Deportation fears for Japanese aliens who served the U.S. in the war

Vol. 22, No. 22, June 1, 1946. 8 pages. View this issue

Fear of deportation ran through this eight-page issue. The New York Times reported that many Japanese alien residents who served in military intelligence now faced removal, and community representatives and civil rights groups protested. A related story described roughly 2,000 stateless Japanese Americans with uncertain status, for whom congressional action was being sought. An editorial, “Involuntary Deportees,” urged those affected to act at once to protect their rights.

Elsewhere on the front page, a GI in Hiroshima learned his mother had died in the atomic blast, and Hawaii GIs sent $2,000 to tidal wave victims. Inside are a Spokane VFW post dispute over admitting Japanese American veterans, a Nisei veteran of the 100th Infantry Battalion reunited with his French bride, and California’s attempt to seize the farm of a soldier, Katsumi Nagata.

What’s in this issue

National

  • U.S. War Effort Face Deportation, Says N.Y. Times, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The New York Times reported that many Japanese alien residents who served the U.S. war effort in military intelligence now face deportation. Community representatives and civil rights groups have protested the proposed action.
  • Japanese Americans Win Case in Federal Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Ninth District Federal Court case concerning Japanese American residents affected by wartime relocation was argued in Los Angeles. The appeal was presented before a full panel of the Court of Appeals.
  • Canada Nisei Seeks Law Excluding Japanese Canadians, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The British Columbia provincial government asked the federal government for permanent legislation barring returning Japanese Canadians from certain designated areas. The request revived a long controversy over Japanese Canadian resettlement.
  • State of California Attempts to Confiscate Farm Property of Japanese American Soldier, by P.C. Staff, page 3. California’s attempt to escheat the Coachella Valley farm of Katsumi Nagata was postponed after the court learned he was still serving in the U.S. Army. The case tests enforcement of the Alien Land Law against a Nisei soldier’s property.

Military & Veterans

  • GI in Hiroshima Finds Mother Died in Atom Blast, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A former U.S. Army GI discovered his mother had died in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima while visiting Japan. The story highlights the human cost of the war for Nisei families caught abroad.
  • Nisei Mechanic on Winning Car in Indianapolis Race, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chick Hirashima, a Nisei mechanic, worked on the winning car in the Indianapolis 500 following Memorial Day. He is a veteran of the Indianapolis racing circuit.
  • Nisei Soldier Stranded by War, Remained Steadfast in Loyalty to U.S., by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fred Masao Fujikawa, a Canoga Park athlete stranded in Japan at the outbreak of war, refused to expatriate his American citizenship and was tortured by Japanese authorities. His father hopes to return his ashes to California.
  • Japanese Veterans Admission Dispute in Spokane VFW Post, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A proposed change in voting procedure may resolve a year-long controversy over admitting Japanese American veterans to Spokane VFW Post No. 51. Rock Hutchings, a World War II paratroop veteran, led the campaign for admission.
  • Nisei War Veteran Reunited With French Bride in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Nisei veteran Arakaki, who served with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Italy and was wounded near Anzio, was reunited with his French bride in Honolulu. The couple had met in Marseilles during the war.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Plight of 2,000 Stateless Persons; Congressional Action Sought to Aid Group, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Roughly 2,000 stateless Japanese Americans face uncertain status and possible deportation. Congressional action is being sought to provide relief to the group.

Community

  • Hawaii Gls Respond to Tidal Wave Victims, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese Americans from Hawaii serving abroad sent donations to aid victims of a Hawaiian tidal wave. A check for $2,000 was forwarded through the military intelligence school at Fort Snelling.
  • Nisei Student Reads Prize-Winning Essay at New York Station, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Nisei student read a prize-winning essay during a broadcast from a New York radio station. The essay addressed the wartime experience of Japanese Americans.

Commentary

  • Palo Alto Does Outstanding Job of Evacuee Relocation, by John Kitabako, page 2. The Palo Alto Times praised that city’s handling of the evacuee relocation program. The writer commends the community for its welcoming attitude toward returning Nisei.
  • Involuntary Deportees, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Pacific Citizen editorial addresses the pending deportation of Japanese aliens, many of whom are stateless through no fault of their own. It urges those facing deportation to act immediately to protect their rights.
  • Unity in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Hawaii’s wartime record of loyalty and interracial unity is cited as its strongest argument for statehood. The editorial draws on an FBI report describing an interracial committee formed before Pearl Harbor.

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