Vol. 35, No. 24, December 12, 1952. 8 pages. View this issue
The new Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 and the question of Nisei citizenship drove the news in this eight-page issue. Rep. Francis E. Walter warned critics against repealing the law before it could take effect. JACL president George Inagaki predicted an early settlement of the dual nationality problem, and the National JACL said it would seek legislation to restore citizenship to Nisei who lost it by voting in postwar Japanese elections. Fourteen Hawaii-born Nisei filed federal suits over denied passports.
The JACL also planned to help people incarcerated during World War II collect their evacuation claims. Harry K. Honda wrote about office Christmas parties, Bill Hosokawa and Lawrence Nakatsuka contributed columns, and Larry Tajiri’s visit to New York friends was noted. Page 6 is given over to sports: bowling, swimming, football and tennis.
What’s in this issue
National
- Critics of new immigration act warned by Walter at testimonial, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Francis E. Walter warned critics against repealing the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 before it can take effect. He defended the law’s national origins quota system and its removal of race bars to naturalization.
- Early settlement of dual nationality problem predicted by Inagaki, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL president George Inagaki predicted early resolution of the dual nationality problem affecting Nisei after consultations with Japanese officials. A memorandum is being prepared asking the Diet to amend its law so Nisei lose Japanese nationality unless they take specific acts to keep it.
- 14 Hawaiian-born strandees file suits for restoration of American citizenship, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Fourteen federal suits were filed on behalf of Hawaii-born Nisei denied passports, including former Japanese military personnel and those who voted in Japanese elections. The complaints argue these acts were not voluntary.
- Supreme Court hearings on school segregation start; decision delayed, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the separate-but-equal doctrine in school segregation cases from Kansas, South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware and D.C. A decision is not expected until next year.
- Hawaiian Nisei Keeny Teran and Tommy Umeda boxing match, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Keeny Teran won a unanimous 10-round decision over Tommy Umeda at Olympic Auditorium after a comeback from personal struggles. Umeda had fought well but was overwhelmed in the late rounds.
Community
- Cal-Poly to enter Nisei designed float in ’53, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ray Yamasaki, a Cal Poly horticulture student, is designing the school’s 1953 Tournament of Roses float titled Mission Bells. The float features a 17-foot early California mission with a chiming bronze bell.
- Two prospects in line for prosecutor post, by P.C. Staff, page 2. James Morita and Sakae Takahashi are both possible appointees by Honolulu Mayor John H. Wilson for the long-vacant city-county attorney post. Morita sat in on the mayor’s campaign circles while Takahashi has extensive government experience.
- Larry Tajiri’s chit-chat with friends in N.Y., by P.C. Staff, page 2. Former Pacific Citizen editors Larry and Guyo Tajiri visited New York friends while undecided about where to settle. They were honored at a gathering in the home of Joe Oyama.
Incarceration & Redress
- Citizenship of strandees voting in Japan sought, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL will seek legislation restoring American citizenship to Nisei who lost it by voting in postwar Japanese elections. Masaoka estimated 4,000 to 5,000 Nisei were affected across four categories of loss.
- JACL to assist internees collect evacuation claims, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL will work to secure evacuation claim consideration for internees, including possible test litigation and legislative amendments. The organization will also push to expedite processing of larger claims.
- ADC urges early payment of awarded evacuation claims, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee will seek payment of approved evacuation claims in the new Congress. Concerns exist that the new Congress may resist appropriating funds due to budget-cutting goals.
Commentary
- Christmas Party, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda reflects on the commercialization of office holiday parties and urges employers to host children’s parties instead. He also comments on the meaning of Christmas greetings and the spirit of goodwill.
- New look at ‘alien law’, by P.C. Staff, page 8. This editorial examines the Walter-McCarran Act passed over President Truman’s veto and warns that opponents may use hearings to delay its benefits. It urges supporters not to relax their vigilance in the coming Congress.
- World Citizen, by Nippon Times, page 8. The editorial praises Mike Masaoka’s two-month visit to Japan and his work strengthening American-Japanese relations. It describes him as a proud American and advocate for world peace.
- To Cherish Democracy, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Columnist Bill Hosokawa recounts how New York Times publisher Arthur Hays Sulzberger spoke about minority experiences that deepen commitment to democracy. Hosokawa reflects on the importance of understanding democracy’s shortcomings.
- What’s Up?, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 8. Nakatsuka recalls the Pearl Harbor attack morning as a reporter and the rumors and suspicion that fell on Issei and Nisei afterward. He concludes that Nisei wartime loyalty has since been vindicated.
Military & Veterans
- Outnumbered 8 to 1, Nisei helps in defense of post, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Pfc. Charles H. Nishida and six companions held a Korean listening post against a Chinese assault that outnumbered them eight to one. A relief platoon arrived by morning and the enemy suffered 35 dead.
Sports
- George Kobo bangs 700 to cop WLA JACL kegling title; team hits 3223, by P.C. Staff, page 6. George Kobo won the singles title with a 700 series at the second annual West Los Angeles JACL bowling tournament. Kay’s Hardware took the team title with a 3223 total.
- Name two gridders to S.C. all-JAYSEE, by P.C. Staff, page 6. David Yamashiro, a halfback at Compton College, was named to the United Press All-Southern California junior college football first team. Jim Nakagawa of East Los Angeles JC was named to the second team.
- Gene Matsuo wins L.A. city school tennis title, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Gene Matsuo of Los Angeles High won the singles title at the City Schools Championship tournament at Griffith Park. It is the first time a Nisei has won the L.A. city school singles championship.
- Konno, Oyakawa, Kawamoto named All-Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ford Konno, Yoshi Oyakawa and Evelyn Kawamoto were named to the 1952 AAU All-American swimming teams. Konno earned five selections.
- Nisei back makes N.Y. city all-star, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Vic Hiraga, a Stuyvesant High School halfback, was named to the New York City PSAL all-star football team. The Los Angeles-born 17-year-old was presented a gold football at the Lou Gehrig dinner.
Obituaries
- Eight Hawaiian honor… Nishita-Hiramoto wedding, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Patricia Misao Hiramoto and William Toru Nishita were married at Makiki Christian Church in Honolulu. Nishita is now a member of the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants.
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