Okinawa, Title II repeal and the Rohwer memorial

Vol. 69, No. 21, November 21, 1969. 6 pages. View this issue

Okinawa and Title II of the Internal Security Act ran through the front page of this six-page issue. Mike Masaoka reported that the JACL urged Okinawa’s return to Japan by the end of 1972, and the full JACL statement appeared on page 3. Councils in King County and Honolulu called for repeal of Title II, describing its detention provisions as a threat to civil rights. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto offered his “Quiet Reflections” after a meeting with the Ethnic Concerns Committee.

Also inside: the restored Nisei war memorial at the former Rohwer camp in Arkansas, ahead of its Nov. 30 dedication, and an article on Rohwer men who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion. Bill Hosokawa wrote about humor, Richard Gima sent news from Hawaii, and Seattle teacher Lawrence Matsuda’s Asian American history class drew coverage. Readers’ letters on page 6 debated JACL’s goals.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Quiet Reflections, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto reflects on a November meeting with the Ethnic Concerns Committee and on the personal views he shares that are not official JACL positions. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity and continued self-examination on issues facing the community.
• Sato Visit and Okinawa, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka discusses the upcoming Washington visit of Prime Minister Sato and the negotiations over reversion of Okinawa. He argues that reversion should be handled on its own merits rather than tied to trade concessions.
• The Pleasure of Humor, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa recalls friendships with Black comedians and praises the humor of the syndicated comic strip Wee Pals by Morrie Turner. He suggests humor can ease social tensions.
• Log Phase, by Patti Dohzen, page 4. Dohzen uses the scientific log growth phase of bacteria as a metaphor for the stage of rapid development in young people’s lives. The column reflects on youth and their coming of age.
• Aloha from Hawaii, by Richard Gima, page 5. Gima reports on Hawaii news including the dismissal of a lawsuit over the Queen’s Surf property and various community and personal items. The column covers local politics and community events.
• Rohwer Memorial Park, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The editorial recounts the history of the Rohwer cemetery and Nisei war memorial, from its neglect after the camps closed to its restoration by Arkansas volunteers. It notes the upcoming Nov. 29-30 memorial observance.
• Letters: Law and order, page 6. A reader writes praising a Human Rights article that addressed law enforcement applied equally regardless of race. The letter argues that the Japanese American community should also speak out on injustices against other groups.
• JACL goals, by Donna Hatae, page 6. A reader questions whether the JACL’s stated goals on interracial harmony, welfare of Issei, and Japanese culture are being met in its reporting. The letter raises concerns about the scholarship program and Issei not belonging to the JACL.
• Copping Out, page 6. A reader criticizes JACL for seemingly supporting student militants and says he will not renew his membership. The letter calls for measured civil rights methods.

JACL

• JACL favors reversion of Okinawa to Japan by 1972, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. The JACL urged that Okinawa be returned to Japan by the end of 1972 and that American bases there be subject to the same restrictions as those on mainland Japan. The statement argued that the continued occupation undermines US-Japan relations and the organization’s stance is detailed on subsequent pages.
• JACL Statement on Reversion of Okinawa, by JACL, page 3. The JACL statement explains the organization’s position that Okinawa should revert to Japan by 1972 and that U.S. bases should be subject to prior consultation. It also discusses military considerations, Japanese public opinion, and the importance of US-Japan relations.

Incarceration & Redress

• Councilmen urge Title II repeal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Local governing bodies including the King County Council and Honolulu City Council called for repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act. Their resolutions described the detention provisions as a threat to civil rights.
• Rohwer Memorial Park dedication Nov. 30, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Nisei war memorial at the former Rohwer relocation camp in Arkansas was restored and prepared for a dedication ceremony. The restoration was a multi-year effort involving local groups and the Chicago Nisei Post.

Community

• Central Cal sees sellout for confab banquet, by Izumi Taniguchi, page 1. Central California JACL anticipated a capacity crowd for the closing Sunday banquet of its district council convention, with Dr. S.I. Hayakawa as speaker. The article previews the convention schedule and program.
• Twin Cities awards $1,000 in seven scholarships, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Twin Cities JACL presented seven scholarships totaling $1,000 at its annual awards event. The chapter’s scholarship program was funded through gifts and a benefit dinner.
• Salinas JACL seeks city support on Title II repeal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Salinas JACL asked city officials to endorse its campaign to repeal Title II. The officials considered the matter a federal concern.
• Fashion fantasy in Fresno, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Central California JACL district convention fashion show is set for Sunday afternoon at the Fresno Travel Host Motel. Committee members and organizers are listed with details about tickets and program.
• Seattle’s first ethnic studies on Asian Americans taught at jr. high, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Lawrence Matsuda teaches an elective Asian American history course at Sharples Junior High School in Seattle. Students describe the course as rewarding and a means of building identity and pride.

Military & Veterans

• Gls from Rohwer tell of 442nd service, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The article describes the service of Nisei volunteers from the Rohwer camp in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion. It recounts the unit’s battles in Italy and France and its decorations.

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