January 1942: Japanese Americans pledge loyalty after Pearl Harbor

Vol. 14, No. 61, January 1942. 16 pages. View this issue

Japanese Americans were shaping their response to the war in this 16-page issue. Chapters and councils announced pledges of service to the country: the Anti-Axis Committee of the Southern District Council, a new Coordinating Committee of Northern California chapters, and Seattle’s Emergency Defense Council. An editorial, “Let This Be Our Vow for 1942: America,” urged readers to prove their loyalty through deeds. Eleanor Roosevelt asked for tolerance, and statements of confidence came from Brig. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey, Governor Earl Warren, Mayor F. H. LaGuardia and Stanford president Ray Lyman Wilbur.

Other pages followed the practical side of wartime life. Chapters held Red Cross drives, a blood bank offer and defense bond campaigns. Articles explained the rules for aliens, including the identification certificate order from the President, and a notice from Rear Admiral J.W. Greenslade warned residents against careless talk. A column from Buenos Aires, sports tips and notes on new chapters round out the issue. Five pages carry holiday greeting ads.

What’s in this issue

National

• We Pledge Our Services to America, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Anti-Axis Committee of the Southern District Council pledged its facilities and individual services to the government in the national crisis. Its divisions and objectives include cooperating with government agencies, coordinating citizen activities, and securing fair treatment of loyal Americans.
• Government Beckons Workers, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The U.S. Civil Service Commission is recruiting stenographers in Washington, D.C., with salaries of $120 a month. The article describes the open examination process and related federal job openings.
• Legislations in California, by P.C. Staff, page 2. National Secretary Mike Masaoka reported on California legislation including the Swan-Metzger resolution to bar disloyal persons from civil service lists. The article also notes the vehicle transfer rules for Japanese nationals under federal General License 68A.
• Warning! Citizens Cautioned Against Disclosure of Carelessly Revealing Information, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rear Admiral J.W. Greenslade warned residents of the Twelfth Naval District against discussing naval movements, new weapons, and production capacities. He explained that enemy spies would exploit careless remarks and cited the Espionage Act penalties.
• They Are Loyal, Anxious to Please, by Earl Warren, page 3. California’s governor urged citizens to treat loyal Japanese Americans with fairness and restraint while leaving disloyalty investigations to the FBI. He asked Japanese Americans to report any signs of sabotage or disloyalty.
• Aliens Over 14 Required to File for Certificates of Identification, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The President ordered Japanese aliens 14 and older to apply for certificates of identification at post offices during set February periods. The article details photograph requirements and penalties for noncompliance.

Community

• N.C.D.C. Rallies Chapters into Coordinating Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Northern California chapters formed a Coordinating Committee with four regional divisions at a San Francisco meeting on Dec. 21. Regional chairmen and secretaries were appointed to meet weekly and address problems without chapters working individually.
• Uniting for Democracy: Emergency Council Coordinates Efforts of Citizens Throughout Northwest, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seattle’s Emergency Defense Council, formed after the war began, has gained recognition from federal and local agencies and directs five corps. Its activities include welfare aid, civilian protection, Red Cross fundraising, and defense bond sales.
• Civilian Defense Declaration Urgent Call, by F. H. LaGuardia, page 3. LaGuardia, director of Civilian Defense, called on all citizens regardless of race to join civilian protection efforts. He outlined the twin tasks of preparing for attack and strengthening the nation’s health and economy.
• We Also Serve, by P.C. Staff, page 4. National Headquarters issued celluloid buttons reading We Also Serve to help identify members. Chapters retain part of the proceeds to aid those in need in their communities.
• $185 Collected for Red Cross Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Washington Township JACL women’s auxiliary collected $185 in the recent Red Cross drive. The chapter also set dues at $2 and elected a new cabinet.
• First Chapter Donates to Blood Bank, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Monterey Peninsula JACL became the first chapter to offer blood to the local Red Cross for a blood bank. The chapter also planned defense stamp dinners and elected new officers.
• San Mateans Drive for 350 Members, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The San Mateo JACL launched a 1942 membership drive with a goal of 350 members divided into two competing teams. Membership fees were set at $2 per person or $5 per family.
• Justice Promised Innocent, by Francis Biddle, page 5. Attorney General Biddle urged mayors to prevent discrimination against aliens in jobs, schools, and neighborhoods. He described the civilian hearing boards created to review detained enemy aliens.
• JACL Influence Spreads as More Chapters Join, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Several new chapters including Pasadena, Santa Barbara, and Big Horn Mountains are awaiting formal induction into the national JACL. The article notes additional localities preparing to join in 1942.
• Watsonville, Portland Move to Support Defense Drives, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Watsonville citizens league launched a house-to-house defense bond campaign with a $25,000 goal. The Portland JACL and presidents’ council also coordinated defense stamp and Red Cross efforts.
• Lindsay District Citizens Merge into One Group, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Nisei Civic League and district JACL in Lindsay merged into one organization to share in city defense activities. The new group pledged support for Red Cross fundraising and national defense work.
• Fresno Loyalty League Adopts War-Time Pace, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Fresno Loyalty League opened a full-time office and coordinated Civilian Defense sign-ups and a successful Red Cross drive. It also expanded its membership drive and planned to help organize outlying communities.
• San Diego Citizens Plead: Give Us a Chance to Do Our Share, by P.C. Staff, page 15. San Diego JACL members pledged full support for city defense measures in a communication delivered to Mayor Benbough. They asked for public tolerance toward Japanese Americans and their parents.
• Over 200 Pledge Allegiance to U.S. at Spokane, by P.C. Staff, page 16. More than 200 Spokane JACL members renewed their loyalty pledges at a dinner meeting. The group resolved to support the war effort through enlistment, bond purchases, and Civilian Defense work.
• Uniting for Democracy: Emergency Council Coordinates Efforts of Citizens Throughout Northwest, by P.C. Staff, page 16. Seattle’s Emergency Defense Council coordinated welfare, civilian protection, Red Cross, bond sales, and intelligence corps. It has worked closely with city and federal officials on community problems.

Commentary

• Mrs. Roosevelt Asks Tolerance, by Eleanor Roosevelt, page 1. Mrs. Roosevelt reassured Americans of Japanese ancestry and sympathized with the plight of the Issei after meeting a group of Japanese American leaders. She said the interview was arranged through local JACL efforts.
• Let This Be Our Vow for 1942: America, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The editorial urges Japanese Americans to prove their loyalty through deeds rather than words in the coming year of war. It calls for patience, sacrifice, and vigilance against prejudice and hysteria.
• Notes and Comments, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial urges members to support defense bond sales, Red Cross drives, and JACL funds during the crisis. It also thanks national leaders Saburo Kido and Mike Masaoka for their work.
• A Time That Tries Men’s Souls, by Ralph L. Carr, page 3. Colorado’s governor reminded readers that America is a melting pot where prejudice has no place. He urged Americans of Japanese ancestry to set an example of loyalty.
• Congratulations on Caliber of Members, by Sam C. Ford, page 4. Montana’s governor commended the JACL’s motto of creating better Americans in a greater America. He pledged support for the organization’s service efforts.
• Duty to Be Alert, by Charles A. Sprague, page 4. Oregon’s governor warned that any disloyalty by Japanese American citizens would invite reprisals against the whole group. He called on the League to remain alert and cooperate with authorities.
• Law-Abiding, by Herbert B. Maw, page 4. Utah’s governor expressed confidence that Japanese American citizens would prove their loyalty through their conduct. He praised the American ideal of integrating diverse peoples.
• Let Us Each One Be American Citizenship at Its Best, by Earl J. Glade, page 4. A radio station vice-president urged American-born Japanese to prove their loyalty and appreciate the freedoms America offers. He argued that freedoms must be used and cherished to endure.
• Prejudice Pits Minorities Against Citizens, by Robert G. Sproul, page 4. The University of California president warned that prejudice threatens to deprive nonwhite citizens of full rights, a problem worsened since the start of war with Japan. He called on every citizen to oppose this discrimination.
• Full Confidence Trust in Courage, by Ray Lyman Wilbur, page 4. The Stanford president expressed confidence that Japanese American citizens would rise to the emergency and prove their loyalty. He noted their long record of good citizenship.
• To the End That Government of the People May Not Perish, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A resolution adopted by the Northern California District Council urged Japanese American citizens to volunteer for military and civilian defense and to buy defense bonds. It condemned the Japanese attack on American soil.
• Let Us Each One Be, by Robert G. Sproul, page 4. The University of Washington president expressed faith that the loyal majority of Japanese Americans would prove their devotion. He urged all citizens to expose disloyal activity.
• Nisei in Buenos Aires, by El Japonesito, page 8. The writer describes the Japanese community in Buenos Aires, noting its Issei origins and the Nisei’s lack of organized activities like the JACL. The author observes that their standards leave room for improvement.

Military & Veterans

• Pressing Need for Solidarity, by Brig. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey, page 3. Selective Service Director Hershey praised the JACL for promoting patriotic cooperation among citizens. He stressed that breaking down group barriers is essential for national unity.
• Contrabands, Travelling, Property Interests, Espionage, by P.C. Staff, page 10. This regulatory summary explains federal restrictions on alien possession of contraband, travel, property reporting, and espionage penalties. It also reviews the Treasury general license affecting Japanese nationals’ accounts and businesses.

JACL

• Change in League Name Opposed, by P.C. Staff, page 4. National Headquarters opposed changing the League’s name, citing years of recognition built under the current title. Mike Masaoka explained that the word Japanese modifies American and distinguishes the group.

Sports

• Winning Basketball and Ping Pong Tips, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The article offers coaching tips for girls’ basketball drawn from Stockton’s Busy Bees and pointers for tennis and ping pong. It emphasizes practice, cooperation, and strategy.

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