Vol. 69, No. 8, August 22, 1969. 8 pages. View this issue
The campaign to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950 ran through this eight-page issue. Rep. Spark Matsunaga announced 90 more co-sponsors for the Matsunaga-Holifield bill, bringing the total to 126, and JACL published a leaflet in support of repeal. Jerry Enomoto, JACL National President, wrote an open letter to J. Edgar Hoover objecting to testimony about Chinese Americans, recalling the 1942 incarceration of Japanese Americans. Enomoto also wrote the front-page column “JACL Reinterpreted” and a separate commentary.
Elsewhere, Mike Masaoka reported on a U.S.-Japan trade meeting in Tokyo, and Bill Hosokawa wrote about two Nisei soldiers who died at Okinawa. Several writers looked at the reinstatement of Dr. Thomas Noguchi as Los Angeles County Coroner, including Booker Griffin and Kats Kunitsugu. Other items cover a JACL student aid program, the EDC-MDC convention in Cincinnati, and a bowling tournament.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- JACL Reinterpreted, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto urges members to remain committed to justice, accuracy, and concern for fellow citizens rather than adopting radical tactics. He cautions against insensitivity and self-defeating antics, calling for a coalition of quiet and activist JACLers.
- Joint U.S.-Japan Meeting, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka reviews the Seventh Joint United States-Japan Committee on Trade and Economic Affairs held in Tokyo in July 1969. He summarizes the trade imbalance concerns and the agreement to continue consultations.
- Worlds Apart, by Joe Oyama, page 3. Oyama describes a visit to Pocantico, the Rockefeller estate in New York, including the Union Church smorgasbord and Japanese teahouse. He also profiles Nisei attorney Francis Sogi and other guests.
- Time to Speak Up, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa reports John Yoshino’s concern that Nisei federal employees have been passed over for promotion while less qualified minorities advance. He raises the question of who will speak up for competent employees of any race.
- Dr. Noguchi Thank You Statement, by J.U.S.T. Committee, page 3. The J.U.S.T. Committee thanks the Japanese American community for its support in reinstating Dr. Thomas Noguchi as Los Angeles County Coroner. The committee has ceased accepting contributions as of August 15, 1969.
- Dr. Noguchi Case Amplifies Lacks in Black Community, by Booker Griffin, page 4. Griffin argues that the reinstatement of Dr. Thomas Noguchi shows the power of Japanese American community unity. He contrasts this with the weaker organization he sees in the Black community.
- JUST Committee at Crossroads, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 4. Kunitsugu examines whether the JUST Committee, which rallied support for Dr. Noguchi, should disband or continue as a watchdog. He suggests the JACL is already the appropriate organization for that role.
- Current Commentary, by Jerry Enomoto, page 4. Enomoto addresses Sansei achievement, Apollo XI, Vietnam, campus unrest, and the Noguchi case. He urges JACL to support positive social change and Asian American studies while avoiding polarized thinking.
- Picture Brides-Soldier Brides, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The article compares the Japanese picture brides admitted before 1924 with the soldier brides who married American servicemen after WWII. It examines the myths about Japanese birth rates and the stability of interracial marriages.
- Vietnam Commentary, by Jim Henry, page 8. Henry reports from Saigon on the unsettling experiences of American soldiers and the psychological impact of the war. He describes how the conflict has affected individuals in unexpected ways.
National
- Three California Speakers Slated for EDC-MDC Convention in Cincinnati, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Several national JACL leaders and three Californians, Dr. David Miura, Ray Okamura, and Mike Yamaki, will speak at the joint EDC-MDC convention in Cincinnati Aug. 29-Sept. 1. The program includes a keynote from Virginia Coffey of the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission.
- Title II Repeal Leaflet Published, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A national JACL leaflet illustrating barbed wire and a camp under the Internal Security Act of 1950 has been published to support Title II repeal. It presents a statement on steps to eliminate what it calls a blot on American history.
- 126 Congressmen Co-Sponsor JACL Bill to Repeal Detention Law, by The Pacific Citizen, page 1. Rep. Spark Matsunaga announced 90 additional co-sponsors for the Matsunaga-Holifield bill to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950, bringing the total to 126. The bill reflects growing national opposition to the Emergency Detention Act.
- JACL Protests Slur Against U.S. Chinese, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto protested FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover’s testimony suggesting Chinese Americans could be susceptible to recruitment by Red China. JACL drew parallels to the unfounded suspicions that led to the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans.
- Chinese Americans Praised, Hoover’s Remarks Poorly Conceived-Burton, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Phillip Burton praised Chinese Americans in an address to the House and criticized Hoover’s remarks as poorly conceived. He noted the large, respected Chinese American community in San Francisco.
Incarceration & Redress
- An Open Letter to J. Edgar Hoover, by Jerry J. Enomoto, page 1. Enomoto’s open letter objects to Hoover’s April 17 testimony implying Chinese Americans may be security risks. He reminds Hoover that Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated in 1942 despite no record of espionage or sabotage.
- JACL History Project Geared for All-Out Hosokawa Book Push, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL History Project is promoting Bill Hosokawa’s forthcoming book on Japanese Americans. The Ethnic Concern Committee requested a title change from Quiet American to avoid offensive connotations.
Community
- JACL Student Aid Program Ready, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A JACL student aid program has been established to help young Japanese Americans who lack funds for college but would not otherwise qualify for scholarships. Grants will be based on need, ability, and potential rather than grades alone.
- Japanese Garden and Teahouse Dedicated, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Japanese garden and teahouse was dedicated in a local park, donated by the local JACL chapter. Open house festivities featured traditional food and performances.
- Eastern District Council Votes for More Frequent Sessions, by Ellen Nakamura, page 3. At an all-day meeting in New York, the Eastern District Council approved more frequent district meetings and better inter-chapter communication. Youth commissioner Alice Endo also reported on declining Jr. JACL participation.
- Gone Fishing, by Alan Kumamoto, page 4. Kumamoto reports on the Tri-District youth conference in the Santa Cruz mountains, where Northern California, Central California, and Pacific Southwest youth councils gathered. Participants shared views through discussion and sensitivity exercises.
- Documentary Film on June 7 Event Completed, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The documentary film of the June 7 Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony centennial event has been completed. A financial deficit of $4,800 was partly attributed to the cost of the film.
- Teenage Center for Seattle’s Oriental Community, by Eira Nagaoka, page 5. A teenage center serving the Oriental community in Seattle’s Beacon Hill area opened at Bailey Gatzert Elementary School. Programs include dancing, basketball, and talk sessions to prevent future youth problems.
- PSWDC Expands Major Medical, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Pacific Southwest District Council expanded its JACL Major Medical plan with higher maximum benefits and a new organ transplant supplemental payment. Premiums are increased effective October 1, 1969.
- Hoover Statement Supported by District Council, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A district council endorsed JACL’s response to Hoover’s testimony on Chinese Americans. The council also discussed other chapter and district business.
Military & Veterans
- Catching Up with the Mail, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa reports on two Nisei soldiers, Sgt. Edwin Fukui and Sgt. Mits Shibata, who died in the Battle of Okinawa. Information came from George Inagaki, who had written a battle history.
In-Depth
- Human Rights, Church Groups Support Repeal, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Human rights commissions and church groups have passed resolutions supporting repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act. Organizations include the Alameda County Human Relations Commission and the Los Angeles Council of Churches.
JACL
- PNDC Announces Fall Tour to Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Pacific Northwest District Council announced a 10-day fall tour to Japan departing Seattle Nov. 2. The tour includes visits to Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, and Kobe with a special JACL program in Tokyo.
Sports
- Pacific Coast Nisei Tourney Opens, by Gary Yomauch, page 7. The 10th Annual Pacific Coast Nisei Invitational Bowling Tournament opened at Holiday Bowl with early Friday competition. Bowlers posted strong scores in the opening events.
Obituaries
- Helen G. Pratt Obituary, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Helen G. Pratt, 19, of Kaneohe, died recently at Queen’s Memorial Hospital. She had served 35 years with the State Department of Education.
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