Vol. 57, No. 18, November 1, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue
A Supreme Court case over citizenship led the news in this four-page issue. The Court agreed to review a 1940 law that strips naturalized citizens of their citizenship after three years in their native country. The case involves Angelika Schneider, and the ruling may affect many Issei who return to Japan. Civil rights ran through the page: a compromise bill cleared the House Judiciary Committee, Seattle sent an open-housing measure to a March 10 vote, and JACL chose “JACL and Civil Rights” as its 1964 contest topic. Mike Masaoka reported on the Aratani v. Kennedy case over prewar yen deposits.
The JACL’s own business filled much of the front page. Dr. David Miura announced a November membership campaign, and the Pacific Northwest District Council released its convention agenda. On page 3, Isaac Matsushige asked what makes a chapter strong. Page 4 follows five Waseda University students who hiked across the United States.
What’s in this issue
National
- U.S. Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of 1940 Law Stripping Citizenship from Naturalized Persons Overseas After 3 Years, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Supreme Court agreed to review a law that strips naturalized citizens of their citizenship if they live in their native country for three years. The case involves Angelika Schneider, who lost her citizenship while living in Germany, and the ruling may affect many Issei who return to Japan.
- Compromise Civil Rights Bill Approved by House Judiciary Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House Judiciary Committee voted 23 to 11 to send a compromise civil rights bill to the floor. The bill is weaker than the civil rights subcommittee measure but stronger than original administration proposals, and it would address discrimination in voting, public accommodations, schools, and employment.
- Broad Human Rights Leadership Training Plan to Be Revealed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson announced the Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial Foundation would soon unveil a worldwide human rights leadership training program. National JACL is associated with the Foundation as a member of its National Conference of Organizations.
JACL
- National JACL Membership Campaign Set for November, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL membership chairman Dr. David Miura announced a mail campaign for renewals and new members beginning in November. The strategy divides chapter membership committees into teams that send solicitation letters and follow up personally.
- JACL and Civil Rights Named Topic for 1964 Oratorical and Essay Contests, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The national JACL oratorical and essay contest topic for the 1964 Detroit convention will be JACL and Civil Rights, announced by Dr. Joseph D. Sasaki. Youths aged 16 to 21 will compete in local and district contests with finalists advancing to the national convention.
- Separate JACL Civil Rights Fund to Implement Statement Urged, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Eastern and Midwest District Councils petitioned National JACL to establish a JACL Civil Rights Fund to support civil rights activities. The fund would be administered by a special national committee and used for conferences, litigation, and bail for JACLers arrested in approved programs.
- PNWDC Confab Agenda Revealed by Sakahara, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The agenda for the Pacific Northwest District Council convention at the Benson Hotel in Portland was announced by chairman Toru Sakahara. Sen. Daniel Inouye will be the principal speaker, and the program includes district business sessions, a chapter clinic, and election of officers.
Community
- PSWDC Moves Up Chapter Clinic Date to Nov. 17, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Venice-Culver City JACL chapter will host an informative clinic for the Pacific Southwest District Council moved up to November 17. The clinic is designed to help chapter leaders plan their programs.
- Washington News-Letter: Globe-Girdlers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Washington D.C. JACL members Mary Toda and Hisako Sakata are traveling through Europe, the Near East, and the Far East on their way to Japan. Carol Gasho is filling in as secretary to Mike Masaoka while Miss Toda is away.
- Seattle Votes in Open-Housing Measure, Referred to Mar. 10 Ballot, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Seattle City Council approved a watered-down open-occupancy housing ordinance by a 7-2 vote, sending it to a referendum on March 10. The council removed the emergency clause and the religious institution exemption, and a JACL member testified in favor of the measure.
- San Francisco JACL Urges Formation of County Human Relations Commission, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Francisco JACL recommended that the county board of supervisors form a human relations commission. The chapter board adopted several recommendations from its newly appointed Advisory Committee on Civil Rights.
Incarceration & Redress
- Prewar Yen Deposit Issue on Supreme Court Calendar, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. The Supreme Court placed the Aratani v. Kennedy case on its calendar, which concerns whether Issei and Nisei holding prewar yen certificates of deposit at Sumitomo Bank can be repaid at the prewar exchange rate. The Court of Appeals ruled against the depositors on the conversion rate, and the petitioners argue they were denied due process.
Obituaries
- Rev. Sohei Kowta, 70, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rev. Sohei Kowta, a Nisei minister for nearly 40 years and pastor of the Japanese Union Church, died October 17. He was a leader among Japanese Presbyterians and was co-editing a history of Japanese churches in America at the time of his death.
Commentary
- Impressions: Chapter Strength, by Isaac Matsushige, page 3. PSW Regional Director Isaac Matsushige reflects on what defines chapter strength, using the example of a lone remaining member of the Coachella Valley chapter who continues to renew his Thousand Club membership. He argues that measures such as charts and membership totals cannot fully capture a chapter’s strength.
Military & Veterans
- Waseda Hikers Cross America, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Five Waseda University students who hiked across the United States arrived in Washington, D.C. on October 17. They described their impressions of American religiosity, hospitality, and the energy of Attorney General Robert Kennedy.
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