Nisei soldiers killed in Italy, and the fight over Tule Lake

Vol. 17, No. 22, December 4, 1943. 8 pages. View this issue

The war news on the front page was grim: Secretary of War Stimson announced that 34 Japanese American soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion had been killed in action in Italy. Another story named thirteen dead from Hawaii. The editorial “An Unwritten Compact” honored the men and argued their sacrifice obligated the nation. Much of the issue then turned to Tule Lake, with the Army, the Justice Department, a House committee and groups from Orland to Seattle debating who should control the segregation camp and what should happen to those held there.

Drew Pearson reported that the Navy was holding up a plan to put 400 cleared Japanese Americans on merchant ships. Columns by Joe Grant Masaoka and Saburo Kido, Ann Nisei’s Christmas gift ideas, and a Truman B. Douglas pamphlet on the forced removal fill the opinion pages. News from Minidoka, Poston, Jerome and Manzanar rounds out the eight pages.

What’s in this issue

Military & Veterans

• 34 Nisei Killed, 30 Injured on Italian Front, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Secretary of War Stimson announced that 34 Japanese American soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion were killed in action in Italy, with 130 wounded and five missing. The Japanese Americans have been the spearhead of the Fifth Army’s attack against German forces.
• Navy Department Stalls on Move to Use 400 Evacuees to Meet Shortages of Seamen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Drew Pearson reported that the War Shipping Administration wants to place about 400 cleared Japanese American seamen on merchant ships, but the Navy has not approved. The plan remains stalled under objections from Naval Intelligence.
• Names of 13 Dead Announced by War Department; Stimson Praises Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The War Department named thirteen Japanese American soldiers, all from Hawaii, killed in action in the Mediterranean theatre. They were the first announced combat deaths of Japanese Americans since December 7, 1941.
• Hawaiian Family Remembers Sergeant Killed in Action, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Takata family of Waialua, Hawaii, donated $400 to the Red Cross and national war fund in memory of Sgt. Joseph Takata, killed in North Africa. They chose a contribution over the traditional gift-giving after the 49th day of mourning.
• Nisei Volunteers Accepted Into Army Reserve, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Nisei army volunteers will be placed in the Enlisted Reserve Corps after induction in Salt Lake City and released to civilian life subject to recall. The 21-day furloughs previously granted to volunteers will be discontinued.

National

• Attorney General Opposes Stern Measures Proposed Against Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorney General Francis Biddle reportedly told West Coast congressmen that the Roosevelt administration would not yield to pressure for harsher treatment of evacuees. The Justice Department had opposed the original wholesale evacuation.
• Civil Liberties Union May Test Coast Exclusion Ruling, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The American Civil Liberties Union authorized a federal court case challenging the military’s exclusion of a loyal Japanese American from the West Coast based solely on race. The case selection was referred to Southern California counsel A. L. Wirin.
• FEPC Will Act on Cases of Employment Discrimination Against Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Stanley D. Metzger of the Fair Employment Practice Committee said discrimination against Japanese Americans falls within its jurisdiction. He explained how complaints must be filed and that regional offices were being expanded.
• House Group Studies Law to Ban Race Hatred Literature, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A House subcommittee considered the Lynch bill to bar race-hatred literature from the mails, backed by liberal, labor and Jewish groups. The ACLU opposed the bill, arguing it expands postal censorship powers.
• Senate Vote Repeals Ban on Chinese, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Senate passed and sent to the White House a bill repealing the Chinese exclusion laws, allowing Chinese lawful residents to naturalize. The measure lowers immigration barriers to admit 106 Chinese annually.
• Believe Gov. Warren Disfavors Special Session on Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Governor Warren of California reportedly was not disposed to call a special legislative session on the Japanese problem unless there was a general request. He was awaiting a request from State Senator Randolph Collier.
• L.A. District Attorney Shuns Legal Action Over Threats, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Los Angeles District Attorney Howser stated no legal action could be taken against groups that openly threatened to kill persons of Japanese ancestry. He said the threats were hypothetical and unaccompanied by overt acts.

Incarceration & Redress

• Coast Fair Play Committee Backs WRA Jurisdiction on Tule Segregation Camp, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Northern California Committee of Fair Play urged the War Relocation Authority to continue operating Tule Lake and proposed a six-point program. The group also called for separating troublemakers from law-abiding evacuees.
• Appeal Board May Consider Hearing Procedure for Those Desiring to Leave Camp, by P.C. Staff, page 2. WRA regional director Robert Cozzens said the agency was considering an appeal board to hear applications from Tule Lake segregees wishing to leave. He noted many went to Tule Lake only because of family ties.
• Eighteen Nisei Offered Jobs in Washington, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Eighteen nisei women have been offered jobs by federal agencies in Washington, with additional requests received daily. Ten of the accepted women have arrived in Washington and await final clearance.
• Nisei Ministers Being Assigned to Interdenominational Service in Midwest, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Japanese American ministers are being assigned to interdenominational service in resettlement areas as part of an effort to integrate Japanese Americans into other churches. Twelve ministers were already working in several Midwest cities.
• Communists Ask Fair Play for Loyal Evacuees, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Communist Party of California urged Army control of the Tule Lake center in a letter to Congressman Clair Engle. It argued loyal Japanese Americans should not be placed in the same category as the disloyal.
• Will Assist Resettlement of Evacuees, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Interdenominational church groups agreed no segregated Japanese congregations would be established and are providing services for evacuees. Before evacuation there were about 200 Japanese churches and 100 ministers on the West Coast.
• Hull Discourages Plan to Deport Tule Lake Disloyals, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Secretary of State Hull discouraged a proposal to exchange disloyal Tule Lake internees for American citizens held by Japan. He said there was no assurance Tokyo would accept a large number of them.
• Pasadena Fair Play Group Opposes Racial Legislation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Maynard Foree Thayer and Miss Priscilla Beattie of the Pasadena Committee on American Principles and Fair Play opposed restrictive legislation against Japanese Americans. They said their letter to the legislature stressed opposition to barring return after the war.
• California Guard Chief Wants to Exclude Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Brig. Gen. Mark Hays of the California State Guard said persons of Japanese ancestry should be permanently excluded from the West Coast to avoid riots and bloodshed. He cited feeling in the Salinas area tied to Bataan captures.
• Orland Chamber of Commerce Asks Removal of Tule Lake Group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Orland, California Chamber of Commerce passed resolutions urging removal of disloyal persons from Tule Lake to an interior point and conversion of the camp into one for prisoners of war.
• Army Doesn’t Want Control of Camps, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rep. John M. Costello reported the War Department was definitely opposed to assuming control of the Tule Lake segregation center. The army questioned why it should be called upon to take over the camp.
• Death Threats Voiced at Tule, Committee Told, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. J. Reese Petticord’s former senior medical officer testified that Tule Lake residents were threatened with death unless they joined demonstrations. Dillon Myer cautioned staff to be careful because of possible international incidents.
• Eagles in Seattle Urge Exclusion, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Seattle Aerie No. 1 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles passed a resolution demanding permanent exclusion of persons of Japanese ancestry from the Pacific Northwest. The resolution followed reports of disturbances at Tule Lake.
• Secretary Stimson Declines Comment, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Secretary of War Stimson declined to comment on a proposal to transfer control of the Tule Lake segregation center to the War Department. The Justice Department reportedly opposed moving Tule Lake under its jurisdiction.
• Native Sons Seek to Consolidate Work of Anti-Evacuee Group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Native Sons of the Golden West sought to consolidate the work of anti-evacuee groups in California. The organization’s efforts were described in the article.
• Tri-State Buddhists Clears Way for Dispersal Benefits, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Thomas Mayeda told a YMCA group that dispersal of Japanese Americans in small groups throughout the country would be a key benefit. He said dispersal would reduce exposure to racial discrimination concentrated in one area.
• WRA Holds Leave Clearance Hearings in Relocation Camps, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The WRA reported that some relocation center residents are receiving leave clearance hearings as part of an investigation of eligibility. Those cleared may relocate anywhere outside restricted military areas.
• Whitaker to Head Jerome Relocation Center, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Assistant field director Whitaker of the WRA Little Rock office was named head of the Jerome center, replacing Paul A. Taylor who resigned. Whitaker will manage Jerome in addition to his Little Rock duties.

Community

• Japanese Bath House Destroyed by Fire, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Fire of unknown origin destroyed an old Japanese bath house on the L. Albertson ranch near Santa Rita on November 26. Damage was reported as low because the building was old and no longer in use.
• Minidoka Goes Over Top in Fund Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Minidoka Relocation Center raised $1,907.93 for the National War Fund in a two-day drive, with over $1,250 from residents. Overall quota was exceeded and the surplus was directed to the local Hunt USO.
• Evacuee Reports Unfavorable Treatment in California Visit, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Three evacuees from Topaz and their escort were denied entrance to a San Leandro hotel while visiting a father hospitalized in Fairmont. The escort complained to the sheriff’s office.
• Japanese Language Graduation Program Held at Colorado U., by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Navy’s language school at the University of Colorado held graduation exercises, with the valedictory and school song delivered in Japanese. Captain Frank Roberts commanded the unit.
• Five Evacuees Miss Bus, Get Help From Sheriff, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Five farm workers left behind when their bus from Idaho to Manzanar made a breakfast stop were retrieved by Ormsby County Sheriff Brooks in Carson City. Reno police assisted in catching the buses.
• Buffalo YWCA Entertain Nisei at Holiday Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Eleven new nisei residents of Buffalo, New York, enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the YWCA at the South Side Branch. Hosts included Gwendylyn Morgan and Patty Ellis.
• Evacuees Given Administrative Posts of Poston Units, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Seichi Nomura, Kenji Uyeno and Gerald Wumino were scheduled to become administrators of Units I, II and III at Poston, replacing appointed personnel. The Poston Chronicle reported the change.

Commentary

• An Unwritten Compact, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial honors the 34 Japanese American soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion killed in Italy, naming them and describing their lives in Hawaii and the mainland. It argues their sacrifice obligates the nation to make the American dream a reality.
• The Army on Race, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial cites the Army’s orientation guide recognizing the contributions of Japanese American men to the war effort. It warns that racist attacks on Japanese Americans on the West Coast help the enemy.
• Toward a Pacific Charter, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial analyzes the recent Allied conferences in North Africa and the decisions for military action against Japan. It argues the resulting framework must make imperialism and colonialism untenable in Asia.
• Christmas in the Camps, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial reflects on the Christmas gifts being gathered by Christians across the country for children in the WRA centers. It presents the gifts as an expression of brotherhood.
• Nightmares by W. R. Hearst, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial argues the Hearst press is conducting a campaign of racial incitement against Japanese Americans and other minorities. It traces Hearst’s anti-Orientalism and argues economic interests in California drive the campaign.
• America … ?, by Fred Fertig, page 5. Fertig reflects on what America means, describing its promises and its people from workers and farmers to Negroes and immigrants. He argues the nation’s democratic principle of freedom and justice for all is still growing.
• Applying Democracy to Immigration Laws, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The editorial welcomes congressional repeal of the Chinese exclusion ban as a first step toward racially equal immigration laws. It calls for immigration policy judged on individual merit rather than race.
• Editorial Digest: Mr. Grew and Tule Lake, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The digest quotes the Minneapolis Star-Journal praising ex-ambassador Joseph Grew’s call for fair play to loyal Japanese Americans. It criticizes sensational reporting from the Hearst papers on Tule Lake.
• New Pamphlet: 70,000 Refugees—Made in U.S.A., by Truman B. Douglas, page 5. A new pamphlet by Truman B. Douglas examines the evacuation as a test of American democracy and Christian compassion. It suggests concrete actions for citizens to aid evacuees with housing and employment.
• Children of Nisei Healthier Because of Balanced Diet, by Joe Grant Masaoka, page 6. Masaoka observes that Nisei are taller and heavier than their Issei parents, attributing the change to a more balanced diet. He discusses nutritional knowledge needed by expectant mothers and the value of soy products.
• Thanksgiving, by Joe Grant Masaoka, page 6. Masaoka reflects that Thanksgiving should mean sharing blessings with others less fortunate. He argues Japanese Americans must actively participate in correcting minority inequalities.
• Timely Topics: Seasonal Workers Returning to Camps, by Saburo Kido, page 6. Kido discusses the return of seasonal farm workers from relocation centers as harvest ends and questions whether WRA will permit seasonal leaves next year. He weighs arguments for and against continued seasonal leave.
• Ann Nisei Says: Thought, Personality Should Go Into Christmas Gifts, by Ann Nisei, page 7. Ann Nisei offers gift ideas for soldiers, hostesses, children, and wives, emphasizing thoughtful and personal choices. She suggests specific items and retailers for a range of budgets.

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