Heart Mountain, the Supreme Court and Nisei volunteers, May 1943

Vol. 16, No. 18, May 6, 1943. 8 pages. View this issue

Bill Hosokawa, editor of the Heart Mountain Sentinel, answered a senator’s claim that 80 percent of the incarcerees at Heart Mountain wanted to go to Japan. He put the figure at six to eight percent. Elsewhere on the front page, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the Yasui and Hirabayashi test cases, with the JACL and ACLU filing briefs against the wartime military orders. Congressman John Rankin introduced a bill to hold all persons of Japanese ancestry in custody, and Mike Masaoka wrote the Senate against a companion measure. Larry Tajiri described twelve Nisei soldiers recording broadcasts for Japan.

Volunteers from Minidoka and Poston were inducted for training at Camp Shelby, and Minidoka held a flag ceremony to send off its first group. Peter Wood, Joe Masaoka and Ann Nisei contribute columns, and Tule Lake’s construction and operating costs are reported on the last page.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Wrong on Reports Regarding Repatriation, Says Hosokawa, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Heart Mountain Sentinel editor Bill Hosokawa disputed Senator Robertson’s claim that 80 percent of evacuees wanted repatriation to Japan, stating the figure was six to eight percent. He also noted the senator had never visited the relocation center despite living nearby.
  • Washington Move Hints New Army Post for General DeWitt, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Francisco Examiner reported that Lieutenant General John L. DeWitt, commander of the Western Defense Command, may soon be reassigned after a presidential nomination for his promotion. Speculation pointed to Major General Simon Bolivar Buckner as his possible successor.
  • Coast Chambers Assured No Hasty Action on Relaxing Evacuation Orders, by P.C. Staff, page 1. West coast Chambers of Commerce received War Department assurances that no immediate action would relax evacuation orders allowing return of persons of Japanese ancestry. The chambers requested advance notice before any policy change.
  • Dilworth Bill Hits Japanese Americans in State Employment, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The California assembly passed the Dilworth bill to strengthen dismissal actions against 80 civil service employees of Japanese ancestry. The measure also bars back pay for any employees reinstated after the war.
  • Rankin Seeks Internment for U.S. Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Congressman John Rankin introduced H.R. 2525, a companion to the Stewart concentration camp bill, providing for custody of all persons of Japanese ancestry for the duration of the war. The bill was sent to the House military affairs committee.
  • Arizona Plans Investigation of Relocation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Arizona Governor Sidney Osborn appointed a committee to study the effects of evacuee settlement in the state. He expressed opposition to employing Japanese Americans in Arizona agriculture.
  • Tule Project Cost Nearly Seven Million, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Congressman Lowell Stockman reported the Tule Lake relocation center cost $6,975,419 to construct and $4,947,398.76 to operate from July 1942 through March 1943. The center population stood at 14,530 on April 1.

Military & Veterans

  • Nisei Soldiers Condemn Japan Military Policy in Broadcast, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Twelve volunteers from Minidoka recorded one-minute statements for an OWI shortwave broadcast aimed at Japan and occupied territories. The soldiers denounced Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and expressed their commitment to defeating the Axis.
  • Native Sons Take Regan Challenging Nisei Citizenship Rights to U.S. Supreme Court, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Attorney U.S. Webb petitioned the Supreme Court on behalf of Native Sons of California grand secretary Pyro T. Regan to bar American-born Japanese from voting. The JACL and ACLU entered the case as friends of the court in opposition.
  • Nisei Soldiers Entertain Girls From WRA Center, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Japanese American soldiers at Camp Shelby hosted 109 young women from the Rohwer relocation center for a weekend visit. The soldiers had purchased war bonds and paid for transportation, food, and entertainment.
  • 138 Volunteers From Minidoka Center Inducted, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Thirty-eight volunteers from the Minidoka relocation center were inducted at Fort Douglas and will train at Camp Shelby with the nisei combat team. The group included former residents of Seattle and Portland and one non-evacuee from Jerome.
  • First Poston Center Volunteers Inducted at Fort Douglas, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Twelve volunteers from the Poston relocation center were the first from that center inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Douglas. They will proceed to Camp Shelby for training with the nisei combat team.
  • Service Flag Will Honor 300 Topaz Men in U.S. Army, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A large service flag with nearly 300 stars will be displayed at Topaz to honor residents serving in the U.S. armed forces. The flag recognizes men from the center who have entered military service.
  • Army Officer Praises Recruits In New Nisei Army Regiment, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Captain Herbert T. Condon, Jr. praised the 2,500 Hawaiian nisei volunteers as proud and loyal recruits who were angered by Pearl Harbor. He escorted the unit to Camp Shelby and expects them to fight in the European theatre.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Supreme Court To Hear Tests Of Evacuation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Supreme Court will hear the Yasui and Hirabayashi test cases challenging the legality of the wholesale evacuation of Japanese American citizens from the West Coast. The JACL and ACLU filed amicus briefs arguing the military orders were racially discriminatory.

JACL

  • JACL Plans Conference in New York City, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL will sponsor an eastern regional conference in New York City on May 17 and 18 addressing war-born problems of Japanese Americans. Organizers invited organizations from Boston, Philadelphia, and the New York area.
  • Masaoka to Report in June at Army Induction Center, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL national secretary Mike Masaoka was ordered to report for army induction on June 6 in Salt Lake City. Joe Kanazawa and George Inaba also received induction orders, with Inaba expecting training at Camp Savage.
  • JACL Opposes Stewart Bill in Letter to Senate Group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mike Masaoka submitted an 8000-word letter to the Senate immigration committee urging rejection of Senate Bill 779, which would detain Japanese residents. The letter cited five objections including unconstitutionality and damage to the war effort.
  • Restoration of Full Citizen Rights is JACL’s Objective, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mike Masaoka outlined JACL goals including restoration of citizenship rights, freedom of movement, selective service reinstatement, and legal vindication. The bulletin also supported naturalization for loyal Asian residents and enlistment rights for technical enemy aliens.
  • Colorado Calling!, by Joe Masaoka, page 6. Masaoka recounts a Jewish shopkeeper in Denver who initially expressed anti-Japanese sentiment before softening after a conversation about shared American citizenship. He then describes Denver Post headlines and editorials inciting hostility toward Japanese Americans.

Commentary

  • Notes from the Past, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial contrasts 1935 statements by the Native Sons and California American Legion praising the law-abiding character of Japanese Americans with their present calls for exclusion. It argues that the wartime hostility of these organizations contradicts their earlier assessment.
  • Exclusion in the East, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial notes that twenty-five native-born Americans with Nazi or Fascist ties were excluded from the Eastern Defense Command after individual hearings. It contrasts this due-process approach with the blanket evacuation of West Coast nisei without trial.
  • Again the Red Herring, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial criticizes the Dilworth bill in California as a disguised attempt to discriminate against Japanese American civil service workers through dual citizenship charges. It argues the bill attempts to legalize the state’s earlier discriminatory dismissals.
  • Not a Racial War, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial rejects General DeWitt’s statement that a Jap is a Jap regardless of citizenship. It argues that the war is not racial, citing 400,000,000 Chinese allies as evidence.
  • Twelve Nisei Soldiers, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Tajiri describes twelve nisei volunteers recording broadcasts for OWI to Japan explaining why they enlisted. He reflects on their commitment to fighting for American freedom and the racial equality the war represents.
  • First Lady, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A brief item reprinted from the Gila News-Courier notes Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Gila River center without military or police escort. The item contrasts this with how a democracy treats enemy-nation residents compared to totalitarian Japan.
  • Vagaries, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A column of miscellaneous news items about nisei soldiers, evacuee relocations, and press treatment. Items include Mrs. Roosevelt’s Gila visit, chamber of commerce lobbying, and a censor blocking a Baptist protest against evacuation.
  • Of Angered Men Around the World, by Peter Wood, page 5. Wood surveys international reactions to fascist atrocities, including Swedish condemnation of Japanese execution of American fliers and resistance activity across occupied Europe and Greece. He argues fascist brutality strengthens resolve among free peoples.
  • From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa criticizes the Denver Post’s series on Heart Mountain as sensational yellow journalism based on errors and distorted conclusions. He notes factual mistakes in the distance to Cody and names, and argues the coverage undermines public relations efforts.
  • Ann Nisei Says: Some Colleges Offer Subjects Off the Beaten Track, by Ann Nisei, page 6. The column recommends progressive colleges for nisei students seeking alternatives to traditional state universities, naming Black Mountain, the New School, Antioch, Oberlin, and Berea. It advises using the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council for school selection.

In-Depth

  • How Book Critics Reacted to New McWilliams’ Work, by Robert R. Tsuda, page 5. Tsuda surveys reviews of Carey McWilliams’ Brothers Under the Skin, noting critics agreed the book forcefully presents America’s racial minority problem. He cites reviewers who stress the need to confront discrimination for democracy to survive.

Community

  • Granada Nisei Can Apply for Confiscated Radios, Cameras, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Citizens of Japanese ancestry outside the Western Defense Command may now apply for return of confiscated cameras and short-wave radios, according to Justice Department official Edward Ennis. Applicants were warned about making such articles available to resident aliens.
  • Social Work Groups Oppose Move to Disfranchise Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Pasadena Council of Social Agencies opposed California joint resolutions seeking to exclude Japanese Americans from citizenship and land ownership. The council warned such legislation threatens American principles of equal rights.
  • Poston’s Dance Band Plays for Nisei Volunteers, by P.C. Staff, page 7. An eleven-piece nisei dance orchestra formed at Poston and played for a farewell dance honoring combat team volunteers. The band members are listed by instrument.
  • Nisei Students Cited for High Scholarship Ratings at Nebraska, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Ten nisei freshmen were recognized for high scholarship at the University of Nebraska honors convocation. James Fujimura was also elected to associate membership in the Sigma Xi honor society.
  • War Manpower Commission to Aid Evacuees, by P.C. Staff, page 7. WMC regional director John McCusker assured WRA officials that citizen evacuees would be subject to the same employment regulations as other citizens. Hiring decisions will be based on occupational qualifications without regard to race.
  • Butte Supervisors Oppose Nisei Use as U.S. Troops, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Butte County supervisors passed a resolution vigorously opposing the use of Japanese Americans in the army and any release of evacuees from relocation centers. Copies were sent to the War Department, Congress, and President Roosevelt.
  • Heart Mountain Invites Nearby Scouts to Playday, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Heart Mountain scout organization invited Cody and Powell girl scouts to an international playday on May 8. The all-day event includes a volleyball carnival and afternoon program.
  • Japanese Language Studied Extensively, Sugihara Declares, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Denver textbook dealer Jozo Sugihara reports growing interest in Japanese language study among Americans and persons of Japanese ancestry. He notes the popularity of self-study textbooks and dictionaries.
  • Evacuees Outlined by Shirrell, by P.C. Staff, page 7. WRA Chicago director Elmer Shirrell said evacuees are being spread thinly across Illinois to avoid creating racial concentrations. Evacuees in Chicago are eager for jobs and to rebuild family life.
  • Salt Lake Girl Wins High School Oratory Contest, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Hime Kawakami of East High School in Salt Lake City was named co-winner of the annual Stephens oratorical contest. She spoke on the subject I Cannot Ask for More.
  • Seattle Group Fights Return of Evacuees, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce adopted resolutions opposing return of evacuees to the Seattle area and endorsed a congressional investigation of residents of Japanese ancestry. The military affairs committee urged compliance with military wishes on the Pacific Coast.
  • Topaz Editor Gets Job as Linotyper, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Iwao Kawakami, a pioneer editor of the Topaz Times, left the center to take a linotype operator position at the Burlington Call in Colorado.
  • Four Hundred Jobs For Evacuees Open In Provo Area, by P.C. Staff, page 7. William Mildenhall of the Provo U.S. Employment Service announced 400 jobs for Topaz residents in fields and food processing from May through November. Housing will be provided at a summer camp near Provo.
  • Flag Ceremony Held in Hunt as Volunteers Given Send-off, by P.C. Staff, page 8. More than 1000 Minidoka residents and visitors attended a flag dedication ceremony before the first group of 300 volunteers departed for army service. Speakers included Project Director H. L. Stafford and volunteer Mike Hagiwara, who accepted the flag.
  • 831 Evacuees Relocated by Student Group, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The National Japanese American Student Relocation Council reported 831 nisei students from WRA centers are now enrolled in colleges nationwide. Director C. V. Hibbard noted they perform well academically and have won distinguished honors.
  • Strike Ended, Says Director, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Heart Mountain director Guy Robertson reported that 75 to 80 motor pool truck drivers returned to work after a three-and-a-half-day strike. The walkout followed a fight between a foreman mechanic and an evacuee foreman.
  • Evacuees Arrive For Farm Work in Davis County Area, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Sixty-eight Japanese American workers arrived from Poston to thin beets and plant tomatoes in Davis County, Utah. More workers, including women for canneries, are expected later in the season.
  • Tulelake Growers Await Decision on Evacuee Workers, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Tule Lake potato growers postponed plans to import Mexican workers after Senator Sheridan Downey suggested evacuees from Newell might be used for fall harvest. A decision awaits General DeWitt’s approval.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.

More from Issue archive