Equality in naturalization gains a Senate backer, December 1948

Vol. 27, No. 24, December 18, 1948. 8 pages. View this issue

Naturalization reform led the news in this eight-page issue. Sen. J. Howard McGrath, chairman of the National Democratic Committee, endorsed the JACL-backed bill for equality in naturalization and immigration, and Rep. George P. Miller of California said he would introduce a bill in the Eighty-first Congress. An editorial praised both men, and the California CIO urged citizenship rights for Issei. The JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee also planned to back an extension of the Soldier Brides Act.

The paper also covered military funerals and reburials for Nisei soldiers of the 442nd Combat Team, including Pfc. Sadao Munemori in Los Angeles and six men buried together in Seattle. Bil Hosokawa wrote about Christmas and parents, and Edward J. Ennis answered reader questions on evacuation claims. Sports, chapter news and a Tokyo Joe casting call fill the later pages.

What’s in this issue

National

• National Democratic Chairman McGrath Endorses Proposal for Equality in Naturalization, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sen. J. Howard McGrath, chairman of the National Democratic Committee, endorsed the JACL-backed bill for equality in naturalization and immigration. His support followed meetings with JACL representatives and was considered significant given his party position.
• JACL ADC to Back Move to Extend GI Brides Act, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee will propose extending the Soldier Brides Act to allow marriages between Army personnel and Japanese natives. The extension would also cover natural or adopted children of such marriages.
• Yamaoka Will Appeal Cases of Japan Leaders, by P.C. Staff, page 1. New York attorney George Yamaoka traveled to Washington to argue appeals of Japanese war criminals before the U.S. Supreme Court. The appeals concern former Premier Tojo and six other convicted leaders.
• Mrs. d’Aquino Given Delay in Treason Case, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The treason trial of Iva Toguri d’Aquino was postponed one week at the request of her attorney Wayne Collins, who needed more time. Collins also planned to argue her claim that the court lacks jurisdiction because she holds Portuguese citizenship.
• Japan Radio Program Plans Interviews with U.S. Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Japan Broadcasting Company’s Tokyo program Man in the Street will interview persons of Japanese ancestry in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York by transoceanic telephone. The broadcast is scheduled for December 24.
• California Congressman Will Introduce Bill for Equality in Naturalization Statutes, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rep. George P. Miller of California announced he will introduce a bill for equality in naturalization and immigration in the Eighty-first Congress. He is the second Representative to agree, after Rep. Walter Judd, and the bill is expected to be introduced by several members.

Incarceration & Redress

• Newsweek Sees Coming Change in Immigration Law, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Newsweek reported that Rep. Celler plans sweeping immigration law changes, including token quotas for all nations and repeal of racial qualifications for admission. The proposals were noted as a possible shift in U.S. policy.
• Hope for Eventual Settlement of Problem of Peru Japanese Internees in United States Seen, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Several hundred Peruvian Japanese held in the United States may finally see a settlement after a revolution in Peru overthrew the wartime government. Embassy officials agreed to ask Peru to readmit them, and the INS suggested they might qualify to remain as legal immigrants.

Military & Veterans

• Hold Final Rites for Ventura Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Final rites were held for Sgt. Leonard Takasugi, the first Nisei war dead from Ventura County, at Oxnard Nisei Methodist church. Military burial followed at Ivy Lawn cemetery with honors from the American Legion.
• Funeral Rites Held for Brothers Who Died in Europe, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Brothers Pfc. George Saito and Pfc. Calvin Saito, both 442nd Combat Team members from Los Angeles, were buried with military honors at Evergreen cemetery. Calvin was killed in Italy in 1944 and George died in the Vosges mountains of France.
• Nisei Medal of Honor Hero, Sadao Munemori, Given Final Rites in Los Angeles Temple, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Pfc. Sadao Munemori, who died in Italy saving his comrades and posthumously received the Medal of Honor, was given a funeral at Nishi Hongwanji temple in Los Angeles. Friends, comrades, and officials including Gen. Mark Clark paid tribute to his heroism.
• Nisei Performs Successful Blue Baby Operation in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Shoyei Yamauchi, a Honolulu surgeon, performed the first successful blue baby operation in the islands on a 20-year-old patient on December 4. The procedure spares Hawaiian patients the expense and danger of mainland travel for such surgery.
• Hold Mass Burial Rites for Six Nisei Soldiers in Seattle, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Six Seattle Nisei soldiers killed fighting with the 442nd Combat Team in Italy were buried together at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Washelli before 1200 attendees. Buddhist and Christian rites were conducted and the funeral procession contained 307 automobiles.
• Remains Returned from Europe, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The remains of Sgt. Otsuba, who died in combat as a member of the 442nd Combat Team, were returned from Europe aboard the U.S. Army transport for burial in the United States. His next of kin is Shotaro Otsuba of Stockton.
• Idaho Soldier Laid to Rest at Arlington, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Pfc. Kiyoshi Murakami of Pocatello, Idaho, a 442nd Combat Team veteran killed in the Po Valley campaign, was buried at Arlington National Cemetery beside two lifelong friends from Pocatello. He held the Combat Infantryman’s badge and Bronze Star.
• Nine Soldiers Buried in Rites at San Bruno, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Nine Nisei war dead from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team were reinterred with military honors at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno. The reburials took place over several days in mid-December.

Community

• New Mexico Farmer Returns to Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Manzo Sasaki, 82, left San Francisco by Pan American Clipper to rejoin his wife in Japan after 55 years apart. He had come to the United States to make his fortune and is returning to a family he has never seen in the time since he left.
• Salinas Nisei Files Suit to Determine Inheritance Rights in Farm Property, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Miss Ikeda filed a complaint in Salinas Valley court seeking to determine inheritance rights to approximately 79 acres of agricultural land. The suit names the State of California and the Alien Land Law as parties.
• Ventura JACL Will Hold Christmas Social, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Ventura JACL chapter will host a Christmas day social at Portuguese Crown hall with sports entertainment. Admission is $1 per person and $1.50 for couples.
• Final Report Made on Relief for Vanport, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Portland JACL Vanport Flood Relief Committee reported total expenditures of $25,601.54 assisting 800 Japanese American flood victims. The remaining funds went to the American Red Cross and office expenses.
• Cortez Chapter Sponsors First Fishing Derby, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Cortez JACL chapter held its first bass fishing derby, with N. Ishida winning first prize for a 4-pound fish. Merchants from Turlock and nearby communities donated prizes and the chapter plans to make the derby an annual event.
• Thank You, by Portland JACL and Former Vanport Residents, page 3. The Japanese community of Portland thanked the many contributors who helped flood victims after the Vanport disaster six months earlier. Most victims have now settled into permanent residences.
• Brazil Japanese Returns to Teach in Catholic School, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Brazilian-born Catholic missionary of Japanese ancestry sailed from San Francisco to serve at the new Catholic Nanzan college in Nagoya. Also aboard the General Meigs was Jacob Delshazer, a former Doolittle raid prisoner returning as a Free Methodist missionary.
• Ruth Watanabe Takes Librarian Post at Rochester School, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Ruth Watanabe, a former Los Angeles resident and UCLA honor graduate, was appointed librarian of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. She had continued her studies in Rochester.
• Ira Shimasaki Voted President of JACL in Nation’s Capital, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Ira Shimasaki was reelected president of the Washington D.C. JACL chapter unopposed. The full slate of officers for the coming year was also announced.
• California CIO Urges Citizen Rights for Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Approximately 400 delegates at the 11th annual California State CIO convention unanimously adopted a resolution calling for naturalization laws granting citizenship to Japanese and other ineligible aliens. The resolution cited the Nisei combat record in World War II.
• Coachella JACL Collects Goods for Japan Orphanage, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Coachella Valley JACL collected canned goods, clothing, and other relief supplies for an orphanage in Japan. The materials were turned over to the Japan Relief division of the Japanese American Community Council in Los Angeles.
• Denver Girl Wins Contest for Wool Dress Designing, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Naomi Inai of Denver was named Princess of the Denver division of the Make It Yourself With Wool contest. She placed second in the senior dress division and won the overall prize in coat designing.
• Steers to Promise Christmas Assistance for Needy Families in L.A., by P.C. Staff, page 4. Sam Ishikawa, regional JACL ADC director, reported community support for a Christmas relief campaign for needy Japanese American families in Los Angeles. Many families remain impoverished due to evacuation and have been unable to become self-supporting.
• Arkansas Vegetables Grown by Nisei Know-How, by Inez Hale MacDuff, page 5. Japanese American families near Little Rock, Arkansas are producing high-quality vegetables that sell well locally. Their cooperative operation on the Alexander plantation delivers daily orders to Little Rock wholesalers.
• 128 California Grape Checks Await Evacuee Farmers, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The California Department of Agriculture is holding 128 unclaimed checks from the 1938 brandy pool for Japanese and Japanese American grape growers evacuated in 1942. The state is seeking the growers so it can pay out the checks.
• Watsonville League Will Open Office to Aid Evacuee Claimants, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Watsonville Citizens League will open a temporary office to help returned evacuees complete evacuation claims forms. The league held a November 30 mass meeting distributing JACL claims materials.
• Okadas Widen Lead in Salt Lake League, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Okada Insurance extended its lead in the Salt Lake City JACL winter bowling league by blanking Metro Motors. George Meifu of Seagull Cleaners recorded the high series of the night with 680.
• Snake River JACL Holds Claims Clinic, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Snake Valley JACL held the first of a series of evacuation claims clinics at Airport Community hall in Ontario, Oregon, attended by more than 200 people. National JACL staff assisted in answering questions about claims procedures.
• Report Hundred Apply for U.S. Linguist Posts in Tokyo, by P.C. Staff, page 8. About 100 Japanese linguists, mostly Nisei, applied through the Colorado State Employment Service for civilian positions with the Civil Censorship Division in Tokyo. Salaries range from $3,700 to $4,600 a year with transportation provided.
• Santa Barbara JACL Will Sponsor Dance on New Year’s Eve, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Santa Barbara JACL chapter will hold its first New Year’s Eve ball at Montecito hall as a couples-only semi-formal affair. Several members are in charge of arrangements.
• Nisei Halfback Voted Team’s Most Valuable Player, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Richard Tsukada, a junior left halfback at Amador Valley high school in Pleasanton, was named the team’s most valuable player by a secret student ballot. He received a wristwatch at the football banquet.
• Nisei Veteran Passes California Bar Exams, by P.C. Staff, page 8. James K. Mitsumori, a 442nd Combat Team veteran who attended the University of Michigan, was admitted to the California bar after October examinations. He completed his law studies after returning from military service.
• Stranded Nisei Files Suit to Regain Citizenship, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Hichiro Uyeno of Bellevue, Washington, filed suit in district court to regain his U.S. nationality after renouncing it by voting in Japanese elections in 1946. He says he was coerced by leaders of the community where he lived.

JACL

• Recall JACL Chapter’s Plan to Buy Famed Bufano Statue, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The San Francisco JACL had negotiated before the war to buy Beniamino Bufano’s statue Peace and present it to the city. The sculptor now seeks to recover the 30-foot statue from storage so it can be presented to San Francisco.

Arts & Entertainment

• Hundred Nisei Interviewed for Roles in Humphrey Bogart Film, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Over 100 Japanese Americans were interviewed for roles in the Santana production Tokyo Joe, a story of the U.S. occupation of Japan starring Humphrey Bogart. Nine Nisei women took screen tests and actor Tetsu Komai was signed for a Japanese general role.
• Chiura Obata Has One-Man Show in San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Over 60 works by University of California professor Chiura Obata were displayed in a one-man show at the Maxwell Galleries in San Francisco through December 18. About half the paintings are black and white wash, the rest in color.

Commentary

• Four Nisei Pass Territorial Bar, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Four Japanese Americans were among 25 successful applicants admitted to practice law in Hawaii after the October bar examinations. The four are Nelson Kiyoshi Doi, Kazuo Oyama, Sakae Takahashi, and Ben G. Takayesu.
• For Equality in Naturalization, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial praises Sen. McGrath and Rep. Miller for supporting bipartisan legislation to remove racial restrictions from naturalization and immigration laws. It argues the measure would strengthen America’s international standing in its ideological contest.
• A Tribute to Dillon Myer, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial applauds the administration’s effort to appoint Dillon Myer as U.S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs. It credits Myer’s WRA leadership with protecting evacuee constitutional rights and working toward closing the relocation centers.
• No Covenants for Heroism, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial reprints a San Francisco News commentary criticizing a cemetery’s refusal to bury Sgt. Kazuo Masuda, a decorated Nisei hero, in its desirable lots. It notes the public outcry that led officials to offer a new plot.
• J. Parnell Won’t Like It, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial criticizes the House Committee on Un-American Activities for trial by headline and for failing to investigate real threats to civil rights. It argues the Dies and Thomas committees helped fuel wartime anti-Japanese American hysteria.
• Christmas Is Hard on Parents, by Bil Hosokawa, page 6. Columnist Bil Hosokawa reflects on how the commercialized Christmas season strains parents, while children like his daughter Susan retain pure belief in Santa Claus. He notes his son Mike is already aware of the family’s financial limits.
• Washington ADC Discusses Evacuee Claims Problems, by Edward J. Ennis, page 6. JACL ADC special counsel Edward J. Ennis answers reader questions on the Evacuation Claims Act, covering claim amounts over $2,500, lost pensions, separate spousal claims, and heirs filing claims. The series is released as a public service.

Sports

• Golden Gloves Continuing to Produce Straight Nisei Boxers, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Nisei boxers continued to make their mark, including Hawaiian Golden Gloves flyweight George Ganeko and lightweight Ken Kawate. The article also covers Nisei high school football standout Benny Aoki of Long Beach Poly.
• Amy Toda Wins Snow Cup Race on Alta Course, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Amy Toda of the Brighton Ski club won the women’s division of the Engen Snow Cup trials with a fast, fall-free run. She is a University of Utah student and one of the top women skiers in the Intermountain area.
• San Jose Team Enters Seattle Cage Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The San Jose Zebras accepted an invitation to compete in the eight-team All-Oriental basketball tournament in Seattle over the Christmas holiday. They were chosen after the Berkeley Nisei team, which won the Northern California title, declined to compete.

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