Vol. 68, No. 25, June 20, 1969. 6 pages. View this issue
Two events shaped JACL’s news in this issue. National President Jerry Enomoto wrote of the successful dedication of the Wakamatsu Colony Historical Monument, which he called a bright symbol and a kick-off for the centennial of Japanese immigration to the United States. He also reported that JACL gave $1,000 to the Noguchi Defense Fund, saying racial antagonisms appeared to have played a significant role in the charges against Dr. Thomas Noguchi. Final summaries in the hearings were expected the following week. On page 6, Harry K. Honda and Dr. David M. Miura wrote about the case as well.
Other pages cover Rep. Spark Matsunaga on the Safeguard ABM system, Mike Masaoka on repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act, and a San Mateo judge’s stern words to Warren Furutani. Columnists include Ray Okamura on the title of Bill Hosokawa’s book and Bill Marutani on trying to read kanji in Tokyo. Chapter news and the centennial search for the oldest Nisei fill out the six pages.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Bright Symbol, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto praises the successful Wakamatsu Colony Historical Monument dedication as a bright symbol for Japanese Americans and the JACL centennial. He also urges JACL support for Dr. Thomas Noguchi’s defense and protest of the Los Angeles County administration’s procedures.
- Matsunaga Urges Title II Repeal, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Washington correspondent Mike Masaoka previews a CBS 60 Minutes segment on repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act. He urges readers to watch and to inform themselves on the issue.
- Pacific Citizen Editorial: Judge Ice’s Words to Furutani, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The article reports on the San Mateo ruling and its implications for activists. It highlights the judge’s concern about the consequences of disruptive conduct.
- Enomoto Addresses San Diego JACL Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 2. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto is scheduled to speak at the San Diego JACL awards dinner-dance. Scholarship winners and Silver Anniversary awardees will be honored.
- Ye Editor’s Desk: By Whose Standards Do We Judge?, by Harry K. Honda, page 6. The editorial quotes Salt Lake City attorney Raymond Uno on cultural bias in the Noguchi case and the danger of minorities being judged by majority standards. It argues JACL has a responsibility to pursue inquiry into possible discrimination.
- Noguchi Hearing, by Dr. David M. Miura, page 6. Dr. David Miura, chairman of the JACL Ethnic Concern Committee, writes an open letter calling for investigation of Mr. Hollinger and others in the Noguchi case. He argues that minority confidence in government is at stake.
- Nisei—Quiet Americans, by Ray Okamura, page 6. Ray Okamura objects to the title of Bill Hosokawa’s book, arguing that the label Nisei as quiet Americans is damaging and promotes a model minority image. He urges Nisei to protest injustice openly.
- East (Really ‘East’) Wind: Pangs of Illiteracy, by Bill Marutani, page 6. Bill Marutani describes his frustrations learning to read kanji and handle Japanese currency and traffic while living in Tokyo. He recounts his embarrassment and humorous mishaps as a semi-illiterate visitor.
National
- Peaceful Means Necessary to Seek Peace, Matsunaga Tells Engineers in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Spark Matsunaga argued that the Safeguard ABM system cannot be justified technically or strategically and may increase the danger of nuclear war. He called for peaceful means to pursue security and recommended ratification of the nonproliferation treaty.
- Still in Search for Oldest Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL centennial search for the oldest Issei and Nisei has received responses mostly from Issei, with no Nisei reports yet. Dr. Roy Nishikawa, committee chairman, continues to solicit names and ages by postcard.
- Noguchi Hearing Expected to End Next Week, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Final summaries in the Dr. Thomas Noguchi hearings are scheduled for the coming week before a decision. Meanwhile, Noguchi Defense Fund contributions continue to grow.
- JACL Statement on Dr. Noguchi Case, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. National JACL announced a $1,000 contribution to the Noguchi Defense Fund, concluding that racial antagonisms appear to have played a significant role in the charges. The organization urged federal review if the hearings confirm discrimination.
- Nixon’s Insight into Japan Wins Aichi’s Praise, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Japanese Foreign Minister Kiichi Aichi praised President Nixon’s understanding of Japan during a Washington visit. Aichi also discussed the reversion of Okinawa and security arrangements with the United States.
Community
- Seabrook JACL to Mark 25th Anniversary of Relocation, by Ellen Nakamura, page 1. The Seabrook JACL will hold its installation and graduates recognition dinner to commemorate 25 years since Japanese Americans resettled in southern New Jersey. Dillon Myer, former WRA director, is the featured speaker.
- San Francisco JACL Moves Credit Union Office, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The San Francisco JACL Credit Union office has relocated to 540 45th Avenue. The treasurer provided the new telephone number.
- Columbia Basin JACL Aids Japan-Bound Pair, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Columbia Basin JACL raised about $300 at a benefit talent show to help two Moses Lake High School students visit Japan. The students have studied Japanese in a JACL-supported language class.
- Organize AJA Studies Center, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The newly formed San Francisco Center for Japanese American Studies will exhibit Issei-Nisei-Sansei art in September. The group also plans to develop a library on Japanese American studies.
Incarceration & Redress
- Nisei Militant Freed After Stern Advice from Judge, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A San Mateo judge found College of San Mateo tutor Warren Furutani innocent of rioting charges but admonished him sternly for his conduct. The judge warned against similar actions in the future.
Obituaries
- Elisabeth Humbargar, Teacher-Friend to Retire, by Richard Hayashi, page 2. Elisabeth Humbargar, a longtime San Joaquin Delta College instructor, is retiring after 29 years on campus. She was known for helping Japanese students and the Stockton Japanese community during and after the war.
Military & Veterans
- Gardena JACL Wins PSW Nisei Relays Championship, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Gardena JACL track team won the PSW Nisei Relays championship at Venice High School on June 8. Several new records were set during the meet.
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