November 1941: why Nisei belonged to the JACL

Vol. 13, No. 59, November 1941. 12 pages. View this issue

Why belong to the JACL? That question ran across the front page of this 12-page issue, where a member wrote that the League stood for justice, Americanism, citizenship and leadership, and that he was proud to be a member. Also on page 1, Senator Guy Gillette of Iowa answered a protest letter from JACL headquarters, saying his resolution aimed to look into charges against Japanese Americans, not to injure loyal citizens. Mike Masaoka’s month-long western tour, his advice on choosing careful chapter officers, and Walter Tsukamoto’s legal forum on the freezing order on Japanese assets filled the JACL pages.

Chapter news fills the later pages: Armistice Day parades in Fresno and San Jose, a farewell banquet for Nisei draftees in Rexburg, Idaho, and the Southern District Council welcoming two new chapters. Togo Tanaka spoke for the JACL at House hearings on a dual citizenship bill. Ethel J. Spaulding wrote about life among the races in Hawaii.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Why Belong to the JACL? I Agree With Its Aims; I Believe In Its Destiny; I Am Proud To Be a Member!, page 1. A member explains why they belong to the Japanese American Citizens League, citing its work for justice, Americanism, citizenship, and leadership. The writer argues that the organization’s achievements in public relations and education have improved conditions for Japanese Americans.
• Notes and Comments, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editors note growing public confidence in JACL members and argue that the League should loudly proclaim its loyalty to the United States. They also discuss renewed national interest in the employment problems of Nisei and the efforts of various groups to address discrimination.
• Itinerary for Month Tour of Nat’l Secretary, by P.C. Staff, page 2. National Secretary Mike Masaoka outlines his month-long tour of western states, including conferences with governors, mayors, and chapter officials. The tour also includes a Denver meeting with the National Youth Administration regional director.
• Legal Forum: Freezing Order and Japanese Assets, by Walter Tsukamoto, page 2. Walter Tsukamoto answers a reader’s question about the June 1941 executive order freezing Japanese assets. He explains that the order applies to Japanese subjects and American citizens transacting with Japan, and describes the licensing rules for resident aliens.
• Drive for U.S.O. Fund Postponed To February 1, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The national JACL postponed its USO benefit Appreciation Day from November to February 1 to allow for a more favorable post-holiday season. The change was endorsed by the USO.
• Care in Choice of New Cabinet Advised, by Mike Masaoka, page 3. Masaoka urges chapters to select careful and capable officers for the coming year, given the threat of war. He outlines qualifications for leadership and asks chapters to cooperate with National Headquarters requests.
• National Headquarters Suggests Chapter Ritual, by P.C. Staff, page 5. National Headquarters recommends a standard order of business for chapter meetings, including the pledge of allegiance, reading of the Japanese American Creed, and a closing song. The guidance aims to lend dignity and prestige to chapter meetings during the international crisis.
• Intermountain District Conclave Tentative Program Given, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The Pocatello chapter announces its second annual Intermountain District JACL convention for November 21 and 22, listing guest speakers and a tentative schedule. Discussions will focus on problems facing American citizens of Japanese ancestry.
• JACL Represented in Hearings on Bill Against Dual Citizenship, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Togo Tanaka represented the JACL at House hearings on a dual citizenship bill, providing data on the League and its position. The bill would require nationals who claimed foreign allegiance to renounce U.S. nationality or face deportation.
• Former State Senator Addresses Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Former state senator William F. Knowland delivered the main address at the Oakland JACL chapter’s seventh anniversary banquet attended by 150 people. Mike Masaoka and other chapter leaders also attended.

National

• Senator Answers Letter of Protest From Headquarters, page 1. Senator Guy Gillette of Iowa responds to a JACL protest, assuring the League that his resolution aims to investigate charges against Japanese Americans rather than to injure loyal citizens. He explains that the resolution sought to determine whether allegations of pro-Japanese subversive activity had any foundation.
• N.Y.A. Consents to Use Nisei In Active Advisory Capacity, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The National Youth Administration agreed to let the JACL nominate Nisei advisors to state directors in seven western states. National Secretary Mike Masaoka called the arrangement one of the organization’s greatest achievements to date.
• NWDC to Sponsor Movies to Raise Funds for Future, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The Northwest District Council is sponsoring Japanese movie nights to raise funds for national secretary office expenses. The Seattle chapter has already shown one movie, with White River next on schedule.

Military & Veterans

• Fresnans Enter Float in Armistice Parade, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The American Loyalty League of Fresno entered a patriotic float in the city’s Armistice Day parade. The float displayed the slogans ‘We Also Serve’ and ‘Security Through Unity.’

Community

• Brotherhood of Races, All Combined: Americans in Hawaii, by Ethel J. Spaulding, page 4. The author describes how racial minorities in Hawaii live together and how students puzzle over immigration rules that refuse to accept Hawaiian birth certificates for travel. The article also explains the problems of dual citizenship and passports facing Americans of Oriental ancestry.
• Rating of Efficiency: Meeting Up to Par? Start Improvement, Chapters!, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The article presents a chapter efficiency rating chart covering planning, attendance, publicity, membership, and public relations. Chapters are urged to grade themselves honestly and send reports to National Headquarters.
• San Jose Citizens Take Part in Armistice Day, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The San Jose JACL entered a decorated car in the Armistice Day parade and provided entertainment at an American Legion dinner. Mike Masaoka also spoke at local colleges and a chamber of commerce forum.
• Parade, Fete Secretary Masaoka, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The San Jose chapter held its goodwill banquet with National Secretary Mike Masaoka as speaker, drawing about 200 attendees. Local officials and a musical program were part of the evening.
• Puyallup Valley Sets Annual Carnival-Bazaar, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The Puyallup Valley JACL plans its fifth annual carnival-bazaar and dance on November 29 at Fife High School to promote goodwill between American and Japanese residents. The article also reports on local selective service inductees.
• Draftees Honored at Banquet Given in Rexburg Hall, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The Yellowstone JACL chapter held a farewell banquet for two Nisei draftees leaving Rexburg, Idaho. The youths were part of the fourth group of Nisei drafted.
• Eden Township Members Vow Loyalty, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Eden Township JACL members adopted resolutions at a defense rally pledging support for American principles, purchase of defense bonds, and cooperation with civilian defense agencies. The rally was held at the Ashland Japanese School.
• Long Beach Heads Southern District Council, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Two new chapters, Pasadena and Santa Barbara, were admitted to the Southern District Council at its meeting in Torrance. Plans were made for a Rose Parade float, a membership drive, and a speakers’ bureau.

In-Depth

• Nisei Journalist Recalls Three Outstanding Stories of Career, by Kay Nishida, page 4. Journalist Kay Nishida recounts three notable news stories from his career with the Pacific Coast Nisei press. The stories include the Marie Kunitomo tragedy in Denver and the 1930 shooting of Premier Hamaguchi in Tokyo.

Commentary

• Why Join PTA, by Mrs. Henry Takahashi, page 7. A Nisei mother describes her participation in the Parent-Teacher Association at her children’s school in Berkeley. She explains how involvement helped her understand school programs and build ties with other families.
• Self Control, by Caryl de Voe, page 7. A short poem urges the reader to keep a steady head under criticism and hatred, to trust oneself, and to avoid being too good or wise in the eyes of others.

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