
part of California deemed by the Army to be vital to the security of this State;
and
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11237
2. That all alien enemies and other persons suspected of subversive activities
be removed from the area or subjected to such mode of living as will, in the
opinion of the military authorities, adequately guarantee the security of life and
property in California.
Robert F. Garner, Jr.,
Department Commander.
Attest: James K. Fisk,
Department Adjutant.
Exhibit 2. — Resolution Urging the Evacuation and Concen-
tration of All Japanese and Their Descendants to a Con-
centration Camp Under Supervision of the Federal Gov-
ernment
Whereas since the 7th day of December 1941 the United States has been at
war with Japan; and
Whereas during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Japanese
were aided and abetted by fifth columnists of the Japanese race living and residing
in and about Pearl Harbor; and
Whereas there are located along the Pacific coast more Japanese than in all
other States of the Union combined; and
Whereas it is impossible to know those enemy Japanese who are loyal to the
United States from those who are disloyal; and
Whereas, the State of California is one of the first States in production of essen-
tial products, and its products are absolutely and vitally essential to the successful
war efforts; and
Whereas the temper of the people of the Pacific coast has risen to such a point
that it is becoming dangerous for loyal enemy aliens to reside in close proximity
to the Pacific Ocean; and
Whereas by reason of their situation, the Military and Naval Establishments,
the war industries and natural resources are in the most critical situation of any
part of the Union; and
Whereas all Japanese persons residing in British Columbia have been removed
from the Pacific coast line; and
Whereas all Japanese persons residing in Mexico have been removed from the
Pacific coast; and
In order that those enemy aliens and their descendants who are now disloyal,
or may become disloyal, to the United States, may be taken to a point where
they can do no damage to the State of California and the United States;
Now, therefore, on motion of Director W. J. Buchanan of Contra Costa
County, seconded by Director W. O. Russell of Yolo County, and unanimously
carried; Be it
Resolved by the board of directors of County Supervisors Association of California,
assembled in meeting in Sacramento, State of California, this 20th day of February,
1942, That we go on record as urging the Attorney General of the United States,
and the Department of Justice of the United States, that all alien Japanese and
their descendants be forthwith evacuated to a concentration camp under the
supervision of the Federal Government; Be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be mailed to the President of the
United States, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, Secretary of the Navy, and
the Attorney General of the United States; and a copy to the two Senators rep-
resenting the State of California in the United States and to each Congressman
representing the Pacific Coast States in the House of Representatives, and the
Commandant of the Twelfth Naval District, and General DeWitt, United
States Army, Presidio, San Francisco, Calif.
County Supervisors Association of California.
[seal] By Robert W. Lefever, President.
By J. H. Hunter, Secretary.
11238 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Exhibit 3. — Resolution of the San Benito County Chamber of
Commerce, E. E. Sparling, President, Hollister, Calif.
February 11, 1942.
Whereas the cowardly and dastardly attack by Japan on the armed forces of the
United States at Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declaration of war by the
United States on Japan and the Axis Powers has made the citizens of San Benito
County aware of the presence of enemy aliens, particularly Japanese, and un-
American Japanese citizens holding dual citizenship with the Japanese Empire;
and
Whereas raids conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the adjoin-
ing counties of Monterey and Santa Cruz within the past few days disclosed the
indisputable fact that enemy aliens, particularly Japanese, had in 'their possession
an appalling quantity of contraband articles including firearms, weapons, ammuni-
tion, cameras, short-wave radios, and like apparatus, in defiance of rules and
regulations established by the Federal Government when this region was desig-
nated as a combat zone; and
Whereas it is well known to the citizens of San Benito County that resident
enemy aliens, particularly Japanese, and their descendants known as Japanese-
American citizens, suspected of holding dual citizenship with the Empire of Japan,
have in their possession and control in this county, farm equipment consisting of
heavy and light trucks, tractors, tools, and other equipment which could be
used by said aliens most effectively destroying and damaging highways, bridges,
railroads, and communication, water, power, gas, and oil lines within this county
as effectively as was the case at Pearl Harbor, in event of an invasion by our
wartime enemies or as a separate act of sabotage which might be committed, at
any time; and
Whereas it is noticeable that the actions of most enemy aliens, particularly
Japanese and their descendants, are not now, nor have they ever been, such as
would lead us to believe that in event of an emergency, or at a given opportunity,
they would maintain strict neutrality or be loyal to the United States of America;
and
Whereas a large part of this county is devoted to agricultural crops and grazing
lands which become highly inflammable during the early summer, which is fast
approaching, and would afford a most favorable opportunity for these enemy
aliens and disloyal citizens to stage a disastrous and widespread conflagration,
and
Whereas numerous requests have been made to this body that it take immedi-
ate action in urging and requesting the proper authorities to take immediate
action to prevent the repetition of the Pearl Harbor incident or a worse disaster,
and
Whereas it is well known that the American people do not wish to be unfair or
unjust to the loyal American-born Japanese-American citizens but do wish to be
protected against any and all disloyal Japanese-American citizens, and
Whereas it appears to this body that in view of the seriousness of the present
war with the Japanese Government and the lack of time in which to carefully
evaluate the standing and loyalty of the American-born Japanese-American
citizens that both the alien Japanese and the Japanese-American citizen should
be removed from the entire Pacific coast for the proper defense of our Nation;
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce does and it
hereby urges that the proper civil and military authorities take immediate
action to cause the removal of all enemy alien citizens and Japanese-American
citizens from the entire Pacific coast area; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent to commanding officers of the
Army and Navy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to each Senator and
Representative from California in the Congress of the United States, to the
Governor of California, the Adjutant General, and the Attorney General.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11239
Exhibit 4. — Resolution Re Disposition of Japanese Enemy
Aliens
REPORT BY LESLIE A. CLEARY, CHAIRMAN STANISLAUS COUNTY DEFENSE COUNCIL,
MODESTO, CALIF.
At a meeting of the Stanislaus County Defense Council on Friday, February 6,
1942, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
Whereas the State of California, because of its geographical location is of im-
mense strategic importance in a war with Japan; and
Whereas more war industries and manufacturing plants are located in the State
of California than in practically any other State in the Union; and
Whereas the large part of the entire Japanese alien population of the United
States is located in the State of California; and
Whereas it is essential for the protection of the people, industries, and property
of this State that some immediate effective and orderly plan be adopted for
eliminating danger of sabotage and fifth column activities: Now, therefore, it is
hereby
Resolved by the Stanislaus County Defense Council in regular meeting assembled
as folloivs, to wit:
1. That the Federal Government of the United States through its proper
agencies should take immediate steps to remove all Japanese enemy aliens from
the territory in the State of California within 200 miles of the Pacific coast line;
2. That said Japanese enemy aliens so removed should be placed in some
suitable portion of the United States where they may be kept under constant
surveillance and cared for in such a way as to eliminate as far as possible the
possibility of a repetition of the fifth column activities that occurred at Pearl
Harbor;
3. That this defense council respectfully requests that the President of the
United States, the Attorney General of the United States, and all other respon-
sible officials take action on this matter without further delay;
4. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States,
the Attorney General of the United States, all Senators, and Congressmen repre-
senting the State of California, and to other county defense councils and to
ex-service men's organizations in the State of California.
Exhibit 5. — A Resolution Adopted by the Fresno County
Chamber of Commerce in Relation to the Japanese and
Alien Enemy Situation on the Pacific Coast
Whereas there now seems to be a tendency on the part of authorized Federal
agencies to remove certain aliens from vital defense areas into other sections of
the Pacific slope without proper supervision and surveillance, thereby intensifying
the already acute problem; and
Whereas investigation by local, State, and Federal officers have unearthed an
amazing amount of evidence in the Pacific coast area establishing clearly the
presence of fifth-column activities by alien enemies and disloyalty among American-
born Japanese, creating a situation of a most explosive nature; and
Whereas even now the San Joaquin Valley, with its military posts, important
railroad and highway systems, rich oil fields, great expanse of highly inflammable
grain fields, foothill pasturelands and mountain watersheds, containing valuable
timber and essential hydroelectric development, is receiving known alien enemies,
who because of the lack of proper restraint could in a few hours wreck vital de-
fense activities and destroy much farm produce needed in our all-out effort: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the board of directors of the Fresno County Chamber of Com-
merce, an organization representing business, professional, and agricultural
interests in the central San Joaquin Valley, urge Federal authorities to remove
from the Pacific Coast States all Japanese and aliens of other countries now at
war with the United States to a restricted area eastward where their activities
and influence could not affect the national defense effort: and be it further
Resolved, That in the interest of national defense and the prevention of possible
local disorders that those American-born Japanese who are loyal to the flag of
] [240 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
the United States, be urged to lead the movement of their countrymen and alien
enemies from the Pacific coast areas to designated points beyond the zone of
effective sabotage thereby proving conclusively their loyalty as American citizens;
and be it further . .
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the California Con-
gressmen and Senators, to Attorney General Francis Biddle, and military authori-
ties on the Pacific coast and officials of Japanese and other alien organizations.
Exhibit 6. — Statement by Harry L. Kingman, General Secre-
tary Young Men's Christian Association of the University
of California, Berkeley, Calif.
March 2, 1942.
I have read your excellent statements regarding the necessity of treating Axis
aliens and their descendants with fairness. It seems important from the stand-
point of our own national welfare as well as from their own personal well-being that
this policy be followed. It is likely that your position will meet with criticism
from some but I hope that you will maintain it nevertheless.
Federal appointment of a national coordinator and of an alien property custodian
appears absolutelv essential. I hope, too, that all those who are evacuated as a
precautionarv move will be generously aided by the Government — they should be
financed whether or not they possess savings which they could use. Certainly
their moving and their placement in some self-sustaining economy should be the
responsibility of some agencv such as the Federal Security Administration— it is
unthinkable'that they be left to shift for themselves. Furthermore, all those who
are not considered potentially dangerous should be enabled to remain within
their own family units. Some provision for exceptions in behalf of evacuees who
are proven loyal should also be made.
This would seem to me to be a minimum provision for the needs of these un-
fortunate people if our national future is not to be seriously harmed. I am glad
that vou and your committee could come to the west coast at this critical time.
I am' sure that you will have a great deal of support throughout the Nation in
urging the tvpe of program I have outlined.
I am especially hopeful that the Federal Government will see to it that evacuated
college students and high-school seniors are enabled to continue their education
in colleges outside prohibited areas. „ .P ^ ^ , , ,
When the war emergencv is over we 11 be better off if these potential leaders
of Japanese ancestry possess the training and the morale to restore themselves
and their fellow evacuees to a normal and productive place in American life.
Scholarships should be provided through Federal grants.
Exhibit 7. — The Question of Transferring the Japanese From
the Pacific Coast — an Example of War Hysteria and a
Plea for Sanity in the Present Crisis
report by eric c. bellqtjist, ph. d., of the department of political science,
■UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
On the night before the United States entered World War I, President Woodrow
Wilson spoke the following words to Frank I. Cobb: "Once lead this people into
war and they'll forget there ever was such a thing as tolerance. To fight you
must be brutal and ruthless, and the spirit of ruthless brutality will enter the
verv fiber of our national life, infecting the Congress, the courts, the policeman
on the beat, and the man on the street. * * * Yes, it means that we will
lose our heads along with the rest, and stop weighing right and wrong. As the
members of the committee will recall, what President Wilson predicted soon
developed and that despite his efforts to meet the danger.
A score of so-called patriotic leagues and societies sprang up, and whatever
their original purpose, in the end they appealed to the basest in human nature.
Reckless rumors, designed to breed distrust and fear, were their principal stock in
trade and under such inspiration a wave of hysterical suspicion swept the country.
Fven our most reputable newspapers aided by the publication of gross exaggera-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11241
tions or downright fakes; and, tragically enough, clergymen and educators were as
prolific a source of hate as the "patriotic" organizations. As a result, thousands
of our citizens, mostly innocent, were the victims of unjust suspicion, ostracism,
and, in aggravated cases, of persecution. The horrors of our domestic scene in
1917-18 should have been a warning of what happen when America went to war
again. Hysteria is well-nigh inseparable from war, or even talk of war, and hate
follows inevitably, for its simplicity makes an almost irresistible appeal to certain
types of mind.1
HYSTERIA AND HATE
There was already ample evidence of this before we entered the war. When I
returned from Europe in the autumn of 1940, after spending the first year of the
war over there, I was astounded at the hysteria and hate which had arisen here
at home. There was nothing like it in Finland during the magnificent fight I was
able to follow at close range in 1939-40. There is nothing like it in the two re-
maining democratic states on the Continent — Sweden and Switzerland. These
two little countries are completely surrounded by brutalitarian forces and almost
daily condemned over the German radio and in the Nazi press. Yet in neither of
them is there any fear or hysteria. Certainly they wonder if the maelstrom will
not also seek to engulf them, but that does not cause them to resign themselves to
whatever fate may have in store. On the contrary, they are arming to the limit
of their ability, resolved to face what the future holds, and continuing to practice
democracy. Surely we have not read of any hysteria in Great Britain, where,
instead, a morale has been builded such as hardly anyone could have anticipated
before Dunkerque.
Coming home, however, I was struck by an unparalleled case of jitters on the
part of the American people, which was producing an onrushing wave of repression.
All varieties of infringements of civil liberties were popping up throughout the
country, and the general nervousness was reflected in the Congress and even in the
courts. A regular disease of "fifth columnitis" appeared to be prevalent. As
President Robert Gordon Sproul, of the University of California, put it in an
address to the California Newspaper Publishers' Association at Del Monte in
January 1941, "the rising tide of fear in this country, pulled by the twin moons of
depression and aggression, has already made precarious many of the civil liberties
which we have hitherto taken for granted."
In repeated addresses before audiences in various parts of California I have
stressed this problem. I have stressed it because I feared that unless the leaders
of our communities gave this problem immediate and intelligent consideration
there would be much trouble — much that we would later have cause deeply to
regret. To the members of the committee, moreover, I would stress that it is
not just a California or Pacific coast problem. Of course, now there are those
who maintain that at a time like the present such things as-civil liberties will have
to be set aside. The true American, however, will remember that, whether it be
peacetime or wartime, there could be nothing more unpatriotic in this land of
many peoples and many creeds than the persecution of minorities and the forma-
tion of hatred and strife on the basis of race or religion. As Justice Frank Murphy
has stated, he will also realize that if, in the atmosphere of war, we allow civil
liberty to slip away from us, it may not be long before our gains in social and
economic justice will also have vanished; for a nation that is calloused in its atti-
tude toward civil rights is not likely to be sensitive toward the many grave prob-
lems that affect the dignity and security of its citizens.2
We must not be oblivious to what is becoming one of the most disturbing factors
in the present crisis. Certainly few things are ever quite so dangerous to civil
liberties as a patterned patriotism on the loose, no matter how high and pure the
aims and motives of those who shape it. What must everlastingly be driven home
is that the intolerances of native prejudices are just as much a part of subversive
activity as Japanese sabotage, Nazi spies, and Communist intrigue. We must
guard against this today, because there is no way of making reparations for pain
and shame. We must guard against it because it is one of the most disruptive
factors in the morale which we are trying to build.
1 George Creel, Beware of the Superpatriots, American Mercury, September 1940, 33-41. This theme is-
further developed in the writer's On the Position cf Our Democracy in the Present Crisis. Los Angeles, 1911.
2 See the address of Justice Frank Murphy, then Attorney General of the United States, October 13,
1939, reprinted in the Appendix of the Congressional Record, October 16, 1939, extension of remarks of
Charles H. Leavy.
11242 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
DISCRIMINATION
But let me be more specific. As the committee has had ample evidence al-
ready, popular resentment toward the enemy is already finding expression in dis-
crimination and even physical violence against fellow residents of alien extraction;
distrust, for example, of the Japanese government being transferred to all persons
of Japanese race, citizens and aliens alike.
Here on the coast we have a radio commentator who views the news at 9 o'clock
in the morning. For some time he has been urging that every Japanese, alien or
citizen, be transplanted to the other side of the Rockies. In appeal after appeal he
has incited the people and aroused their suspicion. We'have a former far eastern
newspaper correspondent who, toward the end, had difficulties in Japan and has
since been reviling the Japanese in our country and urging restrictive action of
far-reaching scope against both aliens and citizens. We have certain interests in
the State — some agricultural, some "patriotic," some closely affiliated with
certain newspapers — which have long been hostile to orientals in general as well
as other aliens, and which have now found a golden opportunity to come out
against the Japanese on the Pacific coast. City councils and county boards of
supervisors have been passing restrictive ordinances, petitioning the Congress to
enact legislation against our Japanese, and in many respects to take over functions
properly belonging to the National Government. The mayors of our two largest
cities, as well many smaller ones, have lost their composure along with the rest.
The State personnel board at Sacramento has sought to take action contravening
the Constitution as well as the expressed sentiment of our highest officials, in-
cluding the President.
Altogether, as the committee has witnessed, the State of California, as well as
Oregon and Washington, has been giving a demonstration of lack of balance and
outright intolerance which will blacken its record for many years to come. If
our public authorities have thus succumbed to hysteria, one can well understand,
if only deplore, the housewives who dismiss Japanese gardeners and servants
and farmers who discharge help because of citizenship or extraction. On the
whole, the public has not shown so much hate or spite, except as it has been incited
to do so. But pressure groups and shortsighted politicians facing an election
year are out for blood and wholesale internment. Jingoes are endeavoring, under
the cover of wartime flag-waving patriotism, to do what they always wanted to
do in peacetime — get rid of the Japanese, harness labor, and frighten the liberals,
as Louis Fischer has just pointed out in one of his reports from the coast.
From the hearings which the committee has conducted, I am sure that its
members must have obtained a suspicion that the attitude which now prevails
cannot be a matter of mere chance; that it is rather the result to no small extent
of organized pressure. Certainly the course of events would appear so to indicate.
Despite the treacherous nature of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, there was
no immediate reaction of suspicion of aliens in California. While at the outset
our people were naturally somewhat confused and alarmed at the events of early
December, there was little hysteria. Californians kept their heads remarkably
well. There were few if any serious denials of civil rights to either aliens or citizens
of Japanese race on account of the war. As late as December 29, 1941, the
Northern California Committee on Fair Play for Citizens and Aliens of Japanese
Ancestry 3 could issue a statement expressing general satisfaction with the manner
in which the American tradition of fair play had been observed. As its release
of that date indicated, all the organs of public influence and information had
discouraged mob violence and pleaded for tolerance and justice for all law-abiding
residents of whatever race. Federal and local officials charged with maintaining
order and suppressing subversive activities had shown both vigor and sympathetic
consideration in the fulfillment of their duties, and private civic agencies had
acted promptly to handle the many difficulties encountered by Japanese residents
on account of necessarv wartime restrictions on persons and property.
In brief, up to the end of the year, there had been no panic and little infringe-
ment upon rights and liberties. The people were calm and went about their
business in getting ready to face the war, maintain morale, and put forth the
common effort necessary to meet and defeat the forces of brutalitarianism.
s This committee is headed by Gen. David P. Barrows and has as its honorary chairman, Gov. Culbert
L. Olson. Among its distinguished members are Presidents Reinhardt, Sproul, and Wilbur, Chester H.
Rowell, J. S. Curran, C. C. Young, George G. Kidwell, and Mrs. Wallace Alexander.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11243
CLAMOR FOR RESTRICTIVE MEASURES
This sound common-sense American attitude of doing the job and paving the
way for victory was not allowed to continue, however. In January the commen-
tators and columnists, professional "patriots", witch hunters, alien haters, and
varied groups and persons with aims of their own began inflaming public opinion.
Reason was not to be allowed to prevail. Clamor for un-American restrictive
measures became rife. The ancient western curse of vigilante rule was once more
raising its head.
This is not to say that public opinion had previously been complacent. Cali-
fornia and the coast was fully aware that more care should have been exercised
long ago, that in case of war there were many potential saboteurs in our midst,
and that traditional American freedom of movement and lack of suspicion might
easily lead to instances of sabotage and treachery. At the same time, there was
confidence in our public authorities. There was appreciation of the fact that
even before the war and all the more after its outbreak the Federal Bureau of In-
vestigation as well as Military and Naval Intelligence were doing their duty, and
that most of those who might become dangerous were known and would be taken
care of. There was realization of the fact that through cooperation with the
leaders of the minority groups the duly constituted authorities could most effec-
tively deal with the problem. Our citizens generally, moreover, were themselves
helpful and cooperative. Instead of thinking of taking matters in their own
hands, they communicated with those properly charged with the apprehension of
subversive elements.
In short, there was no popular clamor for comprehensive restrictions or mass
evacuation. Not until inflammatory commentators on the "enemy-alien
menace" undermined popular confidence did the present hysteria arise. I cannot
believe that this is just a matter of chance. The committee will do well to
endeavor to ascertain just what lies behind present clamor. What are the real
motives?
The appraisal which I have here made has been confirmed by several of the more
thoughtful witnesses appearing before the committee. It is shared by most
persons who are really familiar with the problem and have no ax to grind, persons
farsighted enough to consider the Nation's interest in the future as well as the
present. I take the liberty to quote, in this regard, from a letter which I received
from Mr. Philip Bancroft, prominent California agriculturist and former Repub-
lican candidate for the Senate from this State. Written on February 14, this
letter comments upon a plea for tolerance which I made, some days earlier and
which was given some publicity over the wires of the Associated Press.
"My Dear Professor Bellquist: I want to congratulate you upon the fine
stand you have publicly taken as to the attitude our people should assume toward
enemy aliens within our borders.
"In going about the country districts I have been gratified to find much more
of sympathy and understanding for the plight of these unfortunate people than
would generally be expected from what appears in the papers.
"Apparently most of our politicians think they can increase their popularity by
attacking these people who have very few defenders rather than by leaving* the
handling of the subject to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the War
Department, and then backing up those two agencies 100 percent in protecting
our country against the danger from those few enemy aliens who constitute a
real threat.
"Your fearless stand will be of great value, not only to those aliens but even
more to our own citizens, by preventing some of them from committing foolish
and cruel acts which they would later deeply regret."
Several of our more responsible newspapers have written thoughtful editorials
against the current trend. By the unfortunate headlining and sensational play
which the whole press has given the situation, however, it has greatly contributed
in promoting the prevailing hysteria and fear. Indeed, in speaking with many of
the Nation's educators attending their national conferences being held in San
Francisco at the same time as your committee was sitting, I ascertained that many
of them definitely received the impression that we had completely lost our com-
posure out here. Some of them wondered if it would be safe to remain for their
sessions, and it is a matter of fact that not only have tourists been frightened away
but some of our own people have given thought to moving inland because they are
convinced that if California can thus easily allow its emotions to prevail against
reason it will be safer to live elsewhere in the event a crisis should really come.
60396— 42— pt. 29 19
11244 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES
The problem is more than a California or Pacific coast problem, however. As the
committee has good reason to know, already the authorities of most of the Western
States have given evidence of succumbing to similar fear and hysteria. Moreover,
the Congress itself has given indications along the same line. On February 18,
for example, Representative Rankin, of Mississippi, stated on the floor of the
House that the west coast was teeming with spies and fifth columnists. "Once a
Jap, always a Jap," asserted Mr. Rankin, whose State certainly does not have
many aliens in its midst, although the gentleman from Mississippi might well
accord his attention to the large suppressed minority which does exist there.
Even so, Mr. Rankin announces: "I'm for taking every Japanese * * * and put
him in a concentration camp." 4
By February 23, Mr. Rankin has become even more concerned. Now he sees
the Japanese stirring up so much race trouble among the Negroes in Harlem "that
the city authorities have entirely lost control." Moreover, "they are behind this
drive to try to stir up trouble between the whites and the Negroes here in Wash-
ington." The gentleman from Mississippi then proceeds to place himself above
the Constitution of the United States and decisions of the Supreme Court in
declaring that Japanese born in this country actually are not citizens at all, but
instead "are aliens in our midst and should be deported at the earliest oppor-
tunity." 5 Moreover, while your committee has been holding its hearings here
on the coast, a bill has been introduced to establish this novel doctrine and the
regular House committee is now holding hearings on it.
AMMUNITION FOR NAZIS
I am sure that all of the members of your committee fully realize the implica-
tions of what I have stated above. I am sure that you all realize that by such
actions we are diametrically opposing everything for which this country stands in
this war. We are assisting in destroying the unity which we now must have.
We are copying the very methods of Hitler and the substitution of the term
"reception center" for "concentration camp" does not alter this fact. We are
furnishing both the Nazis and Japanese with propaganda material which may
easily strike a responsive chord among the peoples of Asia and have much to do
with making our winning of the war more difficult. We are opening the door for
retaliation against thousands of our own citizens now situated in occupied and
conquered countries. . We are also opening the portals for doubt in the minds of
millions of subjected people who are only awaiting the massing of our strength to
join us in the common effort against the enemy. We all realize, I think, that it is
a war of aggression against the democracies, not only physically and materially,
but also against democratic ideals — free speech, free institutions, dignity and
security for the individual. But if the democratic countries are to win this war,
they have to show that, not only does democracy mean what it says, but that it
knows how to put into effect what it says. We have to convince the world that
we mean what we say and that we know how to put into effect what we say. Does
our handling of the alien and citizen situation on the Pacific coast give very
comforting demonstration of this?
Moreover, we have anti-Negro, anti-Catholic, anti-Semitic, as well as anti-alien
groups in this country. There is no little latent feeling of racial, ethnic, and re-
ligious prejudice and conflict in our midst. Once let loose a movement against
one minority group, such as our Japanese or Italian citizens and aliens, and the
floodgates are open for blind hatred also against other minority groups. On all of
this, furthermore, our enemies can play; in fact, are already playing. These
tensions may easily be exploited for the purposes of stimulating and fostering
disunity leading to internal paralysis. Axis propaganda against us is based upon
a detailed analysis of the American character structure, with most astute diagnoses
of its abundant weaknesses. It tries to set into motion subtle programs, not only
to make our minorities self-conscious and to impregnate them with an oppression
psychosis, but also to set one minority against the other — Gentiles against Jews,
Protestants against Catholics, and whites against Negroes. We must realize,
furthermore, that among the many marginal people in our midst — not least of all
the Negro — the feeling of being rejected, or not being wanted, creates in each
instance a center of morale infection, and every such area is the more vulnerable
to some phase of Axis propaganda.
* Congressional Record, February 19, 1942, A691-692.
' Ibid., February 28, 1942, AS39-841.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11245
The accentuation of our differences which is now going on may very well become
one of the most insidious factors in the sapping of our national strength. We
cannot possibly mobilize our full potential force as a nation to fight the enemies
from without if we must dissipate our strength and divert our passions toward a
largely imaginary enemy within. By allowing racism and antialienism to'flourish,
we will deflect our attention from those recruiting stations of the fifth column
which are far more dangerous than our racial minorities and our immigrant
groups.
The above assertions are made in all seriousness. As has been indicated, I was
in northern Europe during the first year of the present war. I personally experi-
enced the Nazi onslaught in Scandinavia in the spring of 1940. That part of the
world, moreover, constitutes the special field of my research. I am as familiar
with it, in some respects, as I am with my own country. I mention this only to
give more support to what I am going to state now.
NORWEGIAN SITUATION REPRESENTED
Much of the emphasis now given to so-called fifth columns is based on what was
reported to have been the situation in Norway. The story of the fifth column in
Norway, however, is largely fiction woven by irresponsible and sensational report-
ing by journalists who did not understand Norwegian, who had no knowledge of
the country, and who substituted gossip and rumor for the information they could
not obtain. This is not the place to analyze the true situation, but I would say
that the attitude of the Norwegian people during and after the Nazi invasion
constitutes a complete refutation of the fifth-column accusation.6 The way for
the invaders was not prepared by Norwegians. Norway was not betrayed from
within. The occupation was, in no real sense, an inside job. It was not made
easy by Norwegian connivance. Far from having reason to be ashamed of her
own people, Norway can be proud of what they did when the test came. It is
important that this be realized. As the members of the committee undoubtedly
realize, in every country that has fallen before the overwhelming force of the
enemy, stories are at once spread that the victory has been the result of treachery.
Nothing more demoralizes a people than rumors that they have been betrayed by
their neighbors, by members of their own government, even by officers in their
defense forces. Such rumors are in effect a most effective Axis propaganda
weapon and should be considered as such, instead of an explanation for the fall
of countries before superior organization, complete surprise, and greater military
strength. In the case of Norway, they were largely untrue. Elsewhere also
there was probably less activity of this kind than the sensational accounts which
have appeared in our press, accounts at times also dignified by official approval.
By fifth columnism I refer to treachery on the part of natives or trusted aliens
long established and respected in a country. Of that we have few verified ex-
amples in Norway or other defeated countries for that matter. Unrestrained
espionage on the part of agents of the enemy is another matter. Systematic ac-
tivity of that kind has preceded almost every enemy attack — from Norway to
Pearl Harbor, and since. That, however, is a matter for the proper authorities
to handle. It is no matter for individual or group hysteria and fear. Actually,
as I see it, it is a cruel injustice to blame the -Norwegian, Dutch, Belgian, French,
and other peoples for the crimes of Germany or Japan. It suits Hitler's pur-
pose perfectly for others to believe and spread stories that the democracies were
ratted with treachery from within. The Germans and Japanese work chiefly
with natives from their own countries in their propaganda and espionage efforts.
They use disgruntled native citizens when they can find them at times, but in
the last analysis they rely on their own agents, as they did in Norway, as they
would in this country if the opportunity came.
Contrary to popular impression, then, country after country has not fallen
because of the fifth column. Even in Pearl Harbor is this true. Secretan- Knox
to the contrary notwithstanding, fifth columnism and sabotage actually had
little to do with that debacie. Espionage paved the way, to be sure, but for
that we should blame our own laxity and not elderly Japanese residents long
established in Hawaii or Nisei with no loyalty save that to the country in which
' Among the recent books giving a more accurate account of what happened in Norway are C. J. Hambro.
I Saw It Happen in Norway, 1940; Herman K. Lehmkuhl, The Invasion of Norway, 1940; Halvdan Koht
Norway Neutral and Invaded, 1941; J. Worm-Muller, Norway Revolts Against the Nazis, 1941; and Sigrid
Undset, Return to the Future, 1942. An article by Edvard Hambro, Fact and Fiction in the Norwegian
War, published in the American-Scandinavian Review, 1940, effectively refutes the most exaggerated tales
published in our press.
11246 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
they were born and whose flag is the same glorious Stars and Stripes that flies
from the dome on Capitol Hill. If some day the Pacific coast should meet the
same fate that has been that of so many parts of the world it will not be because
of treachery on the part of our people here — Japanese, Italians, or Germans. It
will be rather because we have not sufficiently profited from mistakes elsewhere,
because we have not adequately prepared. No one has better stated this than
the eminent French Catholic philosopher, Jacques Maritain. He writes: 7
"The great mistake of the democracies was that they did not believe in the
war even when it was there, that they imagined the war could be won without
being fought, that they counted on time and the blockade to bring to terms
madmen who were armed to the teeth, that they complacently accepted the
notion of a war of limited liability, cheap in blood as well as in money."
Apply that to France. Apply it to England also. And apply it above all
to the United States. Brutalitarianism cannot be defeated that way.
At the outset of this statement reference was made to the hysteria of the first
World War. We still remember the notorious Palmer raids of that period. On
the way home after attending the first day of the committee's hearings in San
Francisco, two other members of the University of California faculty and I
were discussing that story. Suddenly one of them remarked: "Why, what we
have been listening to today — the proposals made by some persons before the
committee — are far worse than anything that transpired during the World War
and I have always believed that what happened then could not possibly occur
again." He was right. During the last war there were at least 2,000,000 enemy
aliens in this country and several million naturalized citizens from Germany
and her allies. Yet only 6,000 were adjudged sufficiently disaffected to be
detained under Presidential warrants, and a large percentage of these, were soon
released. Surely our population should be more homogeneous now than then.
Before the World War more than a million immigrants arrived to the United
States annually. Our population contained huge elements which had but recently
come here; we had paid little attention to the Americanization process; our
schools were far fewer, and educational opportunities far more restricted than
has been true during the last quarter century. Surely there must have been
far more reason then to be alarmed over the homogenity of our people and their
unalloyed loyalty than is the case now. Yet then we apprehended only 6,000
and detained only some of these.
Since the World War our immigration has been selective and strictly limited.
Our Americanization process has been greatly expanded. Our educational
facilities have been developed tremendously. Moreover, for years we have had
the revolting spectacle of brutal aggression flaunted before us by the Japanese,
Italians, and Germans. All of these factors must have contributed to some
progress — toward a somewhat greater welding together of our people than could
have been accomplished prior to 1917. And yet testimony before your committee
appears to discount all this — to suspect and wish to crucify tens of thousands now
instead of a handful then. Can it really be true that we have so little faith in
America?
It may be stressed also that steps taken by local authorities and private
groups and individuals and the more severe action advocated by many before the
committee are directly opposed to the pronounced position of the President of the
United States and the head of the Department of Justice.
EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS
On January 2, 1942, for example, President Roosevelt urged us to take a sane
policy regarding aliens and foreign-born citizens. That we could do otherwise
towards our own native citizens hardly occurred to the President. Among other
things, he stated:
"I am deeply concerned over the increasing number of workers who are being
discharged because they happen to be aliens or even foreign-born citizens. This
is a very serious matter. Such a policy is as stupid as it is unjust, and on both
counts plays into the hands of the enemies of American democracy. It engenders
the very distrust and disunity on which our enemies are counting to defeat us.
Remember the Nazi technique: 'Pit race against race, religion against religion,
prejudice against prejudice. Divide and conquer.' We must not let that happen
here. We must not forget what we are defending: Liberty, decency, justice."
' A Travers Le Desastre, 1941.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11247
The Attorney General of the United States has repeatedly spoken in the same
vein. In an interview shortly after taking office, Mr. Biddle remarked: 8
"In tense times such as these, a strange psychology grips us. We are oppressed
and fearful and apprehensive. If we can't get at the immediate cause of our
difficulties, we are likely to vent our dammed-up energy on a scapegoat. That
scapegoat may be someone whose views are contrary to our own. It may be some-
one who speaks with a foreign accent, or it may be a labor union which stands up
for what it believes to be its rights. That sort of psychology is the very essence
of totalitarianism. On the other hand, civil liberties are the essence of the democ-
racy we are pledged to protect. Insofar as I can by the use of the authority and
influence of my office, I intend to see that civil liberties in this country are pro-
tected; that we do not again fall into the disgraceful hysteria of witch hunts,
strike-breakings, and minority persecutions which were such a dark chapter in
our record of the last World War."
On several occasions since our entry into the war, the Attorney General has
indicated his intention to continue this enlightened attitude. In the current
number of Collier's, for example, he writes: 9
"All alien enemies could be incarcerated for the duration, were such a course
considered wise. But it was determined to be more in accordance with our
American tradition, wiser, more humane, to hold only those who were dangerous
to our safety, or who might become so. Others are being paroled, some released.
* * * Surveillance will last through the war. It will be very strict as far as
it goes — alien enemies must keep us informed as to exactly where they are and
what they are doing. They are not allowed to possess firearms, cameras, short-
wave radios. Their travel is restricted. But otherwise their lives should con-
tinue normally as before. * * * Many must suffer this temporary incon-
venience so that a very few will have no scope for treachery. But except for those
very few, there is no reason to suppose that so-called alien enemies are disloyal.
The United States is their adopted country, and most of them have chosen to live
here because they loved our ways and longed for our opportunities. * * *"
The viewpoint expressed here by the Attorney General is exactly that which is
held by myself and which is the theme song of this statement. In further support
of this thesis might be cited the attitude in Hawaii, where there is a far greater
percentage of Japanese aliens and Nisei than anywhere on the Pacific coast.
The same issue of the above-cited periodical from which Mr. Biddle's article was
quoted contains a story on The New Honolulu, written by the mayor of that city,
Lester Petrie. Mayor Petrie somehow gives the impression of looking much more
calmly and sensibly on this whole problem than the heads of so many Pacific
coast municipalities. So do the people of the territory in general. "There is no
hysteria, no persecution — only intent watchfulness." One of the illustrations
accompanying the article shows Governor Joseph B. Poindexter being finger-
printed as part of the defense program. The person performing the fingerprinting
appears to be a Japanese, undoubtedly one of the tens of thousands of loyal Nisei.
Evidently the government of Hawaii does not adopt the same viewpoint as the
State personnel board at Sacramento, Calif.
STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CALIFORNIA
With respect to the latter, the attorney general of California, Mr. Earl Warren,
made a statement which was released to the press on February 8, 1942, which I
hope was observed by the members of the Tolan committee inasmuch as it was
perhaps the most thoughtful public utterance made by a ranking State official
during the present controversy. In an opinion delivered with regard to the
ruling of the State personnel board to bar citizens of enemy alien parentage, Mr.
Warren struck hard against the action of the board, stating that its ruling was
discriminatory, and, as such, constituted a direct violation of civil liberties
guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, as well as that of California.
"Soon we will have everybody hating everybody else," the attorney general
said, in announcing his ruling. "We want unity, not disunity. If we start dis-
criminating against people because of their forebears, it will bring about disunity
in our war effort. Anybody can think of individuals who will be affected by
such a ruling. Even Wendell L. Willkie could hardly hope to hold public office,
as his parents were emigrants from Germany." That, of course, is profoundly
8 New York Times Magazine, September 21, 1941.
» March 21, 1942.
11248 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
true. Of our white population today, about forty millions are either foreign-
born or the children of immigrants, and of these about one-sixth are Germans
and one-eighth are Italians. The committee can easily see the effects of a policy
such as our State personnel board was advocating, any criticism of which one
member designated as "nonsense" at a hearing in San Francisco on February 5.
As Mr. Warren stated, orders of that character "will vitally and adversely
affect a tremendous number of both naturalized and native-born citizens whose
loyalty no one has the right to question without affirmative proof of disloyalty."
We have already been at war for over 3 months. As yet there has been very
little in the way of affirmative proof of disloyalty on the part of the persons so
many are anxious to discriminate against, even to move out of the whole Pacific
coast area. I would point out also, that if our Japanese citizens are to be moved
indiscriminately the same should also apply to those of German and Italian
extraction. In other words, not only would Mr. Willkie be unable to hold public
office, he might properly be placed in a reception center. So might the mayor of
San Francisco himself. And, possibly, also the mayor of New York.
How, then, should we as individuals and leaders of public opinion face the
problem before us? Most of us, for example, have difficulty in distinguishing
between our Chinese friends and our Japanese antagonists. The pictures in Life
magazine some weeks ago will not be of much assistance along that line either.
And despite frequent attacks upon California Japanese by Filipinos, some people
cannot tell a Filipino from an Oriental. The members of the committee may have
read a news dispatch of February 5 relating how the police of a New York town
apologized to Brig. Gen. Henry W. Baird, commanding officer of the Fourth
Armored Division at Pine Camp. It seems that an alarmed store manager in
Watertown, N. Y., called police and notified them that a "suspicious Japanese"
was in his store. Two policemen closed in and snapped handcuffs on the suspect.
At headquarters, however, the man identified himself as Vincente H. Gliane, 41,
General Baird's Filipino houseboy for 23 years. Gliane, moreover, stated that
he had been in the police station only a half-hour earlier to turn in some scrap
metal. If one has this difficulty in distinguishing between brown-skinned Fili-
pinos and the lighter skinned Chinese and Japanese, there is, of course, equally
great difficulty in distinguishing between Germans and Italians and other
This being the case, it appears to the writer that the best solution for the whole
problem is to follow the advice given by Gov. Culbert Olson of California in
an unequivocal statement just before the outbreak of the war: "If the friction
aroused by relations with Japan should generate much heat, in dealing with them
I shall rely upon the fact that recognition and protection of the rights and safety
of minorities has always been a basic tenet of American Government and the
American sense and practice of fair play." As the statement continued, "with
that in mind, all patriotic fellow Californians will foster in their own communities
a popular attitude which will assure security, personal dignity, and livelihood to
all resident Japanese, citizens and aliens alike." That is a statement which I
wish to endorse. It should be applied, of course, also to German and Italian
residents. Even though Governor Olson has since forgotten his high-minded
attitude of last autumn, the best solution for the whole problem is to behave
courteously toward anv law-abiding foreigner, and citizen, whatever the slant
of his eyes. It is the slant of the heart that counts, and that is no matter for
offhand judgment.
LESSON FROM THE LAST WAR
Just as important is the lesson which we should have learned from the last war.
That lesson should have taught us that while very small elements within some of
our minorities mav become serious menaces to national unity and the national
effort, the great bulk of these minorities can also be used constructively to heighten
national morale and to increase our capacity for collective action on a national
scale. Among the lessons we should have learned is that the greater part of our
minorities have a direct stake in our national enterprise, and that they do want
to give of their resources and their enthusiasm, and that they do want their groups
also to have a high morale. We should have learned that they can be solidified
into collaborative action with the Nation as a whole more effectively through
their own leaders than through outsiders, and that the more they understand,
approve, and share our national objectives, the more thoroughly do they devote
themselves to their attainment.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11249
.However it is defined officially, morale for most of us means enthusiasm of
others for the causes we believe in ourselves. Naturally we cannot expect these
minorities— who have remained as distinctly marginal people in our midst, to
respond as warmly as those who have been here much longer, to American tradi-
tions, to appeals to our past. The United States is not merely a territory, a politi-
cal unit, and a body of traditions, however, but also a promise. It is a promise
for all of us, but especially for those who, whether they came here to escape oppres-
sion and poverty or to seek opportunity and adventure, have given to this country
a strength which lies in the very motive that brought most of us or our ancestors
here. The American dream goes far beyond the four freedoms and acquires new
meaning with every new day. If it were not a fluid and expanding idea, the many
diverse peoples who embrace it would have difficulty in identifying themselves with
it as something real.
America is accomplishments, to be sure, but it is largely aspirations. America
is unfinished. Our principal source of national unity and strength, therefore
lies less in past tradition than in the present and in the future. America belongs
to the future, and it is in this sense that our minorities can share and must be al-
lowed to share with the rest of the population a common set of objectives. To the
old Americans these may be largely composed of aspirations for security, but to
the new Americans, to those who have chosen this Nation as their home, they
shade in the direction of keeping open the road of opportunity. To old and new
alike, they mean a maximum of personal freedom and personal dignity. Democ-
racy is the only system which can provide this. It is the only system which in-
spires its leaders with some degree of humility and its followers with some degree
of dignity.
If we can keep our imperfect realization of these values from hardening, and if
we can prevent the obvious frustrations and disadvantages of wide sections of our
people from being accepted as permanent, if those who have not yet been fully
accepted into the community can become convinced that if not they, then at least
their children may become so, then our so-called minorities will not be a threat to
national morale but its chief contributing factor.10
Truly, the diversity of origin of our people, if properly understood, can become
one of the greatest of morale-building factors in the United States. It is almost
certain to guard against the tendency to think of ourselves as a superior race or to
identify our Nation with the Anglo-Saxon peoples, for we could not do so without
doing violence to the origins of a substantial portion of our population. More-
over, in the heterogeneous composition of our national cultural complex, we have
potentially the broadest base for the development of a civilization which more
nearly than any other in the world would embrace all the others.
As leaders of public opinion, then, we are charged with the duty of doing our
best to prevent the recurrence of any large-scale psychological strife within the
country, either now or after the war. There is need of a continual educational
movement built around the fact that our population is an extension of about 60
different national, racial, and religious backgrounds, and that this fact constitutes
perhaps one of the greatest advantages enjoyed by the United States and the world
as a whole. Indeed, America would be dull if it were cast all in one pattern.
Variety enriches and ennobles the design. Yet, out of our diversity can come
unity, "unity within diversity," as Louis Adamic likes to put it.11 Given an en-
lightened approach to this crisis, we can achieve unity in essentials — above all in
the essential democratic faith which has room for all sorts of experimentation, and
which can use healthy human nature in all its forms.
RESPONSIBILITY RESTS WITH LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
I do not mean by what I have said that we should not be vigilant. In many
respects greater vigilance is necessary than was the case in the last war because of
the much stronger emphasis placed by the enemy upon endeavors to break down
the home front. But matters dealing with espionage, sabotage, and subversive
activities must be referred to experienced officers of law enforcement, responsible
employees of the National Government, acting in cooperation with the duly
constituted law-enforcing agencies of State and local governments. This is no
field for independent judgment, nor for inexperience. The Government, particu-
10 See the excellent article by Louis Wirth, Morale and Minority Groups, 47 American Journal of Sociology
(November 1941), 415-433, from which the writer has freely drawn at this point.
11 Tolerance Is Not Enough, New York Times Magazine, February 15, 1942.
11250 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
larly the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has been
training men for many years to meet just this sort of problem. They are experi-
enced. They know where to look for sabotage and espionage, and they know just
what groups to suspect. We must let them do it. If we try to do it on our own,
we will be accusing innocent people, and, just as important, we will be getting in
the way of our experienced investigators who undoubtedly know what we know
but don't want to reveal it just now. In other words, we must have faith in our
Government.
To a very limited extent, it may be that in some circumstances the military
will prove the most suitable instrumentality. It must be remembered, however,
that the Army mind is apt to move inevitably toward a radical solution : clear all
"enemy aliens" out of the coastal regions and take no chances. This would
appear unnecessary in view of the fact that the Department of Justice has gone
on record that to date it "is satisfied with the general conduct of alien enemies.
Most of them understand what is required of them and promptly comply with
our regulations. They realize that the restrictions are no reflection on the loyalty
of the majority of them. They understand that there has not been anj' time to
separate the sheep from the goats and that for the sake of protecting the Nation
from the few disloyal aliens, a great many innocent persons faithful to the prin-
ciples of our democracy must be inconvenienced." 12
In any case, the Army decisions must be made strictly because of military
necessity and not because of civilian pressures. The statement of Gen. John L.
DeWitt on March 2, 1942, was comforting in this regard. Speaking on the subject
of the proposed evacuation of aliens and citizens from the Pacific coast, the chief
of the Fourth Army promised that "public clamor for evacuation from nonstrate-
gic areas and the insistence of local organizations and officials that evacuees not
be moved into their communities cannot and will not be heeded." As the Daily
Californian, daily student paper at the University of California, editorialized on
the following day: "The hysterical, would-be vigilantes who have been crying
aloud for evacuation of aliens and Japanese citizens alike from inland counties,
and the profiteers who have hoped to gain from the evacuees' misfortune would
do well to heed the general's admonitions." Certainly whatever action proves
to be absolutely necessary must be done under responsible direction and not by
inexperienced and overzealous laymen. Individuals and citizens' groups will
achieve their patriotic purposes much more effectively and expeditiously if their
energies are directed toward strengthening and supporting the authorities rather
than in seeking to take over their duties.
This was stressed by Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, the Director of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation, some time ago when he stated: 13 "The surging wave of patri-
otism, encouraging as it is, has its dangers. Unbridled activities and loose
statements of individuals investigating subversive activities are distinctly un
American, no matter how patriotic the aim. The vigilante method is distinctly
contrary to American ideals of justice."
It is because the vigilante method is so contrary to the principle of liberty
governed by law, but at the same time is so very much a part of the American
tradition, that I hope the committee in its report will make a stirring appeal to
the Nation and particularly the people out here on the Pacific coast now to address
themselves to the problem of establishing an American unity and morale strong
enough to face this war without losing too many of the finest elements which
have been brought together to fashion the democracy for which we are fighting.
For in that, each one of us must be brought to a realization that he has a part
to play. As Jay Franklin writes in his new book, "The citadel of freedom is
defended only by the spirit which animates those who man its ramparts." H
» Radio address of James Rowe, Jr., Assistant to the Attorney General, February 20, 1942, reprinted in
the Congressional Record, February 23, 1942, A732-33.
13 In an address before the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Septomber 9, 1940, reprinted in
the Congressional Record, September 13, 1940, extension of remarks of Joseph J. O'Brien.
11 Remaking America, 1942.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11251
Exhibit 8.— Letter from Representative Knute Hill, of
Washington, Enclosing Letter Bearing on the Japanese
Situation
House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C, February 17, 1942.
Hon. John H. Tolan,
Chairman, House Committee Investigating National Defense Migration,
Washington, D. C.
My Dear Colleague: In response to your recent letter, I am enclosing a
letter which I have received from my niece bearing on the Japanese situation.
With kindest personal regards, I am
Sincerely,
Knute Hill, M. C.
Orange, Calif., February 7, 1942.
Dear Uncle Knute: I notice by the papers that you have been appointed
for the study of the Japanese question on the coast so I thought I might write
you a few observations that might interest you. It is 2 months today since
Pearl Harbor and I, for one, think it took altogether too long to get down to facts
in this situation.
It is a credit to the Japanese that nothing has happened to date and I think
they should have credit on that. I am in favor of moving them back from the
coast, and 9 out of 10 people feel this way. We also feel that the removal should
include Germans and Italians as well as Japanese. I have in the past years had
a good deal of contact with the Japanese here. I conducted an investigation
for a Los Angeles newspaper and wrote an article on the Los Angeles Japanese
colony, their newspapers, etc., some time ago. I have attended many of their
Japanese-American Citizenship meetings. This latter organization is composed
of Japanese voters and each Japanese may join when he is 21. They take their
citizenship seriously and when an election comes up they invite speakers on both
sides of the issue. Speakers have told me (and I have observed myself) that the
questions asked are really far above the average in intelligence. They take citizen-
ship seriously and not lightly as so many of our own youngsters do, and it is my
sincere belief that most of them are loyal, dependable citizens. However, I believe
that they all have to face the fact of war and that if they are really good citizens,
they can take removal in their stride as no more of a sacrifice than being drafted.
It is foolish to be sentimental about this and try to not hurt their feelings, for after
all, if they are sincere, they will do what is right and not turn against this country
because of a war measure. I know we will be surprised to discover enemies in our
midst, not only aliens, but undoubtedly some whose ancestors were here in colonial
days. (I think the country can be thankful that Gaston Means is dead but we
will no doubt discover other American opportunists.)
The problem here is a great one, for Americans have never been able to com-
pete with the Japanese in vegetable gardening. The removal of this large popu-
lation will be a big operation. The important thing, it seems to me, is that we
should find some way to help all Americans to take the right attitude too. I have
noticed a well-known businessman talking at the top of his voice within hearing
of Japanese- Americans and stating "that it's their hard luck for being Japs and
we should shoot every one of them." A local Democratic paper even went so far
as to state something to the effect that we should reduce Japan to ashes and hang
the military leaders to the charred stumps of their favorite cherry trees. This,
it seems to me, is unfortunate. I think most of us want to look forward to a day
when we will understand and live peaceably with all countries. Race prejudice
is one of the worst barriers against that possibility. The greatest asset the United
States has is the fact that we have all kinds of nationalities here. We have learned
to live with them and discover that they have good and bad points just as we do.
We should keep that balanced keel even while we fight them. I believe that the
Germans in training the children to hate and to believe that all other races are
inferior, turn out better fighting men in the same way that the old Vikings were
good fighters when they went berserk. For a while it looks like it will work. In
the long run I'll take an intelligent soldier who knows that a system has to be
wiped out, that we must have victory and nothing can stop us, but that once we
have that victory, we must use it to make this world a place where all people can
live peaceably. If Germany should come out the victor with a whole nation of
11252 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
people in control, believing that the Jews must be wiped out, this civilization we
have built is lost. The Jews would only be the first step. On the other hand
we, in fighting against the Germans or the Japanese, should not lose sight of the
fact that they are human and there are all kinds of people among them.
In some instances, very old Japanese nationals who are sympathetic to Japan
were taken into custody in the middle of the night; for example, one old fellow
was not allowed to get his teeth or his socks. I have talked to some of the Japa-
nese and have found they understood that it was fear and haste that made these
things happen, and they did not feel it was a deliberate policy. Yet, I think we,
as Americans, should be very careful about this sort of thing. I think it is per-
fectly practical to move the Japanese back from the coast through their own co-
operation and do it in an impersonal way. I hope that when it is done you, who
are working on it, will spend less time on the physical removal and more time on
seeing that those with understanding, sympathy, and a real talent for human rela-
tions are in charge. I don't approve, either, of appointing some wishy-washy
woman who has been to Japan and thinks flower arrangements and kimonas are
just too darling. What we need is someone who is constantly alert, always look-
ing for signs of disloyalty not only in Japanese but in any citizen, and one who
has the intelligence to recognize the s3anptom and then without fear and hysteria,
act quickly and effectively. You know, one can be courteous, friendly, and yet
on the alert, in dealing with the situation. For example, I hope someone thinks
of Manchester Boddy, publisher of the Illustrated Daily News in Los Angeles, in
this connection. He made a complete study of the Japanese many years ago,
and has a balanced outlook. There must be many others.
I think also that if the right people deal with the young Japanese-Americans,
they can work out a plan to take the farm population and set them up in the
Middle West or the South where they can produce the farm products we are going
to need. They are industrious and have real skill, and it seems to me if the young
Japanese were asked to organize a constructive plan for doing their share they
might work wonders.
I wish you could come to the coast to make your study. I could put you in
touch with so many people who have worked with the Japanese in Americaniza-
tion work, and you could get so many important angles. I deal with a great
many Japanese in the library and have always been interested. I do not take
the stand that some recommend; that is, to never mention the war because the
Japanese may lose face. I take the stand that this is America and American
methods are direct, and the Japanese, too, can conform to this idea. I talk about
the war, tell them that war is unfortunate because it means a lot of unpleasantness
but that this is the time to show what you are in spite of what anyone else may
do or say. They are just about like Germans and Italians. Some of my Japa-
nese readers have taken to reading Kathleen Norris novels, etc., with the frank
statement that they just can't stand to read about the war and want to escape.
Others face the facts and try to find a way to work out their problems. I attended
a meeting of all the Japanese-American Citizenship Leagues in southern Cali-
fornia last month. One man who had been adopted by a white family and raised
in the Middle West wanted to ask Congress to take away the citizenship papers
of an American-born Japanese who had gone on the Tokyo radio to state that
this was a race war, and the group did put through the resolution. Another
wanted to bar all those with dual citizenship — a most serious thing. To answer
this, a young newspaperman on the Japanese daily in Los Angeles got up and
made a talk which impressed me very much. He had been taken in on Decem-
ber 7 and had been released. He said that no one could appreciate fully what the
war was about unless he had seen and talked to the rulers of Japan and also those
in the Government in Washington, D. C, and then saw the difference in motifs.
He asked them to not be upset about being arrested or being stopped. He said
that he sat in the county jail on December 8, and wrote down 72 reasons that he
could think of that would cause the authorities to arrest him and suspect him, and
he said that in any country at war, this would be justified and each one must take
it as part of war. I felt that this speaker hit the fundamental issue and suggested
a solution. Listening to him, I felt that those who have charge of moving the
alien population can do a lot in creating a constructive attitude in the group that
will not only keep them from turning into enemies but will actually give them
something for which to work. If they can be given the objective of proving by
their constructive, willing cooperation that they are really on our side, it will mean
a big step in the right direction. Also they will no doubt have to take in their
stride a lot of insults, but I believe they can do it.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11253
This week our county hospital let four Japanese nurses go stating that because
there were fewer patients in the hospital, they had to reduce the staff and so let
the Japanese go, although their work was perfect. I think this is all tommyrot.
Everyone knows why they let them go, and why should Americans try to work
out the old Japanese custom of trying to save face? It doesn't fool anyone.
Young Japanese-Americans own the orange grove across from us, and I have
watched them grow up. I have watched them grow up so I now talk to the
young men just as I would talk to Roger. I had talked to them only once since
the 7th as they have been confined to their home which is some 12 miles from
here. Yesterday, they came up to tractor their grove, the four boys doing the
work. I went out to talk to them, and they said at first on the 7th, they were
very much alarmed, but after that, they had thought everything would work
out. Now, with the talk of removal, they were alarmed. They asked me
what I thought about the statement they had heard had been issued that Mexicans
were to be ready to take over Japanese crops at a minute's notice, even though
the Japanese had been told by the Agricultural Department to go ahead as usual
and plant their crops. I told them that there was no doubt in my mind that
should the Japanese make even an attempt at bombing on the coast, then removal
was almost certain to come, and come quickly. I told them I thought they
should be prepared with a plan to be removed and what they could do just as a
precautionary move. I asked him if it wouldn't be possible for them to lease a
large tract, say in Midwest and move there for the duration. He said that he
thought it could be done, but he felt sure wherever they went, they would not
be welcome.
He then asked me what I would do about a most interesting thing. These
Japanese (American citizens raised and educated here) as a family have been
growing chili peppers for several years on a piece of land they have leased. It is
right next to the site bought by Douglas and now the place where the big plant is
erected and one of the vital defense spots. They hold a lease and have put down
a well and will stand to lose $2,000 if they move out, especially in view of the fact
that the white man who owns the land will not release them from their lease.
They have been told to go ahead and plant peppers as usual, and yet they feel
jittery. What would I do? I told them I would certainly not plant anything
or be seen in the area and pointed out that a German agent could plan sabotage
so that it would appear that the Japanese were the saboteurs and leave them
holding the bag. I don't know as they will take this advice but situations like
this are dynamite. The Agricultural Department, a peaceful minded Depart-
ment that thinks in terms of supplying food for the Nation, mildly suggests that
Japanese who are American-born have al1 the rights of American citizens, and
should go ahead as usual, and the Japanese who have always learned to take
advice from the farm adviser trust them first. They don't seem to realize that
when sabotage occurs, another department comes in and there is apt to be trouble.
I don't think anyone would blame the Federal Bureau of Investigation for being
very suspicious. In fact, I think any ordinary citizen has the right to ask that
the Japanese place themselves beyond suspicion by staying away from defense
areas but just the same, some rank injustices can develop out of this type of situa-
tion. Those in the community who know the Japanese will either feel that an
injustice has been done or they may go off in hysteria and think there is something
wrong. In either case it is bad and could have been avoided if taken in time.
I am rambling on, setting down thoughts as they crop up, because I think
maybe I may be able to give you information that will be useful. I am in fairly
close touch with Japanese here and am watching their reaction to events. I
believe most of them are all right but I don't think it is safe to allow them to
concentrate in defense areas any more than I think it is safe for Germans or
Italians to do the same in time of war. The family I spoke of above who ow n
the grove across from us make an interesting group. The father is an alien and
went home to visit Japan in spite of the protests of the sons. When the father
got stuck in Japan and only got home by the skin of his teeth on the last boat,
the sons didn't hesitate to say it served him right. In fact, in his absence, one
of the sons enlisted in the Medical Corps, which upset the old man very much.
He told me that his son hadn't even bothered to let him know so that a stranger
had told him about it. There is a fierce fight here between the two generations
and the fact they cannot be assimilated as the Germans or Italians makes it more
difficult. It is a tough problem but it is an opportunity and a challenge too.
If we could ever manage to be firm, sensible, and keep justice in sight, I think
we might turn the handling of the removal of Japanese from the coast into an
11254 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
example of how the east and the west can work together recognizing the rights
of each other, and making a few compromises, keeping away from hysteria which
breeds future trouble and working together for the good of all. It could be true
democracy at work. If we could have the executive ability to show the Japanese
the need for the move and then show them that they have a constructive part to
play in preserving our democracy, it would be true democracy at work. I am
really very much interested in this subject and if there is any information I can
get for you don't hesitate to let me know. In the meantime, perhaps it is just
as well to read this over, pick out any grains from the chaff and then burn it.
After all, this is not a series of opinions thought out or worked over, but rather a
quick reaction of events as I see them.
Lots of love and write when you can.
Yours as ever,
F. H. E.
Exhibit 9. — Statement by Clarence E. Rust, Attorney at
Law, 5837 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, Calif., on Enemy
Alien Evacuation
Februaru 20, 1942.
I find no popular demand for the efforts to drive the so-called alien enemies
from California. (Chester Rowell has also stated this as his impression.) The
clamor seems to come from chambers of commerce, Associated Farmers, and the
newspapers notorious as spokesmen for reactionary interests. In view of this
fact, effort should be made to determine whether there is any connection between
the clamor for the dispossession of the Japanese farmers and the desire of these
clamoring interests to get possession of the Japanese farms and the elimination
of the Japanese competition.
I am utterly in opposition to the adoption of a program of hysteria as a national
policy. Our country is strong and virile because its citizenship emerged from the
fittest survivial of the melting pot. We reject the European and Asiatic doctrine
of the attainder of blood. Nor shall any man be discriminated against because
of his race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Japanese, Italians, and Germans are also people. I am profoundly disturbed
by the present attempt to heap upon their descendents in this country contempt
and hatred. If we are to begin a program which amounts to persecution of
sections of our citizenry, because of their race or origin, then Hitlerism has already
won America, though the Nazi Army is 4,000 miles away.
So far the Attorney General has resisted the mad pressure; but the mad pres-
sure mounts. Even now we hear the rumble of the threats of martial law for all
of California — a State of "nonlaw" which would abolish the rights of all of us
and make many wonder whether totalitarianism is to be fought with the same
and so reduce the struggle to an abstraction.
If Congress wishes to make of every citizen of Japanese, Italian, and German
extraction in this country an enemy of America and a fifth columnist in fact
instead of the present fancy, let it insist on this proposed policy of persecution.
At the end of this terrible conflict, some of us are fools enough to hope for a
world based on brotherly cooperation. The hate generated now will return to
plague us then and the victory of which everyone now prates will turn to ashes
in our hands.
Please stand firm against all policies of hate, persecution, martial law, and
totalitarian methods.
Exhibit 10. — Statement by Donald Younger, Santa Cruz, Calif.
February 23, 1942.
Coming here at my own expense, and without being retained to represent any
individual, I shall appreciate the opportunity of partially presenting to you the
economic and social problem that confronts the City of Santa Cruz, Calif., and
the nearby area in the present defense program.
Having served as justice of the peace and later as police judge in my native
city, and having actively participated in peace officers' organizations, I believe
that I understand and that my sympathies are strongly with the legislative and
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11255
law-enforcement officers. I am an attorney at law, but am appearing before you
as an individual in the hope that I may be able to assist in recommending legisla-
tive or even executive action that will result in greater security for the United
States as well as for our particular section of, California.
On January 30 the press published a January 29 Department of Justice release
announcing two zones in California from which so-called alien enemies would be
barred. These consisted of the comparatively narrow strip along the harbor area
in San Francisco, known as prohibited area No. 19, and prohibited area No. 33
in Los Angeles.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROHIBITED AREA HASTILY ESTABLISHED
On February 3 we learned that the Attorney General had the previous day
announced additional prohibited areas, including No. 28, commencing at the
mouth of Laguna Creek, 7 miles northerly of Santa Cruz, running up the creek
to State Highway No. 1, then south on State Highway No. 1 to the Carmel
River in Monterey County.
Prohibited area No. 28 includes about one-half of the artichoke and sprout
lands in Santa Cruz County, and also includes the entire business area of the City
of Santa Cruz.
It appeared to us that the boundary lines were established as a matter of hasty
convenience for the Army, which we believe wanted to establish a prohibited
zone along the Monterey Bay water front.
Having in mind that the Army and Justice Department went to considerable
trouble in describing the narrow boundaries of the comparatively small prohibited
zone in San Francisco, we immediately attempted to again communicate with
the Army by addressing appeals to General DeWitt, his adjutant, and his public
relations officer, and sent similar letters and telegrams to the Department of
Justice and its coordinator of enemy alien control for the western defense com-
mand, Tom C. Clark.
APPEAL TO GENERAL DEWITT
On January 30 I had telegraphed Lt. Gen. John L. DeWitt of the Western
Defense Command as follows:
"Italian-Americans engaged in production of artichokes, Brussels sprouts,
broccoli, and some other vegetables, including small percentage of sugar beets,
occupy very substantial portion of coastal land between Half Moon Bay, San
Mateo County, and Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, including approximately
3,500 acres in Santa Cruz County.
"Probably one-half of these farmers are enemy aliens, that is, Italian citizens,
but are loyal to the United States, a large portion having come to California
before the rise of fascism in Italy. They claim no loyalty to Italy, but neglected
naturalization in many instances because of limited education.
"Any blanket ban of aliens from entire coastal area may not be contemplated
by you, but would result in serious financial and agricultural loss to this area,
particularly Santa Cruz County, which has already suffered from defense activities
without complaint as this county is naturally primarily interested in victory.
"While I do not know as to your recommendations to the Attorney General,
I believe civil authorities in Santa Cruz County do not question loyalty of any
of these Italian-American agriculturists. I hope that it may not be necessary
for you to recommend evacuation of all Italian aliens from nearby coastal areas
without further investigation and possibly informal hearing. I believe that
Italian agriculturists in the county could post any required bonds and otherwise
demonstrate their loyalty to the United States if you deemed that advisable."
A similar letter was telegraphed to the Attorney General in Washington, D. C.
Confirmation copies were sent special delivery, air mail, and other copies were
mailed to the chief Federal and local law enforcement agencies in California.
SUGGESTS ALIEN EVACUATION HEARING BOARDS
In a letter of February 3 to General DeWitt I pointed out that there is a three-
man board in San Francisco to whom any interned or about-to-be-interned alien
may appeal. I asked if it were not possible for some such board to be estab-
lished in Santa Cruz County for the purpose of passing upon the Italian farmc rs
who had then been ordered to evacuate their artichoke ranches by February 24.
I suggested that such a board or committee might be appointed by General De
11256 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Witt, or any agency selected by the President, and that it might provide that
every ranch in a prohibited area should be managed by a citizen. A bond or
other security might even be required before the issuance of such a permit. I
expressed the belief that such a committee or commission and the placing of
enemy aliens under bond might be authorized under section 21 of title 50 of the
United States Code.
It was quite obvious that in the establishment of prohibited zone No. 28 none
of the law-enforcement officials of the City of Santa Cruz or of the county of Santa
Cruz were consulted, and apparently none of the State nor the regularly assigned
Federal law-enforcement officials in northern California were asked for their
recommendations.
The prohibited or evacuation area in and near Santa Cruz County does not
seem to include the Pigeon Point or New Year's Island lighthouses in San Mateo
County, between the San Mateo-Santa Cruz County line and the town of Pes-
cadero in San Mateo County, nor does it seem to include defense installations
with which we are all familiar but are not expected to discuss in a public meeting.
Also, the large Santa Cruz Portland Cement Co. plant at Davenport, Santa Cruz
County, and the coast line in that area, are not in a prohibited zone. The pri-
vately" owned radio station in this county is outside of the local prohibited zone,
as are many important municipal installations at Santa Cruz.
PROPOSES PROHIBITED ZONE REVISION
If it is intended that prohibited zone 28 should merely include Monterey Bay,
then it would be far less harmful economically if the northerly or northwesterly
boundary were changed from Laguna Creek to Moore Creek, which is approxi-
mately at the northwesterly limits of the City of Santa Cruz. As a matter of
fact that boundarv might even be brought down to Woodrow Avenue in the City
of Santa Cruz. Woodrow Avenue might be a safe distance from the Santa Cruz
Lighthouse.
A Santa Cruz committee studying this problem reported, in part, as follows:
"We, of course, wish to cooperate in every way, and do not desire to make any
request that will cause the Army any inconvenience.
"If the restricted zone lines could be modified to a line beginning on the west-
erly line of the city limits of Santa Cruz, at its intersection with the Pacific Ocean,
thence northerly to Delaware Avenue, thence easterly along Delaware Avenue to
Columbia Street, thence northerly and easterly to Bay Street, to California Street,
to Laurel Street, to Broadwav, and extension thereof to the easterly city limits,
and thence northerly to State Highway No. 1, then on that highway into Monterey
County, we believe that shore line of Monterey Bay would not be affected.."
By changing the northerly or northwesterly boundary of zone 28 in accordance
with one of these suggestions, the vegetable ranches and packing sheds near and
adjoining State Highway No. 1, both within and without the city of Santa Cruz,
might continue without interruption.
On January 29 a Department of Justice press release stated that ' the Attorney
General pointed out that the Federal Government which is in possession of all
the facts is best equipped to take vigorous action in the interest of national
"The Attorney General emphasized that, in the interests of efficient and speedy
solution of the problem, local officials and the public at large should leave this
complicated program in the hands of the Federal Government and should not
take conflicting action which might impede the program."
On February 6 and in subsequent communications to others who requested a
review as to the boundaries of prohibited area No. 28, Tom C. Clark stated:
"The Attorney General designates such zones with such boundaries as the War
Department certifies to him as necessary for the national defense. In other words,
the Attornev General has no part in the selection of the areas, but merely is the
official who "designates them under proclamation of the President. I am certain
that the military authorities have valid military reasons for creating this zone.
However, I am transmitting your communication to them and as soon as I receive
their reactions I shall advise you."
CONFERS WITH ARMY REPRESENTATIVE
On February 12 we were fortunate enough to be able to go over this matter
with an apparently well-grounded, courteous, but firm Army captain. After the
conference we had" the following thoughts:
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11257
1. That State Highway No. 1 was used as a matter of convenience in describing
the boundaries of prohibited zone 28.
2. That practically the entire business area of Santa Cruz could be released
from the prohibited area and merely retained in a restricted area, from a strategic
point of view, and that we were perfectly justified in our complaints, but that if
the Army made an exception in our case it would be called upon to make numerous
changes elsewhere.
I am not appealing for any Japanese or German aliens. There are none on
the farming lands in the northerly portion of zone 28, but approximately 60 per-
cent of the labor on those farms is performed by Italian- Americans who have not
become citizens of the United States but are thoroughly loyal to this country.
Perhaps a disloyal Italian may be found in that portion of zone 28, but no Italian
has as yet been taken into custody in Santa Cruz County by the Federal Bureau
of Investigation. It takes comparatively little time to teach someone how to
pick artichokes and sprouts, but it takes years to teach anyone how to successfully
plant, irrigate, and care for the plants.
TYPICAL HARDSHIP CASES CITED
There are, of course, many hardship cases that my be cited, such as the follow-
ing:
1. Two Italian- American brothers operate an approximately 150-acre ranch.
They are both naturalized, but their wives are aliens. The wife of one was an
American citizen prior to her marriage; she became an alien upon her marriage
to an Italian; the husband perfected his American citizenship in December 1922,
but that did not naturalize his wife as the law had been changed in September
1922. Both of these naturalized American brothers have children either in school
or who have graduated from the Santa Cruz schools, and all give every evidence
of being loyal Americans. However, as the wives neglected their naturalization
papers, these two families must now move off this ranch, although the wives
could live next to and work in the important Santa Cruz Portland Cement Co.
plant a little further up the coast as far as the prohibited area regulations are
concerned.
2. Another Italian couple has lived in Santa Cruz for many years, the father
supporting a family by fishing. They also saved sufficient money to purchase two
houses, a home for themselves, and one to provide some rental income for them in
their later years of life. Their family included three sons, all of whom are enrolled
to serve the United States, two in the Navy and one in the Army. We can well
understand why our Government does not want any so-called enemy aliens to
operate a fishing boat that might come in contact with a Japanese submarine,
but it is difficult to explain why this couple should also be deprived of the use of
either of their two homes. It is probable that they will not be able to rent either
house. Another local Italian fisherman has five sons in the Navy, but he will not
have to move, as he completed his naturalization some time ago.
3. An Italian couple worked in Monterey County for a number of years, saving
sufficient money to pay $7,600 for a small ranch in Santa Cruz County. They
built a home for $3,700, spent $1,000 for a water well and made other improve-
ments. Being self-supporting, and having a daughter in school who informed
them as to Americanization classes, they proceeded to formally become American
citizens. The wife was due for her final papers in January, but her application
has been postponed until June because of the war. The husband is due for his
final papers about 6 months later. While their little ranch is approximately 1
mile from the bay, it is apparently on the wrong side of the highway. Accordingly
these people are having to move and pray, as there is little or no chance of renting
their property.
4. In another case the husband has been a citizen since May 5, 1939, and the
wife was due for her final papers in January of this year, but must now wait until
June, or perhaps even until the war is over. The husband is crippled and can
only do very light work. The wife has been operating a poultry business on their
small place. They have been property owners and taxpayers in that locality for
24 years. However, they, too, were not on the right side of the highway, although
they are a much greater distance from the bay than would be required if they were
living in San Francisco.
5. A small hotel in Santa Cruz on the wrong side of State Highway No. 1 is
closing. The proprietor is an American citizen, but many of his guests and other
patrons are Italians, some of whom are working at the cement plant in a non-
prohibited area.
11258 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Of course there are numerous other cases that could be cited, instances in which
an investigator might not hesitate granting a permit for the individuals to con-
tinue living and working on their property, distant from any defense installations.
While we are all-out for the Army, and appreciate that many people hesitate
asking a question about any ruling for fear of being accused as a fifth columnist, I
hope that this committee may see fit to concern itself with the economy of some of
our small coastal cities.
I believe that the average law-enforcement officer feels that if it is advisable to
evacuate all enemy aliens from substantial areas, such as in Santa Cruz County,
that it would then be better to extend the line back to beyond the first mountain
range. I share that belief, but until all of California is made into one prohibited
zone I believe that we are entitled to request the reconsideration of the present
boundaries of prohibited zone No. 28.
ADVOCATES PERMITS FOR LOYAL ITALIAN FARMERS
It is my hope that this committee may see fit to recommend legislation, if legis-
lation is necessary to provide for the granting of permits, whereby obviously loyal
Italians might continue with their agricultural work, under supervision, subject to
restricted area regulations, perhaps even requiring a bond before the granting of
such a permit. I believe that such a system of permits would preserve the arti-
choke and sprout industry, which produces in Santa Cruz County more than
$1,000,000 in necessary crops during a season when other vegetables are not
available. This business is vital to the economic welfare of Santa Cruz. While
these ranches have their own water supply, they purchase an additional $5,000 to
$6,000 in water from the City of Santa Cruz. The company that sells most of the
ice for the carload shipments of vegetables receives $25,000 a year for that ice.
Commencing tomorrow, no enemy alien may visit any public building in Santa
Cruz, with the exception of the small California highway patrol office. All other
public buildings are in the prohibited area. This also includes all doctors' offices,
the two hospitals within the city, the city prison, and the county jail. Aside from
the inconvenience to the Italian- American, it will be a very substantial loss to the
business area of Santa Cruz. However, it will apparently not interfere with the
Japanese cultivation of strawberries around our reservoirs, as the latter are not in
a prohibited area.
Local authorities appreciate that we are at war, but they would undoubtedly
appreciate being consulted in matters relating to the economy as well as the safety
of their communities. They may not object to turning responsibility over to the
Army or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, if they are going to be
called upon to do the laboring work for the Federal Government, whether it be the
gathering of firearms, cameras, and radios, or the conducting of raids for the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, they would at least like the opportunity of being
considered in an advisory capacity within their own jurisdiction.
SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT, APRIL 14, 1942
On February 19 and 20, 1942, the President and the Secretary of War authorized
Lieutenant General DeWitt, as commanding general of the western defense
command, to prescribe military areas in such places and of such extent as he may
determine from which any or all persons may be excluded, and with respect to
to which the right of any person to enter, remain in, or leave shall be subject to
whatever restrictions the military commander may impose in his discretion. The
western defense command includes that portion of the United States lying within
the States of Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah,
and Arizona, and the Territory of Alaska.
General DeWitt issued public proclamation No. 1 on March 2, establishing
military areas Nos. 1 and 2, the first including approximately the westerly one-half
of Washington, Oregon, and California, and the southerly one-half of Arizona.
Military area No. 2 embraces the remaining parts of those four States.
JAPANESE EVACUATED
Military area No. 1 was divided into prohibited zone A-l and restricted zone B.
In addition to the coastal prohibited zone, 98 smaller prohibited zones were
established around hydroelectric plants and other utilities.
As this statement is being made on April 14, 1942, all Japanese and American
citizens of Japanese ancestry are being evacuated from prohibited zone A-l, it
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11259
having been publicly announced in the press and "confidentially" announced to
the cooperating public officials that this evacuation will be completed by May 20.
Many of these Japanese and citizens of Japanese ancestry have, quite naturally,
suffered substantial losses in their somewhat hasty preparation for evacuation.
EXEMPTIONS FROM EVACUATION
General DeWitt subsequently issued public proclamations Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5
on March 16, 24, 27, and 30. The latter proclamation provided that the following
classes of persons were authorized to be exempted from exclusion and evacuation
upon the furnishing of satisfactory proof as specified in a printed form of appli-
cation:
1. German and Italian aliens 70 or more years of age.
2. In the case of Germans and Italians, the parent, wife, husband, child of (or
other person who resides in the household and whose support is wholly dependent
upon) an officer, enlisted man, or commissioned nurse on active duty in the Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard.
3. In the case of Germans and Italians, the parent, wife, husband, child of (or
other person who resides in the household and whose support is wholly dependent
upon) an officer, enlisted man, or commissioned nurse, who on or since Decem-
ber 7, 1941, died in line of duty with the armed services of the United States.
4. Germans and Italians awaiting naturalization who had filed their final (or
so-called second) petition for naturalization and who had paid the filing fee
therefor on or before December 7, 1941.
5. Patients in hospital, or confined elsewhere, and too ill or incapacitated to be
removed therefrom without danger to life.
6. Inmates of orphanages and the totally deaf, dumb, or blind.
OTHER EXEMPTIONS ADDED
Without an additional proclamation, the Western Defense Command on
April 14 was also receiving applications for exemption from evacuation by Italians
and Germans in the so-called split family or mixed marriage cases where one
spouse is a citizen and the other neglected to become a citizen but may otherwise
be loyal to the United States.
The western defense command on April 14 was also considering possible
additional exemptions from evacuation, which will likely be announced prior to
the publication of this report. While General DeWitt is to be commended for
his attempt to be fair in the treatment of aliens of enemy nationality, he is perhaps
overlooking an additional safeguard in not requiring that a local citizens' com-
mittee approve of the alien and endorse his petition for exemption from evacuation
before same is submitted to the Army. It might be unwise to include any elective
official on any such committee, but it would certainly add to our security if all
such applications were approved by a local committee or civil authority before
being mailed to the commanding general of the northern California sector at
San Jose, or the commanding general of the southern California sector at Pasadena.
LOCAL BOARDS ONLY "INSPECT" APPLICATIONS
The regulations provide that applications coming within one of the six
announced exceptions shall first be submitted to a local draft (or Selective Service)
board for approval, but that other applications, such as in the "split family" or
"mixed marriage" cases, shall be mailed directly to the commanding general.
However, the instructions given local draft boards provide that the local board
is not to make a decision as to whether aliens shall or shall not be granted exemp-
tion permits but shall merely review a submitted application to determine whether
it is properly prepared and supported by written evidence, forwarding the prop-
erly prepared application to the appropriate Army headquarters.
BASE EXEMPTIONS ON BENEFIT TO UNITED STATES
If any exemptions from evacuation are to be granted, I believe they should be
based upon the reputation and loyalty of the individual Italian or German, plus
the benefit to be derived by the community if the exemption is granted, such as
the productive capacity of the Italian farmers who, alone, have been successful in
producing vegetables and certain other agricultural crops in the coastal region
near Santa Cruz, Calif.
60306— 42— pt. 29— — 20
11260 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
We have great admiration for many Italian fishermen who have one or more
sons in the Navy, and have, therefore, been granted exemption from evacuation
and all curfew regulations, except that they are not allowed to fish.
ITALIAN FARMER ECONOMIC ASSET
On the other hand, the Italian farmer with American daughters, or with an
American son too young or too valuable as a farmer to be permitted to enter the
armed forces, might well be allowed to file an application for exemption from
evacuation if he has demonstrated his loyalty to the United States and if he can
prove that he produced a substantial quantity of needed agricultural products
during the past several years.
I trust that the Congress and General DeWitt will succeed in solving the prob-
lems I reported to this committee, as well as the many other problems confronting
them, and appreciate that many have been worked out since I first reported them
to the western defense command on January 30, 1942.
Exhibit 11. — Statement by Stuart R. Ward, 1035 Tehema
Avenue, Menlo Park, Calif.
ALIEN SPECIAL
The following are solely mv personal opinions as a private citizen, prepared
January 27, 1942.
1. I have perhaps given an unusual amount of personal attention to this ques-
tion over the last several years, for I have taken considerable pride in having
friends among people of all nationalities and all religions and some of my closest
friends are members of other races and religions. My background in the Japanese
field includes (a) prolonged study commencing 10 years ago of the arguments
pro and con regarding a Japanese immigration quota; (b) personal acquaintance-
ship with the late V. S. McClatchy (lieutenant commander, United States Naval
Reserve, Intelligence Service) ; (c) personally organizing (when I was the district
commander of district 8, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties, American
Legion), one of the two all-Japanese Legion posts in the United States, the
Townsend-Harris Post, San Francisco. Besides having met with this group, I
consulted with their leaders, organized their first meeting, and in general was close
to their leaders for a period; (d) by their invitation attended their annual banquet
and formal ball of the Japanese-American Citizens League as their guest to lead
the 400 present in pledge to the American flag; (e) conducting a radio program
before several hundred thousand listeners on the topic "How loyal are our
Japanese-American citizens?" on my personal radio round table, the California
Council Table, October 12, 1941. A copy of an article I wrote on their invitation
is attached.
Speaking more frankly now than I did in this article, I would say that my
observations at this radio program, confirmed by comments by listeners, were
that there was hardly a trace of convincing patriotism or loyalty in anything my
five guests said. I'd be glad to arrange to have any Government official listen
to the electrical transcription of this half-hour's program by the five leading
Japanese- American citizens, which included their national president and field
secretary. Notably, on this program the national president, Attorney Saburo
Kido, stated positively, after some evading of my question, that he did not know
of one instance where a Japanese-American citizen has given any information to
our counter-espionage services on disloyal activities on the part of any members
of the Japanese community. At the time I already knew authoritatively this
was the case, but it was interesting that the national president, allegedly of
15,000 Japanese-American citizens, admitted this notwithstanding the fact that
our counter-espionage agents do know through other means of disloyal activities
in the Japanese colonies where Japanese-American Citizens League members live.
As I mention in attached article, I do not know of any Japanese who has made
forthright criticism of the course of Japan in China, right up to the minute war
was declared, until they felt their own personal safety was threatened. My own
impression is that they heartily approve of it and are secretly happy about the
whole situation. Only last week I learned of a Japanese woman who was at a
Palo Alto hospital after having a baby shortly before Pearl Harbor was attacked.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11261
The nurse said that this woman lay in bed with her heavy glasses reading the
newspapers and chuckling and laughing out loud to herself over the situation.
Although few Japanese are as unguarded as this woman, my own impression,
frankly based upon intangibles, is that this reflects pretty well the feeling of
most of our residents of Japanese birth, as well as our so-called Japanese-American
citizens. Were the Japanese to invade the Pacific coast tomorrow I do not
believe they would execute, or even put in jail, a baker's dozen of the thousands
of Japanese and Japanese- Americans living on this coast.
Only last night I learned through completely reliable sources that certain
Japanese farmers getting their tractors, etc., repaired, instead of leaving broken
metal parts with the dealer, now demand spare parts be returned to them. I
suggest it would be highly interesting to send a counter-espionage agent disguised
as a junkman to the homes of some of these Japanese farmers to attempt to buy
up this scrap metal. I strongly suspect it would be found their object in reclaim-
ing these parts is not to save money but rather to hinder America's war effort by
taking vital metals out of circulation.
National Japanese-American Citizens League president, Saburo Kido, to whom
I have referred above, was a member of the unlamented America First organiza-
tion. I am told that in the judgment of some of his own Japanese-American
associates he has not as their national president come out with sufncipntly forth-
right statements to reassure other citizens as to the loyalty of himself and his
group.
I believe one aspect of the Japanese situation which may be of importance is the
effort of the Japanese to closely identify themselves with other minority groups.
I have frankly told some of my friends of other minorities that if they as a group
attempt to defend the Japanese it is eventually likely to backfire on them. I
know some of my minority friends agree with me in this position, but not all I'm
afraid. However, I hope the best thinkers of our other minorities will recognize
that so far as they are concerned the Japanese must be allowed to paddle their
own canoe, sink or swim. On this coast, particularly, the Japanese are by a
tremendous distance and by all odds generally regarded as the most largely dis-
loyal of all our groups.
Significantly, on the other hand, the Chinese are regarded as industrious (of
course Japanese are certainly that, too), highly honest, good-natured, dependable,
capable, possessed of many of the best traits of American citizens, and generally
well liked and respected. They and their nation have the sympathy of the entire
Pacific coast. By fair dealings and taking care of their problems most effectively
in their own way, Chinese have lived down the early San Francisco resentment
of Dennis Kearney and the "sand-lot days" of 1870. The Japanese are not now
nor ever have been liked, understood, or trusted. This attitude of our citizens
on the coast is pretty well borne out by those travelers from Japan with whom
I have talked. Aside from a relatively few idealists and zealous foreign mission-
aries, the general reports I get from men who have dealt with Japanese over the
years is that there is no such thing as having a friendship with a Japanese after
one ceased to be of use to the Japanese. A harsh statement — but too often
repeated to be ignored.
With respect to racial minorities, the Japanese also seem to show some interest
in tying in with the Negro group. How extensive this is I do not know. I do know
that following my radio broadcast, I was the guest of my Japanese- American radio
guests at the Nippon Club, Taylor Street, San Francisco (an exclusive Japanese
club), where a hot se.ki dinner was cooked and served on the table and where
there were also present five Negroes or mulattos from Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.,
members of the President's Committee Investigating Discrimination Against
Racial Minorities in Defense Industries. As to the Negroes, I have always felt
sympathetic and that there is no good reason why they,should not be employed
in defense industries. As to the Japanese, be they immigrants or the second
generation, I am today absolutely unable to feel our national safety permits
either group to serve in any vital industry. The possibilities of damage which
could be done even by a single traitor are altogether too high for us to take the
risk. I maintain that the first consideration is to see that our country wins this
war. If they have good sense the Japanese-American group should themselves
recognize the wisdom of this.
11262 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Despite the above, I have over the past 10 years earnestly tried to understand
and trust the Japanese. Personally I must regretfully confess I am unable to do
so. I totally distrust them. I believe a similar statement would be approved by
all but a tiny minority of sentimental and highly idealistic people here on the coast.
I fully realize this sounds rough, but I think an investigation will bear out the
assertion.
My own apprehension is that we are going to face on the Pacific coast another
"Pearl Harbor Day." I would anticipate there would be no cases of Japanese
sabotage until the proper time comes. At that time I would fear Japanese — and
American-Japanese — residents all over the coast would be instrumental in destruc-
tion of our bridges, water systems, railroads, military facilities, and otherwise
endeavoring to weaken our resistance against a Japanese air and/or naval attack.
I do not — in fact, I cannot conscientiously do otherwise — than anticipate that
large numbers of our Japanese- Americans would be involved in traitorous activ-
ities. I feel no conviction whatever that the simple accident of birth on American
soil, surrounded as it usually is by tremendous racial, family, and group pressures,
has made American citizens of these young people. In fact, Mr. Saburo Kido said
to me after my radio broadcast, "Well, if you don't treat us better here in the
United States, you can't blame some of us if we become fifth columists." It is to
be remembered that this was the national president of the Japanese-American
Citizens League speaking.
As to any differences in American attitudes toward Japanese farmers and city
dwellers, I have not been in a position to observe such differences. In the cities,
of course, the Japanese live in a more or less segregated area, keeping much to
themselves, work for each other, and do not mingle very much with the com-
munity in general. In the country, the vegetable and some fruit businesses are
considerably in the hands of Japanese owners, through subterfuge, or the work is
carried on by workers of Japanese ancestry, or under direction of a Japanese
foreman.
2. I think that there is more suspicion directed against the Japanese in Califor-
nia now than there was before the Pearl Harbor incident. I think the disclosure
of the arrowhead marks in the sugarcane field at Pearl Harbor, the obstructing
of the highway by Japanese vegetable trucks when officers were trying to reach
their stations, and the fact that rings from the Honolulu and from the Oregon
State schools were found on fingers of some of dead Japanese aviators, have awak-
ened many Americans to what many of us have apprehended over a number of
years. I find that numbers of Americans are discussing whether or not they should
discharge their Japanese gardener, houseboy or maid. Many such employees have
been discharged.
*******
I am ordinarily more temperate in my remarks on this subject, but your ques-
tions asked what are my personal opinions and so I give them. I heartily believe
there should be no physical violence against any Japanese immigrants or Japanese-
Americans. I believe the due process of law should always be observed and that
no needless hardship should be worked upon them, but, on the other hand, I would
rather see, say, 20 Japanese detained in jail at great personal inconvenience rather
than to see one Japanese fifth columnist permitted to roam at large, possibly to
seriously damage our defenses at a crucial hour. I am totally unable to condone
any other attitude on the part of any 103-al American citizen. Despite all efforts
at ameliorating resentment against the Japanese, I am inclined to think that as
the grim facts of Pearl Harbor sink in, there is a slowly increasing distrust and
dislike — even fear — of Japanese on this coast.
Much though I would like to feel otherwise, I believe Japanese and Japanese-
Americans alike should immediately be placed in concentration camps and with-
out a moment's warning. I do not believe moving them back from the coast would
be adequate. I realize this means heavy cost and injustice to a considerable
number of the 140,000 such residents in the United States. On the other hand, I
think the record of Peark Harbor, the information I believe to be in the hands of
our counter-espionage agents, and the general public attitude toward the Japa-
nese, all indicate that what is likely to be a life-and-death struggle for the possession
of the Pacific coast seaboard would justify such action for duration of the war.
(I am one of those who considers an all-out attempted Japanese coastal invasion
entirely possible). If anyone knows how to separate the sheep from the goats on
this deal I have never talked to him. None of our three counter-espionage agen-
cies has (until recently at least) been given sufficient funds or personnel to do any-
thing like an adequate job. Now, there isn't time.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11263
I do not think even Italian or German residents are to be classed with the
Japanese as regards possible disloyalty. As already remarked, I believe that if
any other minority group were to become recognized as a protector of the Japanese,
it would find itself dragged into the same mudhole.
Answering your question on this point, as with most strong feelings, I believe
there is, possibly, somewhat more prejudice against the Japanese, without restraint
or discrimination, on the part of persons at lower economic levels. Among the
wealthier and better-educated groups, however, there is also a big majority who
do not like or trust them at all. However, some of our best citizens have in all
sincerity lent their names to help protect our State's Japanese — and to the extent
their efforts are confined strictly to preventing physical violence and unfair eco-
nomic attacks upon Japanese, I am inclined to sympathize with them — though
I have declined to join them.
*******
As to why the lower economic level in my judgment feel more intensely against
the Japanese, I can only suggest that for a number of years (whether by the
alleged expenditure of sums running into millions of dollars annually by the
Japanese Government I cannot say) our upper classes particularly have been
bombarded with pro-Japanese propaganda. Some of this was direct and obvious
and legitimate. For example, I have received from two Japanese every Christmas
beautiful Christmas cards. I have also received annually a beautiful calendar
which to one who loves art is difficult not to use. I have also received a heavy
bound volume of several hundred pages, containing a great mass of interesting
and useful business or travel information; also numbers of beautiful colored
plates.
*******
The influence of certain leaders of thought on the coast most assuredly has
permeated the faculties of our universities. It has become regarded in such
circles as a hallmark of intolerance and bigotry to do anything except say nice
things about the Japanese. I believe efforts to secure a Japanese quota un-
doubtedly softened up a lot of fine people on behalf of the Japanese everywhere
and covered the Nation with propaganda.
To what extent these activities were indirectly fomented by agents from Japan
{if at all) I have no way of knowing. I do know that I have personally been
invited to cocktail parties for a departing Japanese newspaperman, have been
entertained at the Nippon Club, have received other courtesies which indicate a
considerable amount of money was apparently available for making American
friends.
6. I hate to answer such a question in regard to any people as I feel I must
answer this one. Let me put it this way: I cannot honestly say to anybody that
I know one Japanese of the few I have contacted whom I felt could be trusted as
to friendship or loyalty. I certainly would not want to rest the safety of my
Nation upon members of this group under any circumstances. As the war goes
on, and if a major attack is made on California I believe acts of sabotage would
become innumerable all over the coast; also that if and when a Japanese invading
party took over California the resident Japanese, would, to say the least, not be
inconvenienced.
As noted above, quoting Mr. Kido, I think he was entirely correct when he said
that if Japanese were not better treated they were more likely to be disloyal.
However, I presume that Quisling in Norway probably felt himself misunderstood
or unappreciated in his country and certainly it is a historical fact that Benedict
Arnold felt himself unappreciated by the American Congress and so became a
traitor.
I believe the Federal Bureau of Investigation has done a great deal of good
work with respect to the Japanese, but I am confident they have found themselves
partially baffled by the noncooperative attitude of both Japanese and Japanese-
Americans on this coast. The Naval Intelligence Service, which has specialized
in the Japanese, has I believe long been handicapped both by lack of funds and
men. It is unfortunate the Japanese have apparently had ample number of
spies in this country for years, whereas we have only recently expanded our
counterespionage offices to any even reasonably fair proportions. It takes time
to get information and build up contacts and I doubt that our men have had the
time they need. I believe the general public, instead of being principally fed-up
on urging to be kind to the Japanese, should instead be fed-up on (1) while com-
mitting no act of physical violence against Japanese, (2) instantly to turn in
11264 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
every scrap of information in written form to either the Federal Bureau of Investi-
gation or the Naval Intelligence Service as promptly as possible. I think a
definite campaign of education as to what sort of information is useable would
probably produce a mass of crucial information. When I was State chairman of
the national defense for the American Legion in 1938 I offered to organize a
strictly nonpublicized committee of key legion leaders all over California to do
this, but got no encouragement.
9. One of your most difficult questions is that as to where the Japanese should
work. I would put it on this basis: If the responsible military and naval authori-
ties anticipate a serious major attempt to conquer the Pacific coast, I believe all
Japanese and Japanese- Americans should be put in concentration camps. I
cannot reiterate too often that I realize the great injustice this would work on
individuals. However, for both their sakes and ours, the first thing to do is to
see that traitors are not permitted at large.
Few Americans realize, in their emotions, that we are at war. There is a lag
in such things, and always has been I suppose.
10. Unless we amend the Constitution and prevent persons born of Japanese
parents upon American soil from becoming citizens, I see no way we can prevent
American-born Japanese owning land. However, in view of the war, I believe
control over such land should at least be put under a guardian or director who
would have a directing voice in the use of the land and its equipment. My own
conviction is that persons of Japanese ancestry cannot safely be treated as Ameri-
can citizens until at least three generations have been reared in this country. It
takes that long to get a group of nationals who believe in both emperor and
ancestor worship, and who are most rigidly bound down by family ties, to really
break loose and become Americans. When that occurs I see probabilities they
may become some of our very finest citizens. Nor do I agree with those who
think intermarriage is in the long run bad. Eventually it would seem the only
final solution of minority troubles though hard on some individuals and their
children.
Most emphatically, I believe all group restrictions should be removed as soon
as the war is over.
11. I do not know how many of our nationals have been captured by the
Japanese. I am confident none of them are getting any better treatment than
would be given in a concentration camp. For that reason I see few disadvantages
whatever in placing Japanese here in concentration camps. If Americans are
not allowed at large in Japan (not even Nisei I understand), I see no reason why
Japanese or Americans of Japanese parentage should be allowed better privileges
in this country. Of course, technically and legally, the Americans born in this
country of Japanese parentage are entitled to the same privileges as the rest of us.
It is a most awkward and embarrassing question to solve. However, in this war
emergency I would solve it on the side of protecting the United States, let the
chips fall where they may.
The above is, of course, solely my own personal viewpoint and in no way neces-
sarily implies agreement or approval by any group.
(Following are extracts from an article by Mr. Ward, written by
him after the radio broadcast mentioned above and published in
Current Life, San Francisco, Calif.:)
How Loyal Are Our Japanese-American Citizens? By Stuart Richardson
Ward
*******
Little is gained by holding such a discussion before the American public unless
it is conducted with complete frankness * * * "with all the cards on the
table, face up." A meaningless exchange of pleasantries or of mutual sympathies
may have a place somewhere, but I try never to forget that an American radio
listener has only to turn a knob to shut off such a program. He does like, how-
ever, to hear frank answers to frank questions of immediate interest. Therefore,
we centered the concluding minutes of our discussion of "How Loyal Are Our
Japanese-American citizens?" on the following questions which today are in the
minds of most citizens:
(1) To what degree are American-born Japanese still dual citizens, thus owing
official obedience and military service to both the Imperial Japanese and the
United States Governments? Why don't those who possess such citizenship get
rid of their Japanese affiliations?
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11265
(2) To what extent do, or would, Japanese-Americans cooperate with the
Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Army and Navy counter-espionage
services by giving information as to any seditious activities against the United
States? Is there any good reason why they shouldn't?
(3) Are there anywhere in the United States any Japanese- Americans who during
the past 10 years have vigorously and publicly condemned Japan's military
invasion of China, or its proposed "new order" in Asia?
Without taking sides as to the facts of the issues under discussion, I would, in
answer to the editor's request, suggest that the average patriotic American
citizen would comment on the above subjects something like this:
(1) As to dual citizenship: A citizen of the United States who is by whatever
affiliation also a citizen of, or subject to, any control by another nation, should
take immediate, energetic, and final steps, even at considerable personal incon-
venience and expense, to get rid of such confusing and suspicion-arousing foreign
ties.
(2) As to aiding the counter-espionage services of the United States to preserve
the safety and security of our country : Patriotic United States citizens believe it
of paramount importance that any citizen who knows or who has good reason to
suspect that anyone is secretly working against the safety of the United States by
giving information to, or otherwise aiding, any foreign nation, should immediately
report to the proper agencies. This question does not imply that any considerable
number of Japanese- Americans are disloyal, but everyone knows that, in all other
nations at least, there has always been a disloyal minority among immigrants or
persons of immigrant parentage.
(3) As to criticism of the Japanese Government: the Gallup and other polls
indicate Americans are overwhelmingly opposed to Japan's invasion of China and
to her efforts to gain control of other areas, particularly the Dutch East Indies,
in which the United States has vital interests. The average American citizen
unhesitatingly and vigorously expresses his resentment over Japan's violation of
the Nine-Power Pact and her other acts of aggression in a world which was trying
to live down its past.
*******
It is alleged that employers of other ancestry often will not employ Japanese-
Americans and so leave them entirely dependent for jobs on firms owned by first
generation Japanese immigrants.
Another reason advanced for lack of more enthusiastic participation in citizen-
ship was resentment against reported discriminations now in existence. Yet
another reason was reluctance to be "disloyal" to other members of the Japanese
and Japanese-American community.
While recognizing the strength and normalcy of such ties, frankly, to the average
American listener such explanations simply bear out, instead of disproving, the
prevailing suspicion that because of the injury it would do to their economic,
social and other relationships, numbers of Japanese- American population do not
(perhaps, in their own judgment, cannot) give full and whole-hearted loyalty to
the United States. In other words, in going through a discussion of this problem
we, like Omar, "came out of the same door wherein we went."
Our Japanese-American citizens find themselves members of an exceedingly
small minority isolated here and there among the 130,000,000 population of the
United States. They and many of their friends fear that their already difficult
situation may, in event of war, become more serious. Many believe the only way
to better their position in the community is for them vigorously and at any cost
to definitely cut all ties that separate them from their fellow American citizens,
that is, to wipe out all dual citizenships, to give full information regarding any
disloyal activities of which they may learn, and to unite publicly in condemning
in no uncertain terms present Japanese aggressions in Asia. Hard though this may
be, any less positive steps may be inadequate if present tension over the Pacific
Ocean eventuates in a war we all want to avoid.
Exhibit 12. — Japanese-American Loyalty to the United States
REPORT BY KARL G. YONEDA, SAN FRANCISCO DOHO CORRESPONDENT, SAN FRANCISCO,
CALIF.
February 23, 1942.
In behalf of the bay area Doho readers (about 150), I wish to state that we are
and will cooperate with the United States Government to our fullest extent.
11266 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
If it is deemed a military necessity that all Japanese nationals and American-born
Japanese should be evacuated from military areas, we are ready to go. We hope,
however, that the evacuation orders- — dates, methods, destinations, and resettle-
ment of those concerned shall be made clear to everyone to avoid confusion and
unnecessary hardships.
Impressions are being created to the public that "Once a Jap, always a Jap"
and "every Japanese in America is dangerous to national defense." General
statements such as these painting the entire Japanese race as pro-Japanese
fascists is not true and needs some explanation in defense of those who have fought
the Japanese militarist clique.
As far back as 1485, Japanese farmers in Yamakishi revolted against the tyrant
rule of Samurai (Noblemen's army) and had as their slogan "Down with
Samurai." Since Japan opened her door to western civilization, we have witnessed
many similar revolts with slogans such as "Give us three freedoms — assembly,
organization, and speech"; "Demand people's freedom"; "Free republic and
people's congress." These will show that there were and are demands for demo-
cratic institutions among the Japanese people. Since the Manchurian invasion,
in 1931, the Japanese fascist-police have imprisoned more than 5,000 workers,
farmers, students, and women for antiwar activities and an unknown number have
been executed.
The same holds true among Japanese in America. There are many Japanese
nationals and Americans of Japanese descent who have openly denounced Japan
long before December 7th and they continue to be antifacist, anti-Axis, and are
giving every aid to the United States in order to win the war. We know that
there are fifth columnists among the Japanese aliens as well as American-born
Japanese. Information on pro-Japan activities has been and is being turned over
to the proper authorities.
The Japanese weekly Doho (brotherhood) published in Los Angeles has carried
on anti-Japanese-militarist work for the past 4)£ years. The Nisei Young Demo-
cratic Club of Oakland, Japanese-American Committee for Democracy in New
York and hundreds of Japanese (American and foreign-born) members in the
American Federation of Labor and Congress for Industrial Organizations have
passed resolutions against Japanese aggression many months before Pearl Harbor.
Our loyalty is first and foremost to the United States and its democratic prin-
ciples and we are willing to make any sacrifice necessary to safeguard this country.
I hope this will help clarify some of the misinformation that has been expressed
before your committee and has appeared in the press.
Exhibit 13.— Letter to Lt. Gen. John L. DeWitt from Lincoln
Kanai, Young Men's Christian Association, Making Recom-
mendations on the Problems of Evacuations from Military
Areas
March 6, 1942.
Lt. Gen. John L. DeWitt,
Commander, Western Command Headquarters,
Presidio, Calif.
Sir: The following recommendations are submitted for your consideration in
the problems of evacuating nationality groups — -aliens and citizens — from certain
areas along the Pacific coast:
1. The order of dangerousness as announced by the western command head-
quarters should be changed to read the following:
(1) All persons who are suspected of espionage, sabotage, fifth column, or other
subversive activity.
(2) Japanese aliens.
(3) German aliens.
(4) Italian aliens.
(5) American born persons of enemy parentage.
(6) All Americans.
The order of having Americans of Japanese lineage in among the aliens is
diametrically opposed to the Constitution and the objectives of the war.
The announced classification is developing a fatalistic attitude for those who
have lived in this country and are reared through its institutions. This discrimi-
nation and permanent disaster can be remedied before a second order is issued.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11267
2. The necessity of a hearing board for aliens and citizens because even appre-
hended persons are given a fair trial. This should be done by a competent Fed-
eral agency.
3. The handicapped, old-age, bed-ridden, needy cases to remain, as well as
adequate plans for those evacuated.
4. Families with sons and husbands in service of armed service be given con-
sideration to all alien families on equal basis to remain as this has been announced
to apply only to Italians and Germans.
5. Evacuation plans to consider European experiences so that tragic mistakes
are avoided. Evacuation should be done with the objective of establishing ideal
American communities.
6. Professional students should be permitted to finish their training, (a) De-
scendants of aliens should be used to advantage realizing their abilities and train-
ing both during and after evacuation.
7. Over-all unity in alien problems are needed so that news may be directed
for the best interest of unity in human welfare. All information and news
releases pertaining to aliens to be issued through a centralized command.
8. The Federal Government to assume the total responsibility of cost of move-
ment, resettlement, and* rehabilitation of evacuees.
9. Custodianship of property so that citizens will not lose their capital assets
through evacuation or selective service draft. s
Respectfully submitted.
Lincoln Kanai,
Young Men s Christian Association.
Exhibit 14. — An Appeal in Behalf of Anti-Fascist Aliens
REPORT BY CHARLES H. TUTT, SECRETARY, SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER, MAZZINI
SOCIETY, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
The following is a short description of the conditions which have developed in
Italian liberal circles after the outbreak of the war and of the suggested remedies
for a state of affairs which obviously demands immediate and bold governmental
action.
As a consequence of the state of war between the United States and Italy, all
Italian natives, citizens, subjects, and denizens have been declared enemy aliens.
A small number, about 250, classified as dangerous, have been apprehended and,
unless cleared by the Special Board of Inquiry appointed by the Department
of Justice, will be interned for the duration of the war.
A certain number of restrictions have been imposed upon all enemy aliens,
namely :
Surrender of firearms, cameras, and short-wave radios, prohibition to.move from
place to place out of the boundaries of the city, town, or village, without permis-
sion to be applied for 1 week in advance, new registration and fingerprinting and,
after the registration, obligation to carry a special identification card.
It is understood that further measures are now being taken, to wit:
(a) Enemy aliens will be completely barred from certain districts, and if the
figures given in the press are correct, over a hundred and sixty thousand will have
to move to places in the interior, a migration which can well compare with Hitler's
and Mussolini's transfer of German-speaking populations from southern Tyrol.
(6) Enemy aliens who, having filed their first naturalization papers, were entitled
under the Selective Service Act to be drafted into the United States Army, are
now being excluded.
That a certain amount of personal inconvenience and possibly some injustice
should be inevitable at the start, when there is a war on and the safety of the
country must be the paramount consideration, is well understood and generally
accepted.
However, now, after almost 2 months, the reaction is somewhat different.
The Fascist Italian, devoted servant of his masters Hitler and Mussolini, who
has been interned, or who is going to be placed on bail or parole, knows very well
that he has received exactly what he deserves and that the measures taken by the
administration are very rightly taken in legitimate self-defense. He cannot and
presumably does not complain.
The decent Italian, who out of ignorance, stupidity or misguided feeling of
loyalty to the old country, at the bottom of his heart still hopes for a fascist vie-
11268 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
tory, though restraining from any unlawful action in this country, of which he has
sense enough to acknowledge at least the generous hospitality, realizes that his
feelings and loyalties have to be taken into account and that a country at war is
bound to protect itself not only against what the enemy in its midst actually does,
but against what he might conceivably do.
Those who are really aggrieved, those who suffer morally and materially, those
who are hurt because they deeply feel and resent the injustice done to them are
the Italian anti-Fascists, those who have devoted all their lives and efforts to the
struggle against fascism, those who have abandoned their country, their positions,
their families, those who have tried year after year to warn the world, to warn
this country, of the impending dangers of fascism, those who have tried to open
those eyes that only Pearl Harbor has finally succeeded in getting opened.
It seems incredible for these veterans of the anti-Fascist war, for this advance
patrol of the United Nations who have been the first to bear the brunt of the
totalitarian brutality, to be forced to carry the label of enemy aliens, to have to
apply for permission for moving about, and most of all to be excluded from the
armed service m the United States Army.
They are becoming day by day more demoralized and resentful. They cannot
understand that in this war, which is admittedly, not a national war in the old
sense, but is a conflict of ideas, of principles, of human and international ethics,
they should be forcibly confined to the adverse camp, while the open champions
of nazi-ism and fascism, the various Trombettas and Cirscuolos can, by simply
producing their naturalization papers, wrap themselves in the American flag
and continue undisturbed with their old activities.
The feelings of the old Italian anti-Fascists and of the refugees are even more
hurt as they are well aware that a definite clean-cut precedent exists, and if it
could be adopted in this country, the problem could be easily solved, not only
to their benefit, but to the ultimate benefit of the war effort of the United Nations.
The precedent to which reference is made was set by England in 1939, and
except for a short interruption during the days of the invasion scare, is still in
full force and effect.
When the war started, the British Government realized that a large proportion
of the so-called enemy aliens in the country, that is to say, people who were
traveling on German and Austrian passports were political, religious, and racial
refugees, and that it would have been, on one hand, profoundly unfair to consider,
brand, and treat them as aliens, and on the other hand, it would have been equally
mistaken to deprive the Nation of the services of many capable, intelligent,
trained men and women whose feelings were likely to be, at least at that time,
much more bitter against Hitler and his Nazi gang than the feelings of any
Briton in the blessed islands.
The solution was easily found and it consisted of creating in every district special
tribunals, presided over by a judge, magistrate, or lawyer of great experience,
assisted by advisors and interpreters provided by the recognized refugee organiza-
tions. These tribunals examined all enemy aliens, considered the evidence col-
lected as to their respective cases by the police, the various intelligence services,
and the refugee organizations, and according to the results of the inquiry would
classify the alien in one of the following three classes:
Class A. Reputed dangerous — Interned for the duration of the war.
Class B. Nondangerous — Presumed friendly, but not showing complete evi-
dence of democratic background and sentiments. Generally free, but subject to
certain controls and restrictions.
Class C. Definitely loyal persons — Free from whatever restrictions, except in
strictly military areas. May also be freed of this restriction upon application to
the local authorities. Class C aliens, were officially defined friendly aliens
victims of Nazi oppression. Their alien registration cards (issued to all foreigners
residing in the United Kingdom) which have been marked with a red label
"Alien enemy" were changed back into the ordinary black one of friendly aliens.
A good many of these class C aliens were subsequently admitted into the Army,
to special civil defense services, war industries, and not a single case has been
heard of a class C alien having been caught engaging in any disloyal activity.
It is realized that the terms of the problem in this country are not identical with
those of England. The number of Italians in the United States of America is
no doubt much larger than the number of Germans and Austrians in England.
The proportion of anti-Fascist exiles and of political, racial, or religious refugees
on the other hand is much smaller.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11269
The wise solution is probably this:
Boards of inquiry or tribunals should be set up, more or less along the same
lines as the English ones. Not all Italians, however, should be required to submit
their cases. The great mass of nondescript immigrants and residents, for lack of
political maturity and understanding and possibly out of fear of being accused
of disloyalty to their native land and to be made to suffer in the future, will prob-
ably accept the label of enemy aliens and will not bother to apply for an inves-
tigation and a discriminating treatment. But the anti-Fascist old guard, the
political, religious, and racial refugees from Fascist Italy, will be given a fair
chance of clearing themselves and thereupon may be classified and treated not
only as friendly aliens, but as actual active allies in this gigantic struggle which
is not only intended for the defense of American soil and ways of life but for the
restoration of justice and liberty to the conquered nations, including Italy. The
contributions they can offer are not to be calculated only in terms of men ready
to join the armed forces of the United Nations, bringing the benefit of their often
remarkable military experience, or of men who could aid in the war industry.
They could cooperate with the latent revolutionary forces in Italy and in Europe
generally ; they could work with important Italian communities in Latin America
and most of all among the Italo-American masses in this country, who after
years of subtle and persistent Fascist propaganda, need enlightenment, encourage-
ment, and inspiration if they are to be persuaded to work full heartedly for a
democratic victory.
Exhibit 15. — Hardship Cases Created by Evacuation Orders
report by minnette luckner, 1377 broadway, alameda, calif.
February 23, 1942.
In your alien investigation, some consideration should be given to those cases
where actual American citizens have through some technicality become classified
as enemy aliens. I cite below three actual cases that could be probably multiplied
by hundred — and these cases are perhaps the most tragic of all.
Case A is 72 vears old and was brought up by a pioneer California family and
was I believe a school teacher here for many years, but has been retired for some
time in her own little home in Alameda. She always took an active part in civic
affairs and was considered by all who knew her an ideal citizen. Last year when
she attempted to secure her birth certificate for some purpose she found that she
was not born in San Francisco as she always believed, but that she was born in
Germany and was brought here at the age of 1 month. Her parents had been
killed and she was brought up by an American family who did not think to tell
her she was not an American citizen. To call this woman an enemy alien or an
Axis national is ridiculous. Yet under the present law this woman has been
forced to leave her home and community where she has lived for 72 years.
Case B has been in America for about 40 years. She applied for citizenship
in 1922 and a certificate of citizenship was granted her. This certificate of
citizenship was her proudest possession, and she has done everything to live up
to her conception of a loyal American citizen. Last year for some reason or
other she chanced to show her certificate to an immigration official who told her
that it was dated on the same day that a new law went into effect raising the
requirements for citizenship and that she was not a citizen, but an alien. She
too has been forced to leave her home and her family, though in actual fact she
has fulfilled all the duties of a citizen.
Case C has been in America over 65 years. In 1885 she married an American
citizen. She had sons serving in the United States Army in 1917. She has
been a voter and taken part in all civic affairs. To all who know her she is a loyal
and blameless citizen. But her husband's naturalization papers were destroyed
over 50 years ago, and she was told if she did not have his papers she would
have to register as an alien, and wishing to do the right thing, she did register,
stating the facts at the time of her registration. If all persons who had lost their
citizenship papers had registered as aliens the Government would be very busy
with these cases alone, but there are only a few who did this, and they should not
be made to suffer for their honesty. In case C a home has already been broken up
11270 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Exhibit 16. — Letter Discussing the^Refugee Problem
Hugo D. Newhotjse,
San Francisco, Calif., February 20, 1942.
Tolan Congressional Committee,
San Francisco, Calif.
Gentlemen: Re hearings to be held by you, I desire to present the following
cases of personal interest because of relationship.
I have a cousin, an American citizen, whose wife was born in Germany. She
will be eligible for citizenship in probably a year or thereabout. The husband is
in business in San Francisco. They have a 4-year-old boy.
I have other relatives who, although German-born, have not been in Germany
for many years, most of them getting out between 1933 and 1935. They are all
German-Jewish refugees. They have all applied for American citizenship within
a very short time of their arrival in this country. So far as my relatives are con-
cerned I know that they are absolutely loyal to the American ideals. I think
this is likewise true of all German refugees, whether they be Christian or Jew,
because many German Christians were compelled to leave Germany because
of their disagreement with the Nazi ideology.
For the last 4 years I have been working with many refugees, advising with
them as to their problems, and as yet I have found no single refugee who was not
fully in accord with the American viewpoint, and all of them had filed applications
for first papers shortly after their arrival.
In addition to the refugee relatives in the United States, I have eight German
refugee relatives in England. After residence of approximately a year and an
examination by the British authorities, they were designated as "friendly aliens,"
and were granted the privilege of working, of doing volunteer fire service, and were
treated and rated practically on the same basis as a native-born Englishman.
Prior to the time that they were investigated they were not permitted to work
or to participate in any type of defense work or volunteer fire work.
Being personally interested in the question, I desire to express the following
views:
(1) That every alien be passed on by the Federal Bureau of Investigation or
some other appropriate body, and if there is the slightest doubt as to their loyalty,
that they be interned.
(2) If, after investigation, it is concluded that they are American in thought
and action, that they be classified similar to the British system, as friendly aliens,
and be treated accordingly.
If it is your desire I am willing to appear and explain the matter at greater length.
Yours very truly,
H. D. Newhouse.
Exhibit 17. — Report by San Francisco Committee for Service to
Emigres (Federation of Jewish Charities) San Francisco,
Calif.
In response to the invitation of the Tolan congressional committee, the San
Francisco Committee for Service to Emigres (an organization set up to help in the
economic and social adjustment of refugees from foreign countries) is herewith
submitting factual data concerning the German and Italian refugees in the northern
California area.
We recognize that the safety of the country must be the paramount considera-
tion in determining what measures should be taken in connection with the enemy
alien problem. But we have confidence that the authorities wish to afford fair
treatment to all concerned and will be guided by relevant infofmation.
We wish to emphasize that the facts and conclusions presented are not limited
to any particular group, but are set forth in the interest of all refugees.
By the term "German and Italian refugees" as here used, we refer to those
persons forced to leave Germany or Italy since the accession of the' Nazi or Fascist
regime because of extreme discrimination and persecution by these governments.
The number of such refugees in northern California now totals 5,000, of whom
3,500 are located in San Francisco and the rest scattered throughout the area
down to Santa Barbara County. A large majority of these people came to the
United States and to California since November 1938 when there was widespread
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11271
riotin"- throughout Germany, following the assassination of a German official in
For an appreciation of the attitude of the refugee toward the German and
Italian Governments, and in order to make clear that they should not be classified
as alien enemies, it is essential to review certain of the outstanding measures
taken by the governments against the groups in question.
Germany. — When Hitler came to power in 1933, there began a reign of religious
persecution leveled first against Jews and later against Protestants and Catholics.
There were anti-Jewish boycotts throughout Germany, destruction of property,
denial of the right to police protection, the exclusion of professional men and
women from academic institutions, and dismissal of those holding public and
quasi-public positions. Subsequently, assets were blocked and business and
other property confiscated by a variety of Government decrees. On November
12, 1938, a fine of 1 billion Reichsmarks was imposed on the Jews of Germany as
a result of the assassination of a German official in Paris. On November 16,
1938, children of this group were excluded completely from German schools,
both public and private. In January 1939 decrees were issued forbidding Jews
to participate in business and trade. Finally, under the Reich's Nationality Act
of November 5, 1941, all Jews residing abroad were deprived of their citizenship.
In 1939, the Nazi terror against religious groups spread to the Protestants,
and as a phase of this persecution, the Reverend Martin Niemueller was sent to
a concentration camp. At about the same time Catholic churches were stoned
and priests and nuns mistreated. Last, all properties of the Christian Science
churches were confiscated and practitioners and lay leaders of this faith im-
prisoned.
In addition to the disabilities above-mentioned, members of the groups in
question have been discriminated against in a hundred and one ways. For
example, those still remaining in Germany receive short food rations and may
not purchase at regular hours. Thousands have been forced into compulsory
labor service and large numbers have spent varying periods in concentration
camps. Every member of this group who was able to leave Germany has done
so; at present only 180,000 remain in Germany proper as compared with approxi-
mately 600,000 who were there in 1933.
Italy. — The same sequence of oppression and discrimination developed in Italy
after November 15, 1938, beginning with the royal decree depriving Jews of
positions in educational institutions. Subsequently, members of this group were
not permitted to enroll in any Italian educational institutions. They were
deprived of all civil and military positions. Finally, certificates of Italian citi-
zenship which had been granted to foreign Jews after January 1, 1919, were
revoked.
What sort of people are the refugees. — These persons have all been admitted as
regular immigrants under the rigid procedure of the Federal Government which
has been particularly selective during the last decade. They have had to undergo
severe scrutiny by our consular agents abroad as to moral character, general
integrity and reputation in the communities from which they came.
Practically no refugee who came to the United States since 1933 has become a
public charge. It is of interest that although a large proportion of these persons
were formerly professional and businessmen and skilled workers, they have
accepted without question any type of employment in order to become self-
sustaining.
Considerable data is at hand showing that a number of refugees have created
new enterprises, giving employment to a large number of American workers and
that they are contributing new processes, new skills and new production to this
country.
Information available for the northern California area indicates that there has
been practically no crime or juvenile delinquency among the refugee population
during all these years.
(Attached to this statement are short significant case histories which have
been chosen at random from the files of the organization.)
What is the attitude of the refugees toward the United States. — One objective
measure is the avidity with which the refugees apply for citizenship. Almost
all sought their first papers immediately upon legal admission to the country.
Another indication of the eagerness with which refugees have sought to become
integrated into American life is their universal attendance at Americanization
and English classes, established by the public schools and by various other
•community facilities.
11272 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Aliens of enemy nationalities prior to the declaration of war were subject to
draft regulations. Hundreds of refugees throughout the country are now serving
with the United States armed forces.
Refugees in large numbers have volunteered for service to the local civilian
defense organizations to aid in the protection of their new homeland.
Conclusion. — It should be apparent that the German and Italian refugees,
who have come to the United States since 1933, should not be classified as "enemy
aliens" in any correct sense of the term. They were persecuted almost beyond
human endurance in the countries from which they came, their properties were
confiscated, their basic human rights violated, their citizenship canceled. All
refugees now in the United States are "stateless," they have been disowned by
the countries from which they came. Obviously they have every reason to abhor
the German and Italian Governments which despoiled them and drove them out,
and contrarywise, they have every reason to love and to serve the United States
which offered them sanctuary and an opportunity to live again as freemen.
Specific policies and procedures for dealing with the broad problem of the
enemy alien must, of course, be dictated by military considerations. But the
facts indicate that it is not necessary nor fair, nor in the best interests of the
country to deal en masse with foreign nationals.
It should be possible to set up some practical mechanism through creation of
boards, under such supervision or direction as may be deemed wise or necessary
from the standpoint of military necessities, which boards could quickly determine
the aliens of doubtful loyalty.
From all the facts available it is reasonable to conclude that the incidence of
disloyalty among the refugee group is just as negligible as in the general American
population.
It is suggested that after due hearing and investigation, those who are recognized
as being beyond suspicion, should be removed from the enemy alien classifica-
tion.
THESE ARE TYPICAL BEFUGEE CASES TAKEN AT RANDOM FROM THE FILES OF THIS
ORGANIZATION
Mr. C., 51 years, German, attorney at law, became judge of municipal court
in Frankfort/M. in 1927. Served for 7 years. Afterward worked as journalist.
In 1937 was arrested for insult to the Black Corps, S. S. Troup Journal; imprisoned
4 months. Emigrated to the United States in 1938. Came to San Francisco,
1939. His wife is a dietitian. The couple is operating a moderately successful
boarding house. Mr. O. supplements the family's income by working as book-
binder and radio script writer. He is about to begin work as cemetery caretaker.
The L. familv is a young German couple. Mr. L., an attorney, with experience
in banking and export business. "Aryanization" of German industry forced
Mr. L. to leave his position. They arrived in San Francisco in 1938. Mr. L.
secured a position with a local export firm. Mrs. L. became a domestic worker.
Most of the family earnings were set aside to assist their relatives to come to
United States. Mrs. L.'s parents are in United States now. Her brother was
seized by the Nazis and shot. Mrs. L. trained herself for office work and is now
holding a clerical position.
Dr. O. became a professor of the University of Venice at the age of 29. W hen
his career in Italv terminated because of restrictive laws against his race, his emi-
gration to the United States was made possible through kindness of an American
schoolmate on basis of a temporary position with a private college. When this
position terminated in 1940, an opportunity arose to edit an Italian program for
one of the local radio stations. Because of his anti-Fascist beliefs, Dr. O. was
found to be valuable to the radio station in exposing the fifth-column activities
of Axis Nations in the United States.
The N. familv came from Italy in June 1940. They have four children; the
youngest was born in San Francisco. Mr. N. had been very successful in Milan
where he managed a toy factory and exported his product to all parts of Europe
and South America. His life here at first was handicapped by poor command
of English and a serious illness. He is in good health at the present time and his
English is greatlv improved. He created his own business, which consists of
buying and selling used cardboard boxes. He has an excellent business reputa-
tion and the familv is now completely self-supporting.
Mr. S. came to San Francisco in 1939 with his wife and young daughter. He
had been owner and manager of a large bedding and mattress business in Ger-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11273
many. Through his own efforts Mr. S. was able to open a small furniture and
bedding store in a small town. Within a year Mr. S. opened a second store
He was on the point of buying a house and opening a third store when his town
was included in the recently declared "prohibited zone." Mr. S. returned to San
Francisco, prepared to begin all over again. Through the help of friends, he has
just secured a position as a learner in a San Francisco mattress factory.
Dr. S, formerly a prominent physician in Germany, was deprived of the right
to practice medicine there. All the possessions of the family were confiscated.
They came to San Francisco where for several years they subsisted on the barest
necessities, while Dr. S served his internship and took the State board examina-
tion. Since 1940 Dr. S has again been able to practice and is now supporting
his family.
Mr. X was a director of a large chain of department stores. The Nazis
"Aryanized" his business and sent him to a concentration camp. Subsequently,
he was released and the family came to San Francisco where with the benefit of "a
small loan they opened a small cosmetic establishment. Mr. X left the enterprise
in the competent hands of his wife, and secured a position as night watchman to
earn living expenses for the family during the development of the business.
The A's consist of a couple and three children. Mr. A's family had been large
woolen goods manufacturers for over a century. Mr. A was manager of the mills
which employed 500 workers. He was a highly respected man in his community,
president of his church and of the local welfare agency. The Nazis forced him to
sell his business after which he was arrested and thrown into a concentration camp.
He was fortunate in being able to leave Germany in 1938. He is now working as
a salesman in a men's haberdashery store in a small neighboring city.
The T family came from western Germany where Mr. T was a successful com-
mission merchant. His business was taken away from him. The T's came to
San Francisco in 1940. Mrs. T developed a modest dressmaking trade. Because
of Mr. T's advanced age he was glad to accept anything available within his
physical ability; he is now employed as a news vender.
The E family, consisting of a mother and two children, came from Germany in
the winter of 1940, after a hazardous journey via Shanghai. While in Shanghai,
and under tremendous handicaps, Mrs. E was able to earn a livelihood for her
family by manufacturing gloves. Soon after admission to the United States,
Mrs. E and her daughter earned their livelihood by working as domestics. One
of the children went to school and worked as a newspaper delivery boy after school
hours. The father is still in Shanghai; the family could not come together because
Mr. E could not find a guarantor in this country. The mother and her two
children are helping Mr. E in Shanghai and sending some small sums of money
to a relative in a camp in southern France.
Mr. and Mrs. O are natives of Neuremberg, one of the centers of Nazi activity.
Mr. O was a well known distributor of wines and spirits, doing business in every
important country in Europe. After the confiscation of their fortune and much
suffering at the hands of their fellow townsmen, the O's arrived in San Francisco
in December 1939. Despite their former social station, Mrs. O gladly accepted
a position as housekeeper and Mr. O as a doorman in a San Francisco hotel.
The U family, consisting of husband, wife, and two children, left Germany in
1938 when their prosperous freight-forwarding business and all their assets were
confiscated. They went to Denmark where another son was born. Foreseeing
the Nazi invasion of their new refuge, the U's, after obtaining the necessary
credentials, made their way through Russia, Siberia, and Japan and finally
arrived in San Francisco. Once here Mr. U with complete disregard of the
difficulties in the way of a change from a sedentary occupation to one of heavy
physical labor, went into warehouse work, since this was the only available
opportunity to earn a living.
Exhibit 18. — Refugees From Axis Countries
report by monroe e. deutsch, vice president and provost, university of
california, berkeley, calif.
March 7, 1942.
In connection with the inquiries which the committee under your chairmanship
is making with reference to the problem of aliens and their possible evacuation
from the area along the Pacific coast, I am happy to express certain views which I
hold very strongly with reference to German and Italian emigrees.
11274 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
It is, I am sure, needless to say that any person, German, Italian, or even
American, who in the slightest acts as an agent for one of the Axis Powers and is
guilty of fifth-column activities or sabotage, should be immediately dealt with,
and dealt with most vigorously.
It must not be forgotten, however, that of the German emigrees who have come
to us since Hitler made himself master of Germany, the vast majority have either
been driven out of Germany or fled from it on account of political or religious rea-
sons. Many of these unfortunates fled from Germany to other countries, e. g.,
Czechoslovakia or Austria. When these countries fell, they fled to France; on its
fall they sought to make their way to this country, hailing it as a land of asylum.
Many of them have suffered irreparable hardships; they have been in concentra-
tion camps; they have been beaten; members of their families have been murdered
or have committed suicide; their properties were taken away; their opportunities
to continue their life work were destroyed. In short, their lives were practically
wrecked. They then came to us and amid the greatest difficulties they have
endeavored to build up new lives. They are willing to do anything. I know of one
man, a lawyer in Germany, who presses neckties.
To drive these people from their newly made homes and the occupations which
they have finally been able to attain; to knock down, as it were, the slender scaf-
folding of a new life would be a tragedy and I feel convinced that if it were to take
place it would result in a large number of suicides. Indeed, one of these emigrees
said to me: "Life has been so hard on us, we have had so many trials that we could
not stand having to endure evacuation which would mean a destruction of all that
we have attained in this land. My wife and I would resort to pistols."
On the campus of the University of California we have 11 Germans teaching;
of these 11, 8 are refugees from Hitlerism on racial, religious, or political grounds.
They have, of course, lost their German citizenship through expatriation but are
regarded as Germans in the eyes of our law. In each case wo feel convinced of the
loyalty of these men to our form of life. The other 3 Germans are not technically
refugees, but all are clearly enemies of Hitlerism and what it stands for.
We have also two Italians on our faculty, both of whom are refugees from the
Fascist regime on religious and political grounds.
It is needless to point out the loss that American scholarship would sustain
if these persons were to be removed from their university connections. Obviously,
in their cases, their work in any real sense would be ended by severance from a
higher educational institution.
Let me give you one or two illustrations of the group. We have a physician
who is an instructor of medicine in our medical school. He is an Italian and was
for some 3 years (1933-36) director and chief of staff at the American Hospital of
Florence, but he lost this post because of his anti-Fascist opinions. I understand
that there are in this country Americans who were patients of his in Florence and
who can vouch for the fact that he lost his position because he was hostile to
fascism. He is also Jewish and is an emigree from his native land. The family
is a most cultivated one. The daughter is a student at the University of Cal-
ifornia; the son is employed in a bank in San Francisco. His coming to our medical
school was through Dean Langley Porter who recognized his high ability as well
as his splendid character and personality and felt that it would be an asset to
add such a person to our staff.
In another case we have a member of the faculty of the medical school who
is himself Jewish but his wife is not. They endeavored to force her to divorce her
husband and she would then have been free to remain in Germany. She refused
to do so and together they came here. Curiously enough, this man is a citizen
of Germany though born in Grodno, formerly Russia, now Poland. Both of his
parents are Russians.
There is also the case of a distinguished physicist who was a member of the
faculty of the University of Berlin. When Hitler took over, he went to Brussels
where" on account of his eminent standing he was made a professor at the uni-
versity. The Germans took over Brussels, and one day as he was walking along
the street the police intercepted him and informed him that he must come
to the station to have his papers looked after. He did so and was whisked
away to a concentration camp in southern France. Eventually he was able to
make his way out. He came to this country where his high scholarship was known
and recognized.
We have also many students who are German and Italian emigrees. Amid
the greatest of difficulties owing to language, unfamiliarity with our conditions,
and, above all, economic difficulties, they are making their way and training
themselves for useful lives in this country.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11275
I am sure I need not convince you or your colleagues, that none of us can feel
the bitter hatred of nazi-ism or fascism that these people do who have suffered
so cruelly at the hands of the totalitarian regimes.
I am sure, too, that knowing the loyal ones we would be able through their
assistance to ferret out any who may be disguising themselves as refugees but
are not. A few days ago a young man was in my office sho said that he suspected
that a certain person masquerading as a refugee was not what he claimed to be,
and asked me what to do. I advised him to go immediately to the Federal Bureau
of Investigation and report the situation.
It is my sincere hope that in the interest of justice and the maintenance in the
hearts of" these unfortunates of confidence in the fairness of our country, your
committee may propose a method by which exceptions from the evacuation order
will be granted to, such persons as those that I have described.
Exhibit 19. — Text of a Radio Address given by Hon. Ralph
L. Carr, Governor of Colorado, on February 28, 1942
People of Colorado:
In answer to the call of our country, Colorado has done everything in her power
to uphold the hands of our national leaders in carrying on the battle for humanity,
for liberty, and for civilization. Our people have sent their dearest possessions
to the ten or a dozen battle fronts where the Stars and Stripes are leading in the
fight on savagery, paganism, and the world-wide imposition of servitude upon
freemen.
Today, because of a lack of information and perhaps also because of an unhappy
interpretation which has been placed upon certain rumors, Colorado as a State is
threatened with a charge of a disinclination to cooperate in essential war efforts.
A suspicion of a lack of patriotism which is not deserved and which cannot be
permitted to go unanswered has been raised.
A few weeks ago rumors came that alien residents of the Pacific Coast States
of Japanese origin were to be evacuated and perhaps 3,500 would be sent to
Colorado. From some unidentified source came another suggestion, probably
born of unfriendly propaganda parentage, that California was attempting to
dump a bothersome problem into Colorado's lap. The first inclination of every
Coloradan was one of resentment.
There was a feeling that we did not want enemy aliens within our borders
who might acquire property rights, who might compete with Colorado labor, and
whose presence would be a constant menace and threat to our peaceful conditions
of life.
Acting on this impulse, many persons voiced a protest by mail, by telegraph,
and, in some instances, through statements in the daily press. Colorado has been
placed in a peculiar and an embarrassing light. An official request has been made
for a survey of our facilities for harboring aliens of all classes — Italians, Germans,
and Japanese. Last week a Presidential order was issued directing the establish-
ment of military zones in the United States, from which any person can be excluded.
Clearly, this refers specifically to the west coast.
In the hope that I may assist in clarifying the situation by establishing our
position toward this and other national problems and our patriotism and sincerity
of purpose, this announcement is made. Colorado must never be charged with a
failure to cooperate in the gravest moment of our Nation's history.
Three months ago no American dreamed that the Japanese or any other people
could dominate the Pacific by force of arms. Today many strongholds, including
the Gibraltar of the East, of Singapore, have fallen. Our own ships, our own air
forces, our own Army have suffered severe losses. The blood of American soldiers
stains the soil of nearly every island in the Far East.
Tonight, as Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his glorious band of Americans and
Filipinos set new records for bravery and resourcefulness in the Bataan Peninsula
in the face of terrific odds, we have finally come to guess the seriousness of the
situation. The enemy controls the very conduct of life in every corner of the
world since it has seized the countries where essential raw materials are produced.
There can be no question that the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the Philippines
wore aided by fifth columnists. The potency of that evil organization has been
proved in every European country which has fallen, exemplified by the desertion
of France, as Winston Churchill described it, and the rape of Norway and the
60396— 42— pt. 29 21
11276 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
rest. The overthrow of any nation is assured when the approach of an attacking
force is made smooth and paved by subversive activities within.
Along the Pacific coast there are thousands of persons who are not friendly to
those things which we call American. The wire for the survey suggests that they
are Germans, Italians, and Japanese. Only Monday night of this week the beauti-
ful country surrounding Santa Barbara in southern California was attacked by an
enemy submarine which came to the surface and hurled shells at a great supply
of gasoline. The enemy has become so confident that he knocks at the very front
door of one of the great cities of the world and attacks the mainland of the United
States.
Military strategists say that if Java falls, then Australia will constitute the only
barrier between California and the enemy. Fifth columnists — our enemies — are
within signaling distance of any plane, any battleship, any submarine which
approaches our coast. Attacks similar to that one of Monday night, fraught
with infinitely more serious consequences, are to be expected any minute.
And if Australia, New Zealand, Java, and Sumatra fall, we know what the next
move will be. We will be put to it to protect our shore line from Canada to
Mexico against the most aggressive, the most effective, the most dangerous war
machine that has ever been assembled. The defense of California is the defense
of Colorado, of the United States of America, of the cause of the United Allies.
It is the defense of the very future of that civilization which we value above
everything else.
If those who command the armed forces of our Nation say that it is necessary
to remove any persons from the Pacific coast and call upon Colorado to do her
part in this war by furnishing temporary quarters for those individuals, we stand
ready to carry out that order. If any enemy aliens must be transferred as a war
measure, then we of Colorado are big enough and patriotic enough to do our duty.
We announce to the world that 1,118,000 red-blooded citizens of this State are
able to take care of 3,500 or any number of enemies, if that be the task which is
allotted to us.
When our boys are facing thousands of them along the battle fronts of the Pacific,
when Americans are being cut down by the withering fire of machine guns, when
our ships are sunk by treacherous planes while their diplomats sue for peace,
when our very shores are shelled by submarines, Colorado will not complain
because she is asked to take care of a handful of undesirables whose presence on
the coast might prove the difference between successful invasion and the saving
of our country.
We do not welcome any enemy aliens from any country into this State. But,
by the same token, we do not rejoice that our boys are conscripted. We find
no happiness in the daily casualty lists which we scan for familiar names with
fear and trepidation. We do not glory in the fact that we have been drawn into
the most terrible warfare that mankind has ever invented. There is no pleasure
in the sacrifice of great industries and the surrender of private rights for the good
of the Nation. In fact, there is nothing connected with this war which renders
it desirable. But as patriots, as Americans, as Coloradans, we say to the world,
and we say to our leaders, Colorado will do her part and more.
The people of Colorado are giving their sons, are offering their possessions,
are surrendering their rights and privileges to the end that this war may be
fought to victory and permanent peace. If it is our duty to receive disloyal
persons, we shall welcome the performance of that task.
This statement must not be construed as an invitation, however. Only be-
cause the needs of our Nation dictate it, do we even consider such an arrangement.
In making the transfers, we can feel assured that governmental agencies will
take every precaution to protect our people, our defense projects, and our property
from the same menace which demands their removal from those sections. And
in this connection I think it is only fair for us to ask in the placement of evacuees
that local conditions and the needs of our communities be consulted. Sources
of water supply, timber growth, and essential industrial activities should be
considered. The protection of wildlife is a major concern in Colorado.
For an understanding of the reasons for the possible evacuation of such enemy
aliens, let us hear a story told by an American, a Colorado girl now living in
Hawaii. She witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor. She saw the awful results of
those unbelievable assassinations. Many planes, manned by Japanese pilots,
were shot down by the American antiaircraft guns. And the bodies of those
pilots shout a warning which we cannot ignore. And when the break came,
when Japan loosed its attack on Pearl Harbor, the rings and insignia of the
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11277
graduating classes of high schools and colleges of the islands and the Pacific coast
of the United States were found on the fingers of many of the Japanese pilots who
fell under American gunfire. All of these educated Japanese are not pilots,
however. All of them are not confined to the city of Tokyo. Nor do they
constitute all of the people who dislike Americans and America. They are to be
found wherever there are Japanese, Italians, and Germans — and particularly in
California.
In justice and fairness, let us pause here to speak a word in behalf of loyal
German, Italian, and Japanese citizens who must not suffer for the activities and
animosities of others. In Colorado there are thousands of men and women and
children — in the Nation there are millions of them — who, by reason of blood only,
are regarded by some people as unfriendly. They are as loyal to American insti-
tutions as you or I. Many of them have been born here — are American citizens,
with no connection with or feeling of loyalty toward the customs and philosophies
of Italy, Japan, or Germany.
The world's great melting pot is peopled by the descendants of every nation in
the globe. It is not fair for the rest of us to segregate the people from one or two
or three nations and to brand them as unpatriotic or disloyal regardless.
The coming of these evacuees will, of necessity, give rise to social problems, to
business and labor questions, and similar vexing issues. But surely we possess
the brains, the resources, the solid American character which will enable us to
solve those problems properly and intelligently.
People of Colorado, let us remember that we have a job to do. Answers
which would be correct under ordinary circumstances do not apply when all
conditions are changed. We are at war. We must realize that.
Let us approach these social and economic problems with a new attitude of
mind. Let us get that job done as quickly as possible, so that our boys may
come home and we may return to our American way of life.
Men of Colorado, if MacArthur and a handful of men can hold off hundreds of
thousands of Japanese under the conditions which they face, we can control the
conduct of any little group which may be sent to Colorado.
And, finally, I urge upon the people the danger of inflammatory statements
and threats against these unwelcome guests. The newspapers report that some
aroused citizens have threatened force against the approach of undesirables.
In my presence, the other morning, a young man in uniform quoted a superior as
favoring the firing squad as the solution of this problem.
Such reckless statements may bring reactions which we shall always regret.
Let it be understood that such conduct is not approved by the code of humanity.
Americans have too great a sense of fair play. Let it also be known that we do
not hold all the cards and that reprisals would be visited upon our own soldiers,
officers, and citizens who will be taken prisoner before this is over.
Let us consider ourselves as part of a great army, engaged in the most righteous
war in history. No good soldier interferes with the activities of his superiors.
People of Colorado, let us all be good soldiers. Let us accept the fortunes of
war with heads up. This is a solemn affair. We must approach it in that attitude
of mind.
Exhibit 20. — Statement on Problfm of German-Jewish Refu-
gees by Mr. Edward Schreiber, February 25, 1942
First we want to state that we refugees from Nazi Germany are ready to accept
everything as a necessity what the Government of the United States of America
will decree about our future.
But we want to make clear our position. We are the first victims of agression.
We are in this war since 1933. We have lost our positions, our fortune, our
homes, everything. Our parents and relatives who had no opportunity to leave
Germany die in Nazi concentration camps in Poland. We do not see any reason
why we should help the Axis Powers. Only a lunatic could do so. We really
are not "enemy" aliens. We took out our first citizen papers. We are not long
enough in this country to be admitted to citizenship.
Our resettlement in the United States of America is very difficult. Mostly we
were businessmen, lawyers, doctors, professional men. Only a few could work in
their own line. Almost every one of us had to change his occupation. We cannot
go in competition with Americans who enjoyed the usual school education and
have an American background. We are handicapped because either we have
11278 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
language difficulties or we did not lose our accent, although we did everything to
overcome this handicap.
It would be a great hardship for us if we had to move to another State. Here
some of us have relatives who secured them jobs; we have made friends in San
Francisco who assisted us in finding occupations; some of us have opened own
enterprises with the last money they could get out of Germany.
To start in a new place would be extremely hard. From the beginning we would
be suspicious as enemies. The "alien" question would be brought to parts of the
country where it never existed before. We could not make a living and would
become a public charge. It always was our pride to be self-supporting. Especi-
ally for the elederly people it would be very hard.
We know that in these times everyone has to make a sacrifice. We know that
our sacrifices are nothing in comparison with the sacrifices the soldiers have to
bring and the people of the United States of America. But our sacrifice would be
of no use.
We like to do everything in our power to assist our new fatherland. Many of
us have enlisted for civil defense. We do not want any preference. We want
only one thing — not to be classified as enemies of this great Nation. We know
that without freedom and democracy the human race could not exist. We want
as future citizens to do our share in these times and make America win the war.
Exhibit 21. — The Jewish Refugee and the Enemy Alien Problem
report by rabbi s. p. wohlgelernter, 104 seventeenth street, seattle, wash.
March 3, 1942.
The writer both as a citizen of this country and as a rabbi of the Jewish com-
munity felt the duty to be present at the public hearings conducted yesterday,
and, inasmuch as I felt my civic duty to refrain from participating in the public
hearing so as to save the time of the committee, I feel it is my sacred obligation to
submit this memorandum with the hope that it receives due consideration.
Needless for me to say that I am interested in the entire problem from the
social point of view and all its implications, but having faith in the true spirit of
the American attitude of fair play on the part of the authorities, and considering
also that this is an emergency period in the history of our country, I am not enter-
ing into a discussion of the social obligations toward all those who found a haven
of refuge in our country. I will leave this with confidence in the authorities. But,
having worked for the past few years with the Washington Emigre Bureau, Inc.,
which is the local affiliate of the National Refugee Service, Inc., and the Hebrew
Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society, I have come in contact with hundreds of
the refugees who came here either through Japan or from New York directly.
Together with my colleagues in the work, I have endeavored to learn first of the
background of those who came here to be resettled: secondly, their attitudes to-
ward this country. I have been privileged to be intimate, very closely intimate,
with a large number of these families. In my capacity as a rabbi I have continued
this interest by visiting often their homes and looking after the welfare of a large
number of them.
I can truthfully testify that of the hundreds of German-Jewish refugees who
have been resettled here, there is not one who is not ready to bring sacrifices
for this country, both as future citizens of the country, and also as a spirit of
gratitude to our United States of America, for the privilege accorded to them
to become part of this great country and its population. They certainly realize
that at this period of emergency in the history of our country, every obligation
placed upon the individual by the authorities must and should be fulfilled to
the limit. There is, however, one aspect in this attempt by the authorities to
place them in the category of suspicion of subversive activities to this country
which I from my intimate knowledge of them feel to be unjustified. They are
almost in total a group who suffered as the victims of Nazi-ism from the very
beginning and advance of the Hitler regime. They, in fact, were the heroes
of the "Pearl Harbors" of Europe who experienced the treacherous assault upon
the democratic way of life and the democratic ideals of humanity. Since then
they have been denied citizenship of their former country. They are now con-
sidered stateless people. Their ariival in the United States was the first oppor-
tunity for them to breathe again the spirit of freedom in this country.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11279
These people are thankful to the Government and to the democratic institu-
tions of this country for this privilege. They are not, and should not be. suspected
of doing something' contrary to the very spirit of our country and its institutions.
If there is any doubt about the possibilities of the infiltration of subversive
elements in the disguise of refugees made by the Hitler regime for the purpose
of carrying out espionage and sabotage in this country, it is not within the spirit
of American fair play to accuse that loyal group as a whole.
A method must be found to give the opportunity to each and every individual
of those people to establish by virtue of background and activity since their
arrival that they are loyal to this country and that there is no danger of them
being in an area such as ours. Fuithermore, they live here in a small number
as a closelv knit group with the watching eyes of the leadership of the community
and those who are interested in their rehabilitation. There is almost a certainty
that the police or other Government authorities can scrutinize easily every
movement of every individual of this group without forcing the Government
to take measures which may completely destroy their chances of further rehabili-
tating themselves and becoming assimilated in this country's life.
I therefore make the following concrete suggestion that tribunals be set up
to investigate each individual case and upon proper testimony of local leaders
and the examinations of their background in their former country to establish
whether or not that individual may justifiably be suspected of any danger or
threat to our country. Such a procedure will give an opportunity to our auth-
orities to establish beyond the question of a doubt whether or not that individual
should be uprooted from this aiea and destroy the chances for his or her, or the
family's, rehabilitation. This will be in the spirit of fairness as the tradition of
our country which has always accorded to the individual the right to prove his
innocence before he is declared guilty.
Exhibit 22. — Status of Descendants of Nationals of Axis
Countries With the California State Personnel Board
California State Personnel Board,
Sacramento, Calif., March 10, 1942.
Tolan Congressional Committee,
San Francisco, Calif.
Gentlemen: This is in response to your verbal request of March 5 and your
letter of March 6 requesting information concerning the State employment status
of descendants of nationals of countries with which the United States is at war.
The State personnel board is charged with the responsibility of administering
the merit system for California State employees. At this time there are approxi-
mately 27,000 employees within this system. The major State agencies not
included in the systernare the University of California, the State colleges, the State
prisons, the State judiciary, and the railroad commission.
On January 17, 1942, the State Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 15 relative to the loyalty of employees of the State of California. The resolu-
tion was adopted by the Slate assembly on January 18, 1942. A copy of this
resolution is attached. You will see that the resolution requested the State
personnel board to protect the State service against the employment of persons who
are not loyal to the United States.
Consideration of this resolution by the personnel board was set for January
28, 1942. At that time State Senators John Harold Swan and Jack Metzger
and Legislative Counsel Fred B. Wood appeared and discussed the resolution and
possible means that might be taken by the personnel board to comply with the
request contained in it. The minutes of this meeting of the personnel board
have not as yet been approved by the board; however, the proposed minute item
covering this action is as follows:
"Item 41: Senators John Harold Swan and Jack Metzger, and Fred Wood,
legislative counsel, appeared in a discussion of Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 15. It was moved by Senator Christian, seconded by Mr. Sperbeck, that
the acting executive officer be instructed not to certify from existing State
eligible lists for State employment any person or persons who are citizens, natural-
11280 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
ized citizens, or native-born citizens who are descendants of nationals with whom
the United States is at war until an investigation has been made of their citizen-
ship and loyalty to the United States; and that a similar investigation be made of
such applicants for State examination prior to acceptance of their applications
to compete in future State examinations; and that it be ascertained whether or not
funds could be obtained for a similar investigation of such persons who are at
present employed by the State. The question being on the adoption of the motion,
ayes — Messrs. Sperbeck, Lutgens, Brown, Christian, and Mallary. Motion
carried."
While the board's action applies to all naturalized citizens or native-born
citizens who are descendants of nationals of countries with which we are now at
war, our available facilities were not sufficient to undertake the action on such a
large scale. As a matter of expediency, therefore, it was necessary to take a piece-
meal approach to the matter by starting action on those persons whose names
readily identified them as coming within the scope of the board's action. We
therefore have taken action so far only on those persons of Japanese ancestry.
The following actions of general application to all persons of Japanese ancestry
have been taken to date:
1. The examination applications of such persons have been received but not
processed pending the investigation of their loyalty to the Government of the
United States and to the State of California. As yet it has not been possible to
investigate any of these cases (approximately 85) ; therefore, the applications are
still being held in abeyance.
2. The names of such persons on eligible lists are not being certified to State
agencies for appointment pending investigation of their loyalty (approximately
400 individuals). Also, persons whose names were on certifications outstanding
at the time of the board's action were withdrawn. To all such persons a question-
naire has been sent as a first step in an investigation as to their loyalty.
3. All such persons now employed in civil service and exempt positions (exclu-
sive of the University of California) have also been sent a questionnaire as the
first step in an investigation of their loyalty.
It would appear at this time that any actions which may be directed against
permanent civil service employees will have to be taken under the regular section
of the Civil Service Act that establishes the procedure by which permanent civil
service employees may be dismissed from the service. In general this procedure
requires the filing of charges, the filing of an answer by the defendant, and the
holding of a public hearing. A copy of these provisions of the act is enclosed.
The questionnaire, we believe, will supply information which can constitute the
basis for a more extensive investigation in such cases as the board deems necessary.
Questionnaires were sent to some 314 employees in the service. With a few
minor exceptions all of these persons are employed in clerical positions. The
geographical distribution of these employees is as follows:
Sacramento and central California 219
San Francisco and coastal area 46
Los Angeles and southern California 49
On March 3, 1942, the board of equalization suspended all employees of their
agency of Japanese ancestry, pending the filing of charges for dismissal. Ap-
proximately 21 employees were included in this action. On March 5, 1942, the
State personnel board'also suspended, pending the filing of charges for dismissal,
the 14 employees on our staff of Japanese ancestry. These two agencies are the
only State offices that have taken this action to date.
If there is any additional information you desire on this subject, I shall be
glad to supply it upon your request.
Yours very truly,
William K. Smith,
Acting Executive Officer.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11281
[Amended in assembly January 17, 1942]
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 15
introduced by senators swan and metzger january 17, 1942, without refer-
ence to committee
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 15 — Relative to loyalty of employees of the State of
California
Whereas during times of war it is particularly important that all employees of
the State of California be loyal to the United States and to the State; and
[Whereas it appears that there are many employees of the State of California
who are children of enemy aliens, whose fathers are in some cases members of the
military forces of nations at war with the United States; and
[Whereas while our own boys are engaged in the armed forces of the United
States the State civil service is becoming filled with persons of questionable
loyalty who will be in a position to do irreparable injury to our country: Now,
therefore, be it]
Whereas it appears that there are employees of the State of California who may
possess dual citizenship; and
Whereas it appears that many Stale civil service lists are almost completely filled
with the names of children of enemy alien nationals who may not have renounced their
dual citizenship: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring,
That, the State personnel board be requested to take every proper means to pre-
vent anyone securing a position on the eligible list of the State civil service or
from being certified to a civil service position in the State service who is not loyal
to the United States and to further make such rules as may be necessary to provide
for the dismissal from the service of such persons as may be proved to be disloyal
to the United States of America in this present war.
Excerpt From California State Civil Service Act
Sec. 173. (a) The tenure of every permanent employee holding a position shall
be during good behavior, but any such person may be removed, demoted, sus-
pended, reprimanded, or otherwise disciplined, under a procedure in conformity
with the provisions of this act which shall be set up by the board in its rules for
any of the following causes: Fraud in securing appointment, incompetency,
inefficiency, inexcusable neglect of duty, physical or mental disability, insubordi-
nation, dishonesty, drunkenness on duty, intemperance, addiction to the use of
narcotics or habit-forming drugs, inexcusable absence without leave, conviction
of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, immorality, discourteous
treatment of the public or other employees, improper political activity, willful
disobedience, violation of the provisions of this act or the rules of the board, or for
any other failure of good behavior or any other act or acts which are incompatible
with or inimical to the public service.
(b) The appointing power, or the board, or any person with the consent of the
board, the appointing power or the Attorney General, may file charges against
any employee or any person on any employment list for dismissal or other punitive
action for any or all of the causes hereinbefore provided. Such charges must be
made in writing and clearly state the facts constituting such cause, in such detail
as is reasonably necessary to enable the employee to prepare his defense thereto
and shall be filed with the board and a copy served upon the employee either by
personal service or by mail. The appointing power or any officer or employee
authorized by the appointing power so to do may immediately suspend any
employee from service without pay pending the filing of charges or the hearing
thereon by notifying such employee thereof. Such a suspension shall be valid
only in the event charges are filed with the board and served on the employee,
within 15 days of the date of the suspension. Such suspension shall be effective
until a hearing has been held on the charges and a decision thereon rendered by
the board. The charges filed against an employee must also inform him of the
time and manner in which, under the rules of the board, he must answer to such
charges and ask for a hearing. The employee may within 10 days after service
file with the board a written answer to or explanation of the charges, and request a
hearing, and a copy of such answer, or explanation, and request shall at once be
mailed by the board to the appointing power or other person who has made the
11282 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
charges. Amended or supplemental charges may be filed, and served, with
like opportunity to the employee to file an answer or explanation and a request for
hearing.
Within a reasonable time after the filing of such answer, and upon written
notice to both parties of the time and place of the hearing, the board or its duly
authorized representative shall hold a hearing, at which time both parties shall
have the right and opportunity to submit all proper and competent evidence
against or in support of the charges. Failure on the part of the employee to
request a hearing, and to give such written answer or explanation to the board
within 10 days of the service upon him of the charges, or to appear at the hearing,
shall be deemed an admission of the truth of such charges without further hearing
upon the part of the board unless further time should be granted by the board.
Either by deposition or at the hearing the employee may be examined under sec-
tion 2055 of the Code of Civil Procedure, and the employee may likewise examine,
or cause to be examined, any person. It shall be the duty of the board' to subpena
witnesses for the accused upon his written request and at his cost, which costs the
board may require to be prepaid, to consider carefully the evidence submitted in
the hearing and to render a decision which in its judgment is just and proper.
y The board, in arriving at its decision, may consider any prior suspension of
the employee under section 171, or any prior proceeding under this section.
The decision must be rendered within a reasonable time after the completion
of the hearing. If adverse to the employee, the decision may provide that
the punitive action taken therein shall date from the date of the service of charges
upon the employee. The decision shall be entered upon the minutes of the board
and upon the official roster of employees. Copies of the decision shall be fur-
nished to the appointing power, the person preferring charges, and to the employee.
Hearings may be held by the board, any member or any authorized representative
or referee but the decision shall be rendered by the board after careful consider-
ation of the evidence submitted in the hearing.
(c) Within 30 days from and after receipt by him of a copy of the decision
rendered by the board in a proceeding under this section, the employee or the
appointing power may apply for a rehearing by filing with the board a petition
in writing therefor. Within 30 days after such filing, the board shall cause notice
thereof to be served upon the other parties to the proceedings by mailing to each
a copy of the petition for rehearing, in the same manner as in this act prescribed
for the giving of notice of a hearing. Within 60 days after the service of such
notice of the filing of the petition for rehearing, the board shall either grant, in
whole or in part, or deny the petition, and if the petition for rehearing is not acted
upon within said period, it shall be deemed denied. If the petition for a rehearing
is granted, the matter shall be set down for hearing by the board, either before
the board or before its authorized representative, and such hearing; shall be
conducted as to the matters on which the rehearing is granted in substantially
the same manner and under like rules of procedure as an original hearing upon
charges filed under and pursuant to the provisions of this section.
(d) The board shall in rendering its decision, authorize payment of salary for
the period of the suspension if it finds that the charges made were untrue or that
the employee was justified in the course of conduct upon which the charges were
based.
Exhibit 23. — The Japanese Farmer
report by lowell w. berry, owner, the best fertilizers co., 1459 third
street, oakland, calif.
March 10, 1942.
We are alarmed at the attention which is being paid to thoughtless public
clamor for the wholesale evacuation of Japanese aliens and Japanese-American
citizens from their present locations, without due regard being given to the value
of their productive activity where now engaged. We are especially concerned
about the productive capacity of our Japanese farmers. Our letter is being
addressed to you because of our desire to see this productive effort maintained
so far as reasonable safety will permit.
The writer has for a period of 10 years been in continual contact with the farm-
ing communities throughout northern and central California. Observations and
experiences during this time have given a broad understanding of the farming
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11283
ability and productive capacity of the Japanese in these areas. It is our consid-
ered opinion that:
1. The, Japanese farmers possess much in farming knowledge, experience, and
management skill. This cannot be replaced within a year or two or three. The
preparation of soil, planting, time of planting, selection of crops and type and
variety of seed adapted for the location, the cultivation, irrigation, spraying,
dusting, and thinning, the fertilization of the crop, and finally the care immediately
preceding maturity, and the harvest, all require knowledge which can be gained
only by years of observation and experience.
2. Japanese capacity for labor in the fields, growing, cultivating, and marketing
truck crops is secondary to their management ability, but neither can be replaced
immediately.
We should not lightly throw aside this capacity of management and labor for
crop production.
We recognize that all possibility of fifth column activity must be eradicated
from vital areas immediately adjacent to airfields, defense industries, etc., regard-
less of the loss of productivity, but since this is a war of production, and since
the Japanese farmers contribute 35 to 40 percent of the total production of truck
crops and vegetables within the State of California, it would seem that necessity
requires a very thorough consideration of ways and means of utilizing their con-
tinued effort along these lines.
Is there not a reasonable.. means of safety to be achieved by the partial or com-
plete immobilization of the Japanese in rural areas, which would still permit them
to carry on their productive effort in the field of farming?
Let us maintain and increase our present agricultural production by utilizing
American and Japanese skill and labor. We can ill afford to throw this productive
effort away while requiring additional of our productive capacity to support the
Japanese population in concentration areas and camps.
Exhibit 24. — Japanese Farm Labor
report by wm. a. ayres, editor, california grange news, sacramento, calif.
February 25, 1942.
The California State Grange — representing some 30,000 honest-to-goodness
farmers over the State — is considerably alarmed over the proposal to place alien
Japanese in camps in rural sections of California, to be used as agricultural labor.
We believe any such concentrations within this State would be detrimental to the
public safety. A flood of communications to our office substantiates this view.
California farmers do not want Japanese farm labor. They believe the work
can be done with Filipino and Mexican labor where white workers are not available.
We believe it would be a grave mistake to try to foist Japanese workers on Cali-
fornia farmers, where they are not wanted, not only because of the farmers'
attitude toward the alien Jap worker, but because of the great danger of having
concentrations of these enemy aliens so near the coast — and especially in less pro-
tected rural areas — where an attack is not only possible but likely.
Exhibit 25. — The Japanese and the Oyster Industry
report by j. burton bowman, olympia oyster growers protective
association, shelton, wash.
There has been so much clamor for the removal of all Japanese from the coastal
area that we have hesitated to ask for the privilege of appearing before your
committee in behalf of our employees. However, the problem of securing other
help here and of finding localities which are willing to receive the Japanese evacuees
seems to be so great that we now feel we should state our case and ask your con-
sideration of our problem.
The oyster industry in the upper Puget Sound area around Olympia has had
to depend upon Japanese labor almost entirely for many years and some of the
men have worked for the same companies or individuals year after year. Others
have come here more recently but have proven very satisfactory. Their removal
11284 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
will practically paralyze the industry just at the time of year when it is necessary,
in addition to marketing the oysters, to move seed and to shell the ground to
catch this year's spat. ,
The employees on the oyster beds live in floathouses anchored out in the water
over the beds. Would it be possible to group these houses, have white men run
the boats (rowboats with outboard motors, for the most part) and superintend all
operations? We could arrange for their supplies so there would be no occasion
for them to leave their houses except to work on the beds, under supervision as
outlined above. I believe the men would gladly comply with all such regulations.
We have found the Japanese very satisfactory help in years of association
with them. They are good workers, dependable and thoroughly law abiding.
White men will not do the work on the beds. We have tried them many times in
the past. Now there are none available. We should like to work out some
arrangement whereby our employees could remain with us, if possible.
If it is necessary for the protection of the country that all Japanese be removed,
we shall meet the situation as best we can, of course. If they are removed, how-
ever, we hope that they will be given full protection of person and property and
treated kindly, as their conduct in the years we have known them surely merits
better treatment than many of our people would give them.
Exhibit 26. — Correspondence From T. M. Bunn, Salinas Valley
Vegetable Exchange, Salinas, Calif., on Evacuation and
the Farm Labor Problem
Salinas Valley Vegetable Exchange,
Salinas, Calif., March 5, 1942.
Congressman John H. Tolan,
Los Angeles, Calif.
Dear Mr. Tolan: Please allow me to apologize for calling you personally on
the phone, but the newspapers did not give us a clear-cut picture of what is
intended of Japanese aliens and citizens that are supposedly to leave this area;
and are citizens to liquidate their land investments?
These people want to know where they can settle and what are the economic
possibilities in the different States. If other States will allow Japanese to own
and farm lands and will accept them, we want to make plans to open up new
deals and will liquidate our investments here and pull out of California.
The partnership owns outright 700 acres of land in Salinas and has approxi-
mately 5,000 acres under lease altogether in Arizona and California. It will take
some time to liquidate some of our investments here.
I have enclosed a copy of my letter to General DeWitt simply explaining just
what we could do here locally to help the labor situation. Unless we can use
oriental help we cannot farm these lands economically and efficiently.
We are fighting this war to hold and further secure cheap labor. So if we can't
secure it in California, we will commence to look elsewhere.
If we are unable to use Japanese in our labor camps, could we be allowed the
use of our key Japanese-American foremen and to operate them under a Govern-
ment licensing system and we to supply guards if that becomes necessary?
Please be kind enough to see that these thoughts are conveyed to the proper
and interested parties.
Very truly yours,
Salinas Valley Vegetable Exchange.
Bv T. M. Bunn.
Salinas Valley Vegetable: Exchange,
Salinas, Calif., February 27, 1942.
Gen. John L. DeWitt.
Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco. Calif.
Dear Sir: Please pardon me for taking the liberty of writing to you but I
feel that the situation is of such urgency that a clear understanding of our labor
picture should be presented to you immediately.
As I was unable to talk to j-ou by phone, I explained the situation to Colonel
McGill, so I am now mailing this letter to him and requesting him to see that it
gets to you.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11285
The above company is a partnership and is controlled and owned by Takeo
Yuki, an American-born Japanese, and myself, also an American citizen. At the
present time we are engaged in farming operations in the Imperial Valley, Calif.,
the Salt River Valley, Ariz., and here in the Salinas Valley, and own and lease
land that is being farmed to lettuce, onions, spinach, celery, cantaloupes, wheat,
and barley. Our deal comprises approximately 7,000 acres of land in all three
districts.
In addition to employing Japanese foremen on these ranches (aliens and citi-
zens), we had on our pay roll up to January 1 approximately 150 Japanese packing-
shed workers who were mostly citizens. Due to a Filipino shooting on New
Year's Eve on Broadway Street, El Centro, Calif., a couple of our men were
wounded. The district attorney and the sheriff there advised us that they heard
rumors that the Congress of Industrial Organizations was going to clean out our
Jap crew and that the Filipinos might be dangerous and, for the safety of all,
advised us to move these men. We complied with their wishes and removed
these men. I arrived in El Centro on the following Monday. Everything was
quiet then so I just decided to keep the Japanese truck drivers on the job. We
have 15 drivers, and they are all citizens and have been with us ever since just
before the big strike in Salinas in 1936.
The shed workers were all from Salinas and returned here to their home. Along
with these men there are 50 to 100 more Japanese available who have since lost
their lands. At the present time we are working about 100 Japanese at various
jobs and are at present planting onions and lettuce.
We are about to complete our labor camp which we commenced constructing
in November. It is located on the Finch Road in the Blanco District, Salinas.
Built at a cost of $25,000, it is strictly modern in every respect, and has complete
facilities to accommodate 200 men. We had planned on putting Filipinos in
this camp but due to the shortage of this kind of help and in view of the present
surplus of Japanese labor, we would like to locate Japanese in this camp.
In case this camp comes within a restricted area or prohibited zone, we could
arrange for guards and these men would be taken direct from the camp to our
various fields in the Salinas Valley, comprising the area from Gonzales to Watson-
ville. In order to guarantee further protection, we could confine their work par-
ticularly to our Salinas area and take care of our Gonzales and Watsonville
acreage with Filipinos who are now located in little camps on these ranches.
These Japanese are skilled for just such work as growing and harvesting of
onions and garlic. The E. H. Spiegl Co. camp at Chular and the H. P. Garin Co.
camp at Castroville house and feed Japanese and use them for this type of work.
We have a considerable bit of the finest land in the Salinas Valley and with this
efficient Japanese help, we feel we can be of great assistance to the Government
in producing of food stuffs during this national emergency, providing, of course,
that this set-up is such that militarily it will not be inimical to national defense.
There is considerable thought on the part of our own resident farmers to take
advantage of this situation and attempt to colonize farming areas in Idaho, New
Mexico, and Nevada. I know of three such plans.
We realize economic problems are secondary to military defense but, if during
the next few days, further boundaries are established and the status of the Japanese
in Salinas will become affected, we would appreciate it if you would consider
allowing us the use of this camp for purposes mentioned.
Very truly yours,
Salinas Valley Vegetable Exchange.
By T. M. Bunn.
Salinas Valley Vegetable Exchange,
Salinas, Calif., March 5, 1942.
Mr. Tom C. Clark,
Justice Department, United States Post Office Building,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mr. Clark: At the request of Congressman John H. Tolan, chairman of
Defense Migration Committee, I have been asked to forward a copy of this letter
on to you.
We never figured that the status of a Japanese-American citizen would ever be
upset. Now that this has happened, all we want to know is what is the Govern-
ment or Army going to do about this situation?
11286 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
If the Japanese all have to leave, this company will be able to cooperate effec-
tively if we know whether or not their investments are to be liquidated, and if
licensing privileges will be granted to ones found to be loyal. We would also like
to know if migration localities will be established for future private farming
enterprises.
Very truly yours,
Salinas Valley Vegetable Exchange,
By T. M. Bunn.
Salinas Valley Vegetable Exchange,
Salinas, Calif., April 11, 1942.
House Committee Investigating National Defense Migration,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Cullen: We wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter and galley
proof of my testimony presented in San Francisco to the House Committee In-
vestigating National Defense Migration. Corrections on the testimony are noted
in the margin column of letters.
At the time these various letters were written, everyone was very upset and
did not realize the gravity of the situation. The original orders from General
DeWitt left our organization completely "up in the air" as to what the future
plans would be. So in order to cooperate effectively in national defense and at
the same time not to impair maximum productivity and efficiency of this company
which was thought also important to national defense, we have sought to learn
ways and means to cooperate with these orders so as to facilitate the transition
and, if possible, to help locate these Japanese-American citizens in new work in
other than defense proclamation areas- — at all times bearing in mind a set-up that
would not be inimical to national defense.
Now that the issue has been clarified and a definite order for evacuation has
been issued, we realize that we cannot look elsewhere for economic development
and that the situation is completely in the hands of the Army and the Japanese
are now awaiting Army orders requiring them to depart for reception centers.
The testimony presented in my letters represented the situation at the time
it was presented, but now that the evacuation order has been given the above
statements are irrelevant to the present status of affairs.
Please make this "additional material" a part of the original testimony and, if
published in pamphlet form, please send me a copy.
Very trulv yours,
Salinas Valley Vegetable Exchange,
Bv T. M. Bunn.
Exhibit 27. — Farm Labor in the Sugar-Beet Area and the
Japanese Evacuations
Missoula County Farm Labor Committee,
Missoula, Mont., March 16, 1942.
The Honorable Sam C. Ford,
Governor of the State of Montana,
Helena, Mont.
Dear Mr. Ford: Because the county of Missoula contains extensive and
valuable beet-sugar acreage, which, if placed in production to the fullest extent,
will contribute materially to the available sugar supplies of this State and of our
Nation, the Missoula County Farm Labor Committee wishes to take all steps
possible to insure maximum beet-sugar production for the duration of the national
emergency. For this purpose, it is vital to assure an adequate labor supply for
the planting, care, and harvesting of the maximum crop which growers are con-
templating.
Because current labor supplies in this county and State are being steadily de-
pleted, and because a serious labor shortage now exists and a more serious shortage
is foreseen, the Missoula County Farm Labor Committee has given its attention
to studying the question of utilizing the reservoir of labor represented by Japanese
and Italian aliens interned at Fort Missoula, and/or evacuees from west-coast
defense areas.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11287
The committee concurs strongly with the resolution of the Western Montana
Beet Growers Association, as per the enclosed copy, that this source of labor should
and must be guaranteed to the beet growers of Montana, as a certain supply to
which to turn after the current labor supply is exhausted.
The Missoula County Farm Labor Committee hereby endorses that resolution
and urges that you, in the furtherance of the best interests of the people of this
State and this Nation, reconsider your stand on the question and give your support
and assistance to efforts to make available this labor supply.
Missoula County Farm Labor Committee, George Shepard, Chairman ;
C. E. June, Secretary; County Extension Service, M. M. Oliphant;
County Agricultural Adjustment Administration, Charles Stahl;
Farm Security Administration, Gerald Sullivan; Lolo National
Forest, C. R. Byers; National Youth Administration, Chris
Johanson; Public Welfare, Joseph Roe; Work Projects Ad-
ministration, I. A. Haswell; Western Montana Producers Credit
Association, Grover Lewis; Vocational Agricultural Department,
C. M. Homer; County Farm Bureau, C. E. Woodgerd; American
Crystal Sugar Co., Earl Farns worth; Northern Pacific Railway
Agricultural Agent, L. S. MacDonald; Beet Growers Association,
Ed Deschamps; County Commissioners, John Flynn; Agricultural
Planning Board, Homer Rock.
To the United States Department of Agriculture War Boards — Ravalli, Missoula,
Lake, Powell, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lewis and
Clark, Madison, and Sanders Counties, State of Montana.
Gentlemen: Whereas our country is faced with a possible serious sugar short-
age; sugar is one of the vital needs in our defense operations and is placed high on
Federal priority list, and
Whereas western United States beet farmers are called on to produce larger
crops with less machinery and labor available which, it is hoped, will approximate
the largest quantity of beet sugar in the history of the industry, and
Whereas the sugar-beet growers in 1941 complied with the Federal requirement
to control their beet acreage with a 20 percent reduction and as late as last Sep-
tember, beet growers who were nearing completion of their harvest in California
were prohibited by Federal authorities from harvesting their surplus beet acreage
for sugar-production purposes, now therefore, the Nation faces this serious sugar
shortage, and
Whereas sugar-beet growers in this area are extremely anxious to plant all
possible acreage in this emergency; have sufficient farm equipment to prepare and
handle the maximum number of acres; have sufficient irrigation water available
and have processing factories available in near respective areas, it is contemplated
that western Montana can devote at least 13,000 of its fertile acres to the produc-
tion of sugar beets in 1942.
Now therefore the problem confronting this industry is a possible serious
shortage of hand labor to properly care for and harvest the desired crop; the
necessary cash investment to prepare and plant these acres will be an impos-
sibility without assurance of sufficient hand labor to bring the crop to a successful
harvest.
The farmers of western Montana are standing ready to assist to their fullest in
the agricultural war program of our Government, but will be able to carry on only
if all sources of labor in western Montana are made available to its farmers.
The advent of war has created an already serious shortage of farm labor, which
is growing even more serious through constant drainage of our agricultural man-
power, many having been called to the colors. The defense industries and boom
conditions on the Pacific coast have taken a heavy toll of our farm workers.
Facing this situation soberly and honestly, farmers are willing to employ
teen-age boys, older and less efficient men, and even women and girls from among
our local people. However, farmers must and do fully realize that regardless of
the sincerity and patriotism of these workers there are not enough available to
assure former sugar-beet production, much less make possible any great increase.
It is our understanding that Fort Missoula, Mont., is at present housing 842
Japanese and over 1,000 Italian interned aliens. The Japanese personnel is
composed of truck gardeners, farmers, fishermen, and produce men who would
constitute ideal sugar beet field workers and farm laborers.
Western Montana farmers would be glad to use these people if needed to
supplement local labor, if they could be made available by the proper govern-
11288 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
mental authorities. Local farmers see no reason why these men could not be
used in this emergency. They could be kept under guard and transported back
and forth from established camps.
It is our understanding that these men are being held under the "Genoa con-
ference agreement" making it possible for the Government to utilize them for
work in this war emergency.
We therefore request your full and immediate assistance in promoting necessary
arrangement to make this "alien" aid available providing sufficient local labor
is not available, and suggest this early contemplation of the necessary steps to
complete arrangements at the earliest possible date. We desire assurance that
labor will be available prior to our preparing of ground and planting of crops.
We propose to contact our Montana Representatives in Congress to urge the
making available of all sources possible for farm labor including the interned
men at fort Missoula.
We do not believe the possibility of sabotage or other subversive action a
potential danger that we cannot properly control.
Western Montana Beet Growers Association,
By Clarence Popham, President.
Ravalli County Improvement Association,
By C. M. Buxton, Secretary-Treasurer.
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce,
By C. M. Buxton, Secretary.
Exhibit 28. — The Garbage-Collection Problem in Alameda,
Calif.
Assembly, California Legislature,
February 23, 1942.
Hon. John H. Tolan,
Member of Congress, Seventh District, San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Sir: I would like to call to your attention the plight of the city of Alameda.
The city of Alameda is served by the Alameda City Garbage Co., which has
six trucks, that have been serving this city for many years.
Due to war conditions the garbage company has been called upon to serve the
Alameda Air Base, 800 housing units, plants handling war production, and also
Navy supply and convoy units, without any additional equipment or personnel.
It has been impossible to hire anyone as men are able to secure positions in
national defense work, whereby they secure better wages, less hours, and cleaner
work.
The city of Alameda, due to the Alien Exclusion Order or Act, is now in a
serious position, due to the fact that 6 members of the association out of a total
of 19 members are now classified as aliens.
The Alameda City Garbage Co. is a partnership in which these aliens are
partners, in addition to this practically all of them are married to American
citizens, have a family, and are purchasing their own homes, and in many cases
they are awaiting their second papers.
These men can be vouched for by the city manager, chief of police, and myself.
I bring this to your attention as it is so serious that unless steps are taken
immediately, either the armed forces or the city of Alameda are going to have to
take care of their own garbage disposal.
Respectfully yours,
Randal F. Dickey.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11289
Exhibit 29.- — Number and Status of Men Engaged in Garbage
Collection in San Francisco, Affected by Enemy Alien
Restrictions
Scavengers' Protective Association, Inc.,
San Francisco, Calif., February 20, 1942.
Mr. Chauncey Tramutolo,
Attorney at law, San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mr. Tramutolo: Following you will find a summary of the number and
status of the men engaged in the garbage collection business in this city who are
directly affected by the regulations and restrictions concerning alien enemies of
Italian nationality.
There are 531 scavengers employed in this city. Of this number 105 are
enemy aliens. In other words, 20 percent of the total number of scavengers
employed in this city are concerned and affected by these regulations.
Of the 105 enemy aliens above mentioned 76 are married, and a total number
of 134 persons are dependent upon these married men for support and maintenance.
Of the said 105 enemy aliens 88 are what is known as working shareholders in
the scavenger companies. Each of these men has an average investment in the
company employing him of $9,000. This investment is absolutely valueless to
the employee unless he works for the scavenger company by which he is employed.
In other words the employment is profit-sharing. If the employee is unable to
work his only recourse is to sell his interest for what he can obtain in the open
market. At the present time it is practically impossible to find a buyer for such
interest.
In addition we wish to call to your attention that the selective service has made
considerable inroads among the employees and that scavengers are difficult to
obtain in the labor market. In addition, this type of work requires men of
experience and it takes a number of years of apprenticeship to become as proficient
as the enemy aliens above referred to. It is also to be noted that the only nation-
ality which seems to take to the scavenger business is the Italian.
We would also like to point out that all scavengers leave for their employment
before 6 a. m. The majority of them commence to work at approximately
3 a. m.
Very truly yours,
John B. Molinari,
Attorneys for Scavengers' Protective Association.
Exhibit 30. — Petition To Be Relieved From Order of
Evacuation
Befo&b the Honorable Francis Biddle, Attorney General of the United
States
in the matter of paul givant, irmy givant, his wife, and minor children,
enemy aliens
Submitied by Frederick Dubovsky, Attorney, 1916 Broadway, Oakland, Calif.
To the Honorable Francis Biddle,
Attorney General of the United States:
The petition of Paul Givant and his wife, Irmy Givant, now residing at 1340
Grove Street in the city of Berkeley, county of Alameda, State of California,
respectfully shows:
I. That their family consists of Paul Givant, petitioner herein; his wife, Irmy
Givant; a son, Joachim Givant, age 6 years; and a daughter, Dagmar Givant,
age 3 years.
II. That your petitioners emigrated to the United States from Mannheim,
Germany, on January 9, 1937, and their passports were validated or visaed at the
United States consulate at Stuttgard, Germany, and that they lived in the city
of Berkeley continuously since the 26th day of January 1937, that their daughter
Dagmar was born in the city of Berkeley. That the house they are living in is
owned by them, having been acquired in October 1940.
11290 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
III. That Petitioner Paul Givant and his wife have applied for naturalization
papers immediately after their arrival in the United States and on June 28, 1941,
have applied for their final papers of naturalization which proceedings are now
pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
at San Francisco numbered, respectively, 22-62758 and 22-62759 therein and in
normal times would have been heard and acted upon prior to the entry of the
United States in this war with Germany and the reason for the delay is the press
of business in the courts and administrative offices.
IV. That Petitioner Paul Givant is now and for a period of over 4 years next
preceding was employed at the Columbia Steel Works at Pittsburg, Calif., in the
capacity of installation engineer, that he is well equipped and qualified for his
position with said plant both by reason of academic training and practical ex-
perience as he had to start at the bottom to work himself up to the present
position, that he is informed and believes that he is performing very useful and
needful work at the plant and that it will greatly inconvenience the plant to have
to replace your petitioner by a person of less skill and adaptability to this par-
ticular job which is quite essential in the defense program.
V. That your petitioners are very much agrieved and humiliated at the idea
that they should be designated as enemy aliens, for the reason that while they
have not yet acquired legal citizenship their attitude to the people and Govern-
ment of the United States is one of devotion and love and they came here not as
mere sojourners but rather as pilgrims to stay here and make their lot with the
people of the United States which evidenced from the very start by taking every
st?p to become citizens without any delay whatsoever, by their investing of every
cent they have in the world in a home and furnishings and also by the acquisition
of defense bonds for the Givant family in the sum of $1,500 face value.
VI. Petitioners during the entire period they have lived in Berkeley have
conducted themselves in an exemplary manner and are generally well known in
the cit}' of Berkeley as good, useful, and law-abiding residents and they stand
ready to submit to any sort of investigation that the police department of the
city of Berkeley or the Federal Bureau of Investigation could make and are ready
to submit to any further investigation which Your Honor may be pleased to order
in order not only to prove but to demonstrate their loyalty and devotion to this
their adopted land, the land wherein their hopes and future are centered. Your
petitioners at no time since they have left Germany had any wish or desire to
return. They have made up their mind and action to put in their lot with the
United States of America for better or worse in adversity as well as in prosperity
and your petitioners stand ready to do anything which will aid this Nation in its
present struggle with the Axis Powers or with any other powers for they consider
this country their country regardless of any legalistic status based on formality.
VII. As it happens both the place of employment and the home of your peti-
tioners are in what has been described in the news as prohibited areas, the plant
probably without any question, the home with some slight probability that may
be on the line or just west of the line. The enforcement of the order against
your petitioners will cause great and irreparable hardship and loss upon your
petitioners: First the loss of employment, which is quite a calamity for a man with
a wife and two children; second, the abandonment of the home which is encumbered
by mortgages may mean the loss of their life's savings and the hardship of finding
a new dwelling in a community that is already hard pressed for homes, especially
for a person without employment, is certainly a calamity that should not be
visited upon a peaceful, loyal, and devoted resident who has nothing but the
kindest and best wishes for the welfare of his adopted country.
So your petitioners humbly pray that Your Honor take such measures and order
such a hearing, hearings, or investigations as in your judgment may be best for
the safeguarding of the welfare of your petitioners and after such a hearing or
investigation determine whether in your opinion your petitoners may be spared the
hardship of the evacuation order.
Respectfully submitted.
Paul Givant,
Irmy Givant. Petitioners.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11291
State of California,
County of Alameda, ss:
Paul Givant, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he is one of the
petitioners named in the foregoing petition, that he has read same and knows the
contents thereof, and that the same is true in every particular, and that he makes
this petition and vertification on behalf of himself and his wife.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 8th day of February 1942.
Frederick Dubovsky,
Notary Public.
Exhibit 31. — Statement by the International Institute for
Service to Immigrants and New Americans (a Community
Chest Agency), 1860 Washington Street, San Francisco,
Calif.
submitted by annie clo watson, executive secretary
March 11, 1942.
The International Institute was established in 1918 and since that time has
worked consistently for the social integration of immigrant people in American
life. We appreciate the privilege of offering recommendations on the important
subject of enemy aliens and second-generation Americans now under military
orders.
Because the process of assimilation has been in progress for a long time it is
difficult to draw a nice line between interests of alien and citizens. There are,
for instance, in the Eurpoean groups affected by orders —
(1) Many families with boxh alien and citizen family members;
(2) Older men and women who came in before the literacy test was required;
(3) Older men who have belonged to the mobile labor supply which has been
necessary in the development of this country, whose way of life has made it diffi-
cult to settle down and fulfill the requirements of naturalization ;
(4) Aged parents who were brought over by naturalized sons and daughters;
(5) Those who have derived American citizenship from naturalized parents
and for one reason or another are not in possession of documents proving their
status ;
(6) American-born women who lost citizenship by marriage to aliens and have
not yet gone through the process of resumption;
(7) Those who have not been able to complete the naturalization process because
of long administrative delays in overcrowded naturalization offices.
Another European group which deserves special mention in the "hardship
class" is the German refugee. They are for the most part a stateless people by
virtue of having been expatriated from Germany and of not yet having satisfied
residence requirements for completing naturalization here.
The Japanese elders, being ineligible to citizenship, have, therefore, not been
able to naturalize. Their American-born children are American citizens (Nisei).
The majority have been brought up in American schools and colleges and have
never been to Japan. A minority were sent to Japan for most of their education
(Kibei). Not all Japanese parents registered their children for dual citizenship.
There has been an active movement for a good many years on the part of the
Nisei to renounce dual citizenship. Petitions have gone in from them to our
State Department to assist them by trying to bring about a simplified procedure
for expatriation. Several of their organizations, notable among which are the
Japanese American Citizens Leagues, have long worked actively in bringing their
membership into constructive civic participation. Though Japanese-American
citizens are still young, the average age being about 20, there is a considerable
number with third-generation American families. Our long acquaintance with
Japanese-Americans leads us to believe that their loyalty compares favorably
with that of all other second-generation Americans.
These people, European and Asiatic, who were in the process of assimilation,
are now caught by world circumstances and have suddenly become subject to
regulations affecting all enemy aliens. Because we are convinced by our long
acquaintance with immigrant people that the term "enemy alien" in the large
majority of cases is only technically applicable, we offer a few recommendations:
(1) That the greaetst care be taken to measure the extent of evacuation and
60396— 42— pt. 29 22
11292 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
dislocation of the population by military necessity and not by surface urgency
of groups seeking to further self interests.
(2) That plans for resettlement be made and carried out by agencies thoroughly
aware of the social implications and skilled in the techniques of resettlement and
rehabilitation on a large scale.
(3) That, therefore, both the moving and the resettlement be under the com-
plete supervision of the Federal Government making use of existing local agencies
both public and private as may be necessary, and bringing German, Italian, and
Japanese- American citizen leaders into cooperation in planning and in putting
plans into effect.
(4) That there be administrative machinery for reviewing hardship cases of
aliens with provision for warranted exemptions.
(5) That American-citizen Japanese be given the privilege of establishing their
loyalty before properly constituted hearing boards and that subsequent differ-
entiation in treatment be shown them.
(6) That adequate custodianship of property be arranged.
(7) That advice be given through the press to deter unsupervised movement
unless evacuees are able to plan with reasonable adequacy for their own resettle-
ment.
(8) That adequate increase in funds allocated to the Naturalization Service
be made in order that naturalization petitions may be currently handled.
The morale and the unity among the American people are, we believe, im-
portant factors in the defense of our cuntry. The United States is made up, as
is perhaps no other country, of minority racial and cultural groups. The degree
of loyalty of all American minorities has great significance both for actual de-
fense efforts and for effective reconstruction when peace comes. We cannot,
therefore, be too diligent in safeguarding the deep underlying values of American
citizenship. One of those values is in willingly surrendering temporarily rights
of citizenship to urgent military necessity.
This report is respectfully submitted with the offer of full cooperation to all
Government authorities concerned with immigrant groups.
Exhibit 32. — Statement by Stanley S. Shimabukuro, the Japa-
nese Young Men's Christian Association, 1530 Buchanan St.,
San Francisco, Calif.
March 17, 1942.
In this critical period of American destiny, it is so imperative in having a strong
national unity and in achieving victory for the winning "peace that follows" that
we cannot afford to judge individual loyalties of certain American elements by the
background of race extraction. Neither are we in a position of accepting stories
without foundation of fact just because that certain racial minority are the
descendents of the now enemy force. The rumors should be subjugated im-
mediately because public opinion is the very backbone of our gigantic weapon in
crushing the totalitarians who aspire to enslave the democracies.
Since the inhuman Pearl Harbor attack Americans of Japanese ancestry have
been the victims of circumstances. All sorts of ridiculous rumors have been cir-
culating, much to the disadvantage of the American people. Such rumors could
be attributed to the effort of the Axis propagandists but can we, democratic
Americans, afford to let the hearsies take their roots.
It has been uttered that a considerable number of Hawaiian-born Americans of
Japanese ancestry participated from within in the attack of Pearl Harbor so that
the Japanese military fanatics may realize the destruction of the military values.
Are those stories of blocking the highway leading to Pearl Harbor, huge arrow sign
in the green cane-field, flashing of radio signals, and many other like narratives,
authentic? Were there fifth-column activities fermented by the second-generation
Japanese in Hawaii to jeopardize and reflect the other thousands of similar fellow
descendents who professed to be loyal Americans? Can this ancestry be trusted
in the titanic struggle to preserve American democracy and civilization?
There are approximately 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry in Hawaii
and about 79,000 in the continental United States. They have reared and
educated in the American institutions, to think, feel, and act as any other Ameri-
cans do. Contrary of being imbued with such master-race philosophy, they
honor and cherish the Constitution of the United States and its Bill of Rights.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11293
In spite of the hardships they have endured resulting from racial prejudices
mitigated by some unscruplous, un-American groups of people, they are aware
that majority of the American general public are not at their throats. Their
leaders have strong convictions in advising that they must neither surrender
themselves to foolish optimism, nor succumb to timid and ignoble pessimism.
They know that this is still America, and America is made of numerous races
governed by truth, justice, tolerance,, and liberty. They are truly proud to
exercise and demonstrate their understanding of citizenship, and resent to be
called Japanese except only in strictly ethnological sense. They are ever
mindful of being truer Americans in a brighter America.
How accurately Hon. Joseph B. Poindexter, Governor of Territory of Hawaii,
was when he stated before the war days that majority of the Hawaiian-born
Japanese lineage are loyal and will defend America with their last ounce of
energy in the event of a war between this country and Japan:
"So far as the second-generation Japanese are concerned," Governor Poin-
dexter pointed out, "they will react the same as citizens of any other heritage.
The Japanese born in Hawaii — at any rate a very great majority of them —
would be loyal to his country; no trouble need be expected whatever. But there
may be individual instances of disloyalty, which is something that can be ex-
pected from citizens of any other racial background. Take, for instance, the
World War (first). The majority of the American-born Germans were loyal.
There were some troubles in individual instances, of course. The loyalty of the
great majoritv of Hawaiian-born Japanese can be depended upon."
In view of the foregoing statements, we trust that the Tolan committee shall
have the outcome through unbiased, impartial investigations of all the known
facts motivated by the American tradition of fair play. If the committee finds
that the majority of Americans of Japanese ancestry are disloyal, unassimilated,
and imperialistic may not you recommend to the Congress to revoke their Ameri-
can citizenship? And, if the body finds on the contrary, I implore you to re-
port to the American people and their representatives at Washington that these
elements are imbued with Yankee spirit, willing to fight and die in the glorious
battlefields of this war, for everlasting conspicuousness of the Stars and Stripes
which the world shall follow for generations to come.
Exhibit 33. — Position of the Japanese Church Federation of
Northern California, 1500 Post Street, San Francisco
Calif., on the Resettlement Problems Attending Japanese
Evacuation
submitted by richard m. neustadt, regional director, social security
board, federal security agency, san francisco, calif.
February 6, 1942.
Gentlemen: This is written in the hopes that in the case of mass evacuation
becoming a necessity, the following will be a recommendation of the Northern
California Japanese Christian Church Federation.
This recommendation is done in the hopes that we preserve the multiple
problems that affect the families, the church, and the locale in relation to the
continuance of Christianization and Americanization as well as a way of restoring
the business and adjustments during post-war period.
I. That those Americans of Axis ancestry be given the dependency of caring
for the welfare of the businesses wherever possible so that a minimum of adjustment
need be made and that they be given the responsibility of caring for those over 65
years of age or over, for sick people, and for women and minors.
II. That safety zones or regions or colonies designed by the Government be
made and should there be the necessity of farm projects, the following three
choices be given to individuals or families:
(a) Private enterprise be permitted through the unfreezing of alien funds so
that investment can be made on Government suggested projects, or projects
designated by the Government.
(6) That private citizens with aliens be subsidized by the Government as a
cooperative for farm projects in cooperation with Government agencies.
(c) That complete Government control, and administration of projects of farm,
factories, etc., be established in designated areas.
11294 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
That the Government will use Civilian Conservation Corps, Work Projects
Administration, or other portable camps in the housing of these projects so that
minimum of expenditure is maintained in the sparing of defense materials.
The above suggestion is done in the hopes that we will make projects self-
supporting as well as contributing toward this country's defense.
Sincerely yours, .
Rev. E. J. Kawamorita, President.
SOCIAL PROBLEMS EVIDENCED IN ENEMY ALIEN EVACUATION
All planning for the exclusion of persons from designated zones should take into
consideration —
1. The social and economic changes in the lives of the persons resulting from
exclusion.
2. The effect on the community from which they are moved.
3. The conditions which will develop in the communities in which they are
settled. , , . .
Complete and detailed information about the persons to be excluded is im-
perative for comprehensive planning. Total registration seems the only means
through which adequate data can be secured. At this point an interview to
provide detailed information may seem time consuming but would be an invest-
ment in time which would ultimately reduce the total time spent in the total
handling and make for more constructive treatment.
This interview could be used to complete all necessary forms. These forms
should be sufficiently comprehensive to provide for all contingencies. A review
and tabulation of the information should form the basis of instruction to the
evacuee about all steps he must take preparatory to departure. All necessary
forms for reporting change address, travel permits, etc., should be available at
this point. The numerous places from which these forms were secured and to
which they were sent has been confusing and it is indicated some persons may be
found guilty of failure to file the proper forms through misunderstanding. In
San Luis Obispo County'the sheriff who was not authorized to issue travel permits
gave them to families and individuals to move to Fresno County.
The magnitude of the number of persons to be interviewed and the variety of
problems which they will present creates a situation which no single existing agency
can handle with its present staff and facilities.
The place of social work staff would be largely directed toward facilitating the
movement by providing service which would reduce the impact on the families
and individuals involved. The social work staff contribution would be to assist
in the total program by seeing all problems and relating them to other available
services.
Some of these problems have been shown in the small evacuation resulting from
Department of Justice orders and the value of this experience should not be lost in
planning for large-scale action.
The following are some of these problems:
1. Liquidation of business at depressed prices because of uncertainty about the
future. "Selling Out" signs appear in many store windows in "Little Tokio"
in Los Angeles. Many nurseries are sacrificing stock voluntarily.
2. Uncertainty about proceeding to handle business and personal affairs in
view of the impending program. The Los Angeles chapter of the American Red
Cross had three telegrams on March 10 asking advice about granting leaves
to Japanese-American citizens in the armed forces who wished to come home to
settle the affairs of the parents who felt they must move at once.
3. Japanese aliens and Japanese-American citizens seem hesitant and frightened
to ask for advice or assistance and are hurrying to make moves which may prove
ill-planned and not timely.
Approximately 50 families from Monterey County moved to Santa Clara
County thinking work was immediately available but upon reaching there found
that no work could be secured for 4 months. The families who presented their
problems to the social assistance worker and employment worker were sent to
Salinas, in the county of their residence and where work was available within 1
month.
In Alameda County 210 Japanese families received permits to go to the southern
part of the same county under the direction of the J. S. C. L. Jobs on farms were
reported available but failed to materialize.
4. Although present reporting would indicate that German and Italian aliens
will not be affected immediately and that certain exceptions will be granted these
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11295
groups there is now needed information to prevent equally hurried unwise moves
as well as complacency which makes some feel certain that an exception will be
granted and no move required.
5. Abilities and skills within the group of persons evacuated can in many
instances be used for the benefit of others. Architects, businessmen, social
workers, and clerks have indicated their desire to participate. These services
to be used effectively must be under official direction. If used on a voluntary
basis under the organizations with which they are now affiliated competition and
and conflict will result. This has been evidenced in early attempts. The effort
to form a United Citizens Federation among the Japanese failed because one
organization the J. H. C. S. carried the major responsibility but didn't represent
the philosophies of all affiliated organizations. Religious groups have attempted
to build up plans for their own members which have been isolated from other
groups. One outstanding example is the registration of 15,000 families by one
religious group in Los Angeles which wants to be assigned the responsibility of
taking this group to a new locality but wish complete Federal assistance in carry-
ing out its program. Similar instances are reported in Washington.
6. Unplanned voluntary moves resulting from fear and uncertainty present
health and behavior hazards. After one move from Terminal Island had been
completed it was learned that a case of active tuberculosis had moved into an
already overcrowded household of relatives. The family did not wish medical or
financial assistance so no change in living arrangements was made.
Overcrowded living quarters characterized these moves generally. Later
applications for assistance repeated many times the picture of a family of six, one
of whom was aged and blind, having moved into a four-room home already
occupied by four persons. One man was found to be living in a room without
ventilation or sanitary facilities.
One elderly Japanese woman reported to have tuberculosis rushed from Ter-
minal Island to a shack, on the beach in Ventura County near Caucasian friends.
During a black-out she failed to extinguish her lights and local law-enforcement
officers refused to allow her to return to her shack. She notified relatives in Los
Angeles of her situation. These relatives communicated with the social worker at
the Young Women's Christian Association who in turn worked with the social-
assistance worker and together formulated a plan to have her live separately but
close enough to relatives to have their companionship and care.
In Los Altos an Italian family was given a travel permit to go to Miami, Fla.,
in search of work. No plan had been worked out with a social-assistance worker.
The family reached Los Angeles with only $60 left and decided that going to rela-
tives in Boston would be preferable. When a social worker reviewed the situation
it was found that the move had been unnecessary as the family had been incorrectly
advised about the extent of the prohibited area. They returned to Los Altos.
Had a social worker been available to plan with the family expense, confusion, and
hardship could have been avoided.
A German jewelry worker in Monterey County had been having financial
difficulty requiring assistance from the local county agency. This prevented his
establishing legal settlement. When he discovered he was living in a prohibited
area he asked a travel permit to Denver. The social worker recognized the
possibility of dependency in Denver but the Employment Service issued the
travel permit.
Dependency did occur shortly after arrival in Denver and the agency there re-
fused assistance. The lack of control over social planning in issuing travel per-
mits created extreme hardship for this family.
The problem of a family of eight children on Terminal Island would have been
greatly aggravated had not the services of a social worker been available. The
father was interned and the mother in a hospital for the insane. The oldest
child, a boy of 20, was unable to handle arrangements for moving and caring for
the children. The three oldest children were placed in the American Travels
Service Committee Hostel and the five youngest in the Japanese Children's Home.
For the first time since the family was broken up the children are receiving ade-
quate care.
7. While assistance with moving remains on the basis of need, many people
fear that accepting assistance may result in deportation after the war.
8. Special groups cannot be served by a mass program. Aged persons, those
in sanitoriums and hospitals, children in institutions and boarding homes, and
maternity cases need special handling.
11296 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
Already questions have been raised regarding two Japanese children's homes
in Los Angeles. Should they be moved intact or could the children be allowed
to remain? If they remain how could administration be carried on in the home
that is operated entirely by Japanese-American citizens who would be forced to
leave? What would be the position of the children in the community if all other
Japanese have been removed? Similar problems have been raised in other com-
munities.
Children receiving long-time orthopedic care are being cared for in private
boarding homes. Some are in casts and would be moved only with great diffi-
culty, and preliminary medical work would be wasted unless properly followed up.
9. As soon as evacuation orders are issued a rush of requests for exception can
be anticipated. Already prominent persons are inquiring about being allowed to
retain employees under their own custody. The limitations of such exceptions
must be clearly defined.
10. "What is Japanese lineage" will raise numerous questions. Cases involving
one Caucasion and one Japanese parent have already been encountered as have
cases involving one Negro and one Japanese parent. In one case the father would
be included in the Japanese alien group, the children as Japanese lineage and the
mother as a German alien.
11. Hardship caused by private action in anticipation of official action has
occurred frequently. Sixty leases on the Palos Verdes Estates were canceled
because the company felt the Japanese tenants should be evacuated from that
section of the coast immediately. Over 100 retail clerks in vegetable sections
were dismissed by Von's and Fitzsimon's markets because their presences were
deemed detrimental to trade.
In San Joaquin County, the Southern Pacific and Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
dismissed employees because of alien enemy status.
Los Angeles city and county forced civil service employees to take leaves of
absence. Nutritionists, social workers, and other trained workers were separated
by this action.
12. The groups evacuated from Terminal Island are in many instances inade-
quately housed in schools and churches. Household goods are stored without
proper protection or sorting. The usefulness of these facilities for even 5 or 6
weeks more is doubtful, but additional moves seem unwise in view of a possible
two moves later.
13. Japanese citizens who may not be involved in the first group feel that they
may be unsafe when the evacuation of alien Japanese has started and some who
have no member of their famihy involved wish to go at the first opportunity.
14. Time to pack and store is necessary if the expense of replacing lost posses-
sions is not to be encountered. Hurried moves with improper packing ruined
stoves, pianos, refrigerators, etc. An estimated eight truck loads of household
equipment, fishing supplies, were left on Terminal Island alone. Similar events
occurred in Monterey County and in Marin County.
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
First consideration simplifications:
1 . To avoid confusion created through being unable to determine whether direc-
tions are applicable.
2. To prevent the development of additional problems by erroneous staff
interpretation.
3. To eliminate contradictory statements being issued to persons involved.
4. Prevent wide dispersion of authority and responsibility. Suggested means
of simplification:
1. Comprehensive cooperative planning on the part of all agencies involved.
This should take into consideration interdepartmental activities within agencies.
2. Extensive control even where voluntary movement is advisable.
3. Central registration to secure a comprehensive picture of all factors involved.
This should include all social and economic data, rapidly and accurately tabu-
lated.
4. Early and wide and official dissemination of regulatory and procedural
information. This should cover all agencies public and private as well as persons
affected by them.
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11297
Integrated administration of cooperatively developed plans:
(a) Information.
(b) Social assistance.
(c) Medical care.
(d) Housing.
(e) Property.
(1) Business.
(2) Real property.
(3) Personal property.
(4) Household goods.
(/) Employment.
lg) Education.
Exhibit 34. — The Expatriated German Jew
MATERIAL SUBMITTED BY H. M. JONAS, L. L. D., 569 TWELFTH AVENUE, SAN
FRANCISCO, CALIF.
San Francisco, Calif., March 23, 1942.
Re expatriates.
Hon. John H. Tolan,
House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: Assuming that the enclosed cutting from an article published by
Mr. Chester Rowell, editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, might be helpful in
your difficult task, I take the liberty forwarding it by air mail to you.
I furthermore enclose a copy of the official translation of the German expatria-
tion and confiscation law, as handed to me by the Swiss consul in San Francisco.
The expression "Jew" in Hitler's law is similar to the classification of "Hebrew
race," as provided for in the Johnson Immigration Act of 1923. Such status was
sworn to in the case of each immigrant before the American consul abroad, par-
ticularly since January 30, 1933, Hitler's assumption of power.
All these papers are filed with the Justice Department and, of course, open for
inspection to all authorities.
If Mr. Rowell's proposition would be accepted by your committee and by Con-
gress it would save an enormous amount of work for the courts and tribunals to
be established for that purpose and on the other hand would give them more time
to examine cases of such persons as German nationals of German race or other
aliens, in contrast to Hebrews, which group was expatriated and their property
taken from them by a tyrant's whim.
Thanking you for your attention,
Respectfully yours,
H. M. Jonas, LL. D.
EXCERPT FROM EDITORIAL APPEARING IN THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, MARCH
23, 1942, BY CHESTER ROWELL
The Tolan committee, which made public these denials, also took up the case
of another and especially appealing group of persons technically enemy aliens,
who are not enemies at all, and are not even citizens of an enemy country — or of
any country, until their process of becoming citizens of this country is complete.
These are the "stateless" refugees, most of them, though not all, Jewish, who have
been deprived of their German citizenship by German law, but were German citi-
zens at the time they became "stateless." Unless our law is changed, these are
now all registered as enemy aliens and subject to evacuation as such. Actually,
of course, nearly all of them are even more anti-Hitler than we are.
The Tolan committee recommends that these be treated individually, each on
the merits of his own case. A still better way would be to establish by law a new
classification of expatriates, with the presumption of innocence except where guilt
or grounded suspicion could be established.
11298 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
(Copy from Swiss consul)
Eleventh executive order to the Reich Nationality Act of November 25, 1941,
Reich Public Gazette, part 1, No. 135:
Section 1. A Jew who has his ordinary residence abroad cannot be a German
citizen. Ordinary residence abroad exists if a Jew lives abroad under circum-
stances which indicate that he does not live there only temporarily.
Sec. 2. A Jew loses German citizenship (a) if, at the time this executive order
becomes effective he has his ordinary residence abroad, he loses it when this
executive order becomes effective; (b) if he takes up his ordinary residence abroad
later, he loses it at the time of his taking ordinary residence abroad.
Sec. 3. The property of the Jew who loses citizenship through this executive
order is forfeited together with the loss of citizenship to the Reich. Furthermore,
the property of Jews who at the time this executive order becomes effective are
stateless and who immediately prior thereto had German citizenship, if they have
taken or take up their residence abroad, is confiscated.
Property so forfeited shall be used to further all aims connected with the solution
of the Jewish problem.
Exhibit 35. — Letter on Enemy Alien Evacuation Submitted by
Hon. Earl Warren, Attorney General of California, State
Building, San Francisco, Calif.
Hagar, Crosby & Crosby, Attorneys at Law,
1421 Central Bank Building,
Oakland, Calif., March 6, 1942.
Hon. Earl Warren,
Attorney General,
State Building, San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Earl: Following our last conference, I have checked as carefully as I
have been able to do both Federal and State laws and military law with regard
to a possible solution of the enemy alien and the Japanese-American problem.
I have approached this matter, in general, along the lines of our discussion,
and I think that certain definite premises should be considered:
(a) There is a definite distinction and difference between the Japanese- American,
Italian-American, and German-American, as to their loyalty, willingness to co-
operate, trustworthiness, and general moral integrity. It is unfortunate that
the Japanese-American must be placed in a different category than the Italian-
American and the German-American, but I feel that must be done. Considera-
tion also should be given to the fact that many of the Japanese- Americans have
been sent back to Japan, there to be indoctrinated with the philosophy of Japan,
and have returned to the United States. In general, I think probably those per-
sons should be more carefully watched than many Japanese aliens who, because
of restrictions in our immigration laws, are quite elderly (many of them are in
their late 60's, 70's, and older).
(b) The problem of the Japanese-American cannot be decided on the basis of
citizenship. These Japanese-Americans are, of course, citizens and we cannot
blind ourselves to the possible military necessity of their evacuation from certain
strategic areas.
(c) Many Japanese-Americans own an astounding amount of land in close
proximity to military objectives, reservoirs, plants and factories, utilities, airports,
etc., to the definite detriment of our security. This ownership (and particularly
the location) cannot be brushed aside lightly, and it seems quite obvious, in many
cases, that it was the result of careful planning.
(d) While there are many farms owned by Japanese-Americans, many such
farms containing large acreages employ a considerable amount of white labor.
Often a majority of the work is actually done by other than the Japanese or
Japanese-Americans. The evacuation of these people will not jeopardize our
food supply to the extent first published.
(e) This problem cannot be solved by the alien land law. The alien land law
was enacted to accomplish a definite result and, legally, it cannot be expanded to
cover the instant situation. As far as any law of that type is concerned, if a person
is an American citizen (which, of course, the Japanese-American is) , constitution-
NATIONAL DEFENSE MIGRATION 11299
ally he would have the right to acquire ownership of any land and it cannot be
taken from him.
(/) I know of no State law which could solve this problem, or which could be
enacted to accomplish the desired result. I can find no theory upon which a new
law could be drafted. From a practical standpoint, the legislature does not meet
until 1943. If a special session of the legislature should be called to consider this
subject, I am sure it would be the result of hysteria; that we would go to excesses,
and any such law (even assuming that one could be drafted to cover this situation)
would result in extremes.
(g) This is strictly a Federal and military problem, and must be approached in
that light. It is Federal because of the fact that more than California may be
affected and, in the event of any contemplated invasion or bombardment of the
Atlantic coast, or other coasts, the matter should be decided in all areas or upon
the same broad principles and by Federal statute or regulation. It is military
because the security of the Nation is involved.
(h) The citizenry cannot and should not attempt to solve this problem, it
should be strictly left to the military authorities to determine whether or not it is
essential from a military standpoint that these Japanese-Americans be evacuated.
The military authorities have the Federal Bureau of Investigation at their
disposal and other means of intelligence and, putting all the information obtained
by them together, are in an infinitely better position to determine what should
and should not be done.
Apparently the Army has decided that it is essential that Japanese-Americans
be evacuated from certain areas. That having been done, we must consider
what is the best method to accomplish this and what further steps should be
taken to insure our military security and comply with our laws.
The evacuation of these Japanese-American citizens is going to be very hard
and harsh in many cases. The best that can be hoped is that loyal Japanese-
Americans (and I am confident that there are many) will show their loyalty in
their calm acceptance of this military necessity.
I think the following things should be considered.
(1) If these Japanese-Americans are to be evacuated, arrangements must be
made for them to go somewhere. This, of course, applies to the Japanese aliens
as well. It cannot be done unless some careful arrangements have been made,
preferably in advance, as to where and how they are to be evacuated and what is
to be done with them when they get there. If the press reports are correct, one
Western Governor has indicated the willingness of his people to have the evacuees
go to his State, while on the other hand the Governors of other States have taken
opposite positions. Housing facilities must be considered, medical attention,
methods of taking ciare of these people upon their arrival, whether they are to be
given an opportunity to work or whether there is to be an internment camp
without any opportunity of support, etc. Some Federal agency must be charged
with this evacuation and all of its attendant details.
(2) I think that if the evacuation order is to be made, it must be made upon
the basis of the right of the Government to exclude all people from prohibited
areas (citizens and aliens alike) and then, in effect, license the return of those
persons whose presence may be permitted from a military standpoint. I can see
no other possible constitutional theory for doing this.
(3) The loyal Japanese- Americans should be given some reasonable opportunity
to prove that it is unnecessary for them to remain outside of a specified area.
Some areas may be designated as prohibited areas to all Japanese and Japanese-
Americans, while some other areas may be such that from a military standpoint it
is not necessary to exclude all Japanese-Americans permanently. The military
authorities must decide this question. I think some board or other tribunal could
be set up to determine whether the Japanese- Americans safely could be permitted
to return to certain areas. These tribunals should be entirely divorced from
politics, and I recognize that this would be an extremely hard and difficult thing
to do. When the draft boards were set up, at the request of the adjutant general
of the State of California, the State bar recommended for appointment some 400
appeal agents for California, and all of these were appointed. Having been
president of the State bar at that time, I can definitely assure you that appoint-
ments were made without consideration of politics and I have never heard any
criticism about them. I do not say that that, necessarily, should be the method
of appointment here, but it is at least some possible solution.
11300 SAN FRANCISCO HEARINGS
(4) You, as attorney general of the State, should see that the alien land law is
enforced calmly and without any hysterical approach. I think you should com-
plete all maps showing ownerships in various areas as promptly as possible and if
there have been violations I think you should take action. If American citizens
(of any race or extraction) have conspired with Japanese aliens to violate this law,
I feel that they are entitled to even less consideration than the Japanese alien who
likewise violated the law.
(5) A Federal property custodian (with substantially the same powers as the
Alien Property Custodian in the last war) should take charge of the property
of any evacuee, and should efficiently, honestly, and intelligently handle the
property of the evacuees, free from all political considerations.
(6) If there are any parcels of property owned in the immediate vicinity of
military reservations, etc., which are necessary to the Government from a mili-
tary standpoint, or if there are other properties owned which are necessary to
the security of the Nation, the Federal Government should avail itself of the
right of condemnation and take immediate possession. The maps which are
being prepared under your direction will be of great assistance.
(7) A careful investigation should be made of all Japanese aliens who have
gone to Japan, ostensibly to complete their educations, and then returned to
the United States. Frankly, I think the loyalty of these is more open to question
than that of a Japanese alien or Japanese- American who has remained in the
United States, because the former have gone there for a purpose and have been
steeped in the Japanese philosophy.
I think this matter should be approached in a calm and dispassionate manner
and upon lines of constitutional law. When this war is over we will have to live
with the Japanese-American citizens and others, and we should not take action
which is based on the theory of the Axis Powers which we are fighting. It should
be handled through our democratic and legal processes, giving in all cases military
necessity the first consideration.
Aside from everything else, if we simply herd these people out of certain areas
without making adequate and legal provisions for them, they will then become
excellent material for all radical ideas in opposition to our Government.
Sincerely yours,
Gerald H. Hagar.
Note. — A combined index for Parts 29, 30, and
31, the hearings held on the Pacific coast in rela-
tion to the problems of evacuation of enemy aliens,
will be found in the back of Part 31.
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