Vol. 13, No. 55, July 1941. 12 pages. View this issue
Loyalty was the question running through this 12-page issue. On the front page, Ken Matsumoto, national JACL vice-president, spoke of Americans of Japanese ancestry and pledged their readiness to defend democratic ideals. JACL National President Saburo Kido wrote about discrimination and the divided situation of Issei parents and Nisei citizens. Officials Earle G. Harrison and Edward J. Shaughnessy discussed alien registration and warned against vigilante witch-hunting of aliens.
Elsewhere, Walter T. Tsukamoto’s legal column explained the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940, and a page 5 article described how Nisei could qualify for federal civil service jobs. Stanley Shimabukuro reported on Nisei in Hawaii. Plans for the Monterey convention, the JACL National Endowment Fund drive and the Los Angeles Festival Week program also appeared.
What’s in this issue
National
- “We Stand Ready to Uphold Us”, by Ken Matsumoto, page 1. Ken Matsumoto, JACL national vice-president, addresses the loyalty of Americans of Japanese ancestry amid Pacific tensions. He describes Nisei contributions to USO and defense bond drives and pledges readiness to defend democratic ideals.
- Facts Secured in Alien Registration Ease Lot of Foreign-Born in U.S., by Earle G. Harrison, page 4. The Special Assistant to the Attorney General describes the 1940 alien registration as a cooperative success providing valuable data. He argues that accurate facts reduce scapegoating of aliens and recommends constructive policies.
- Americans Unite, by Edward J. Shaughnessy, page 4. The Deputy Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization calls for national unity and warns against vigilante witch-hunting of aliens. He outlines steps including support for constructive legislation and job assistance for victims of discrimination.
- Critical Period Calls for Laws to Protect Every Citizen, page 4. The article reviews major 1940 measures including the Alien Registration Act, the Selective Service and Training Act, and the Nationality Act. It explains the Nationality Act’s provisions on children, adoptees, former citizens, married persons, and special classes.
- Status Clarified: Nisei in Japan, by Goro Murata, page 7. The State Department clarified that Nisei residing in Japan will not lose American citizenship solely by residence there. The article also reports the cancellation of a drama about Nisei struggles following government and community objections.
Military & Veterans
- They Make Splendid Soldiers, by William O’Donnell, page 1. The Monterey Peninsula Herald editor praises Nisei draftees as disciplined, alert, and patriotic soldiers. Army sources reportedly consider them among the finest soldier material.
Community
- Monterey Convention Plans Take Shape, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Monterey Peninsula JACL chapter finalizes arrangements for the NCDC convention July 31 to August 3 at Hotel San Carlos. The program includes business sessions, tours, and social events for delegates and boosters.
- Support of USO Lauded, page 2. Alameda JACL pledges wholehearted support to the United Service Organizations campaign. A committee has been formed to collect funds.
- Federal Civil Service: Nisei Citizens, Why Not You?, page 5. The article explains how to qualify for federal civil service jobs through competitive examinations and eligibility lists. It also describes typical job categories, pay scales, and retirement benefits.
- Kitagawa Stresses Nisei Loyalty, page 11. Kay Kitagawa speaks to the Alameda 20-30 Club on Nisei loyalty and the aims of the JACL. Musical performances by the Miyamoto sisters also featured the joint meeting.
- Festival Week Program, page 12. The Los Angeles JACL announces its annual Festival Week events scheduled for August 23 to 30. The schedule includes a coronation ball, opening ceremonies, talent shows, and a parade.
Commentary
- Notes and Comments, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editors urge chapters to submit historical surveys and membership dues promptly. They also praise reader contributions and invite feedback on the paper.
- About Nisei in Hawaii, by Stanley Shimabukuro, page 2. Defense construction has created economic opportunities for Hawaii’s Nisei, though some barriers remain at Pearl Harbor. The author notes the shift in jobs and wages and the strain on local businesses.
- The President’s Corner, page 2. The column questions the use of the term Nisei in Hawaii, arguing it fosters racial distinction. It also urges Nisei to seek jobs through initiative as labor shortages open opportunities.
- Editorial Excerpt on Japanese American Community Activities, page 2. The editorial credits the American press for favorable coverage of Japanese American support for defense bonds and relief drives. It concludes that Japanese Americans’ loyalty belongs to the United States.
- Special Service to Our Readers: Legal Forum, by Walter T. Tsukamoto, page 3. The legal column explains the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940 for a soon-to-be-drafted reader. It outlines protections for inducted servicemen against court proceedings and penalties.
- Unity for the Nation, by Thomas Iseri, page 3. JACL Northwest District chairman Thomas Iseri urges national unity during the emergency. He encourages all residents, especially young people, to contribute through service and defense financing.
- Newsfront: Matsuoka’s Rise, by Kay Nishida, page 3. The column profiles Japanese Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka, a former Oakland and Portland schoolboy, and analyzes his political prospects. It weighs his diplomacy with Germany, Italy, and Soviet Russia against the risks of military ambitions.
- Situation of Japanese in United States Today, by Saburo Kido, page 7. JACL National President Saburo Kido addresses discrimination and the divided situation of Issei parents and Nisei citizens. He discusses loyalty displays, dual citizenship, and the costly expatriation process.
- To The Farmers: Marketing Problems, Final Installment, by Dr. M. P. Rasmussen, page 8. The agricultural economist examines consumer demand for apples by income area and critiques excessive packaging costs. He concludes that quality and retailer marketing matter more than expensive innovations.
JACL
- Endowment Fund Drive Gets Issei Support, page 2. San Francisco Issei pioneers pledge support to the JACL National Endowment Fund drive aiming for $100,000. The article explains pledge categories and the planned Issei Supporters Association.
In-Depth
- Conflict in Laws Blamed for Dual Citizenship Status of Japanese Residing in Hawaii, by Ethel J. Spaulding, page 5. Excerpts from a Hawaii study trace dual citizenship problems to conflicting Japanese and US nationality laws. It describes Japan’s 1924 expatriation provisions and the cultural obstacles families faced in renouncing claims.
- Why Farm Bookkeeping?, by Nobumitsu Takahashi, page 8. The article argues that Japanese farmers should keep systematic farm records to save time and money. It lists nine objectives of farm record-keeping drawn from agricultural economics.
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