Senate inquiry into the relocation centers, January 1943

Vol. 16, No. 3, January 21, 1943. 8 pages. View this issue

The future of the relocation centers was the main story. The Senate military affairs committee moved to return the ten centers to Army control, and WRA Director Dillon Myer was called to testify before a subcommittee led by Senator Chandler. Senator Wallgren introduced a bill to transfer WRA functions to the War Department, and Utah’s Governor Herbert B. Maw rejected charges of pampering after visiting Topaz. Bill Hosokawa’s column, From the Frying Pan, looked at a Gallup poll on returning evacuees outside the coast.

Elsewhere, anti-alien land bills were introduced in California, Utah and Arkansas, and the WRA opened a Chicago office to speed resettlement. Mike Masaoka left for Minidoka. Two letters from Chinese Americans defended Japanese American loyalty, and Teiko Ishida’s Nisei Woman column offered advice on appearance. Center news reached from Manzanar’s new junior college to a toy lending library at Topaz.

What’s in this issue

National

• Myer Testifies Before Senate Inquiry Group, by P.C. Staff, page 1. WRA Director Dillon Myer was called to testify before a Senate subcommittee considering transferring the relocation centers to Army control. Myer reportedly told the committee that loyal Japanese Americans were joining the Army from the centers.
• New California Anti-Alien Law Gains Support, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seventeen California state senators joined Senator Clair Engle as co-sponsors of a bill to tighten the anti-alien land law by penalizing landowners who lease or sell to minors of Japanese ancestry. The bill carries no urgency clause and will not be pressed until after the constitutional recess.
• Governor of Utah Denies Evacuees Being Pampered, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Utah Governor Herbert B. Maw, after visiting the Topaz center, rejected charges that evacuees were being pampered. He described the residents’ attitude as good and said they would contribute to Utah agriculture.
• Sen. Wallgren Introduces Bill to Transfer Evacuee Centers Back Under Army Jurisdiction, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senator Wallgren introduced a bill to transfer all War Relocation Authority functions and personnel to the War Department. He said he would urge action once the Senate military affairs subcommittee filed its report.
• Senate Committee Plans Investigation of Relocation Camps, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate military affairs committee moved to return control of the relocation centers to the Army and named Senator Chandler to lead an investigating subcommittee. Senator Reynolds and others made charges of pampering that the article disputes with editorial notes.
• Arkansas Seeks Alien Property Ownership Ban, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Arkansas Senator C. B. Ragdale introduced an alien property restriction bill modeled on California, Arizona and Nebraska laws. It would bar ineligible aliens, including Japanese, from owning or occupying land and serving as guardians of minors.
• Resettlement of Evacuees to Be Accelerated Under New WRA Job Placement Setup, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The WRA opened a Chicago midwestern office to find jobs and homes for evacuees and intends to scatter families across the country, especially in smaller communities. Officials said about five thousand evacuees were expected to be placed in midwestern industry and agriculture.
• Utah State Senate Receives Bill to Ban Alien Land Buying, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Utah bill patterned on California’s anti-alien land law was introduced by Senator Alonzo F. Hopkin, conferring citizen property rights on eligible aliens while restricting ineligible aliens. It would also prevent transfers of property to ineligible aliens.
• Oppose Commitment of Evacuee Mental Cases to Idaho Hospitals, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Idaho official Lewis Williams proposed steps to prevent commitment of Japanese Americans from the Hunt relocation center to state mental hospitals. He noted six such commitments from Jerome County already and suggested legislative action.
• FCC Starts Investigation of KFWB Affair, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Federal Communications Commission is investigating KFWB’s censorship of an ACLU counsel’s radio talk defending the rights of Japanese American citizens. The station had deleted all references to evacuation from the broadcast.
• Senate Committee To Investigate Centers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Senators Wallgren and Reynolds said a bill would return control of the concentration camps to the Army, citing claims of pampering and demonstrations in the camps. The article notes that claims about fine bathrooms are false, since the centers have only army-style sanitary facilities.
• Bay Area Group Protests Firing of Nisei Workers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Bay Area Council Against Discrimination protested to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors over the dismissal of five American-born Japanese clerks and stenographers. The council argued the dismissals denied a fundamental citizenship right solely on racial grounds.
• Unconfirmed Rumors Blamed for U.S. Evacuation of Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Mary Farquharson, ACLU representative in Seattle, told a church forum that the evacuation rested largely on unfounded propaganda. She disputed Dr. Walter Hiltner’s defense of the exclusion order in the Hirabayashi case.
• Seek to Use Idle Japanese Farm Tools, by P.C. Staff, page 3. California Attorney General Robert Kenny proposed using idle Japanese-owned farm machinery to address a looming agricultural equipment shortage. A survey found 1754 pieces of idle machinery in southern California alone.
• No Return of Evacuees to West Coast Contemplated At Present, Says U.S. Official, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Assistant Secretary of War McCloy told the Northwest Oriental Evangelization Society that no return of Japanese to Military Area No. 1 was contemplated for the time being. The society had requested the return of citizens to their former homes.
• Etsuji Morii Cleared of Black Dragon Charges in Canada, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Commissioner J. C. A. Cameron’s report found the charges that Etsuji Morii was linked to the Black Dragon Society and engaged in racketeering were largely unwarranted. The report noted his cooperation with police and his prior support for the Victory Loan.
• Believe Pay For Evacuees Not Taxable, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Frank Kinomoto, tax counselor at Hunt, said cash allowances for subsistence to evacuees are likely not taxable, though the question was submitted for an official ruling. He reminded colonists of filing deadlines.

Community

• Poston Resident Killed by Truck, by P.C. Staff, page 1. George Nakatsukasa of Poston died from injuries in a traffic accident, and a second accident seriously injured Bill Tanabe of Unit 3 when a truck ran over him. Both reports came from the Poston Press Chronicle.
• First Center Junior College Opens at Manzanar Center, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Manzanar Junior College was scheduled to begin classes, believed to be the first junior college among the relocation centers. High school graduates and college students are eligible, and no fees are charged.
• Name Judicial Panel at Tule Lake Center, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Sixty-one judicial commissioners were selected at Tule Lake to try offenses less than felonies under the California Penal Code. Twelve members will sit at each hearing per the City Charter.
• Tanakichi Nakamoto Dies in Gridley, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Tanakichi Nakamoto died at the Gridley county hospital on January 13 after being too ill to be moved when other local residents were evacuated to Tule Lake. He had remained a ward of the federal government at the hospital.
• Evacuees May Work on U.S. Navy Project, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Plans were proposed to let nisei evacuees make ship models and silk screen posters for Navy visual training at selected relocation centers, in cooperation with the WRA.
• Eleven More Hunt Students Relocated, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Eleven students were relocated from the Hunt center to colleges and schools in Colorado, Utah, New York, Illinois, Michigan and Iowa in late December and early January. Student relocation head Hana Yamada announced the moves.
• Woman Holds Block Administrator Job at Heart Mountain, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Ruth Hashimoto, probably the only woman block administrator in any center, was named to the post at Heart Mountain. She had previously been secretary to an assistant provost marshal in San Jose and is active in organizing a young people’s club.
• Membership Drive Is Started for Granada Co-Op, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A charter membership drive for community enterprises at the Granada center began, with shares sold at $5 each and individuals limited to 20 shares. Seven teams are competing with progress shown on thermometer charts.
• Chicago Hostel Experiment May Speed Relocation of Evacuees, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Religious groups in Chicago agreed to provide housing and maintenance for evacuees from Manzanar until jobs are found. The first group from Manzanar arrived and several members had already found employment.
• Babies Win Amache County Stork Derby, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Three babies born at the Granada relocation center were among the winners of a Prowers County Stork Derby sponsored by the Lamar Daily News. The winners included the county’s first baby of 1943 and the county’s first twins.
• Center Contributes to Fat Salvage, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Kitchen crews and butchers at the Amache center salvaged 3779 pounds of fat during the past month. The center continues sending monthly fat contributions to Wichita, Kansas.
• Tule Lake City Council Moots Youth Problem, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Tule Lake City Council adopted recommendations to combat juvenile delinquency, including a juvenile court and a permanent study committee. Other measures include family table systems and expanded recreation.
• Nisei Sergeant Gets Army, FBI Aid for Marriage, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Sergeant Shig Nishimura married Yaeko Nakamura in Columbus, Ohio, after obtaining permission from service commands, the FBI and the WRA for her to leave Tule Lake. The couple married on January 13 by an army chaplain.
• Rivers Employment Figures Given, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Employment division statistics show 6164 residents, over 46 per cent of the Rivers center population, were employed by early January. Mess operations employed the largest number of workers.
• Rohwer Children Given Examinations by Center Hospital, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Nearly half of the 2,000 Rohwer school children received health examinations, and funds from the National Society for the Benefit of Crippled Children are being used for operations and care. The program targets crippled children.
• Serviceers Club to Entertain Nisei Soldiers, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Nisei girls at Minidoka formed the Serviceers club to provide USO-style entertainment for nisei servicemen on furlough. Officers were named and the club aims to promote friendship and constructive service.
• Discharging of Evacuees at Gila River Farm Protested, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Joe Lewter, a government employee at Casa Grande, protested the Maxwell Farm company’s discharge of three Japanese workers and its refusal to hire more. He called the action undemocratic.
• Plan Organized Recreation for Wyoming Children, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The newly formed Heart Mountain Parent-Teachers Association council launched an educational program for center youths. The program plans nursery schools for children of working parents and compulsory kindergartens.
• Granada Drug Store Donates Suits to Basketball Team, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Ed Newman donated basketball suits to the Kau Kau Lane AC after WRA policy blocked sponsorship under his store’s name. The club’s public letter of thanks appeared in the Granada Pioneer.
• Topaz Institutes Toy Lending Library, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A toy lending library opened at Topaz for parents of young children, allowing borrowing for a week. A play school supervised by the education department is also operating at block 29.
• Large Profit Shown by Rohwer Stores, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Ko Kiyomura reported a net profit of $9836.25 for Rohwer Cooperative Enterprises from September through December 1942. Part of the profit will be distributed to shareholders as rebates when a permanent co-op is established.
• Ernst Speaks in Salt Lake, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Topaz director Charles F. Ernst addressed the Salt Lake City Kiwanis Club on the center’s self-government and relocation problems. He also took part in a radio forum on KLO.
• Gila Ships Out Fresh Vegetables, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Gila farms shipped carloads of cabbage, turnips and carrots to the Poston, Topaz and Minidoka centers. A large lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower harvest was expected soon.
• WRA Field Offices Offer Employment, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Six stenographer positions in WRA field offices in Denver, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Chicago and Kansas City were opened to evacuees. Regular federal salaries will be paid to accepted applicants.
• Hunt Girls Club Will Entertain Visiting Soldiers, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Girls at Minidoka organized the Serviceers club to entertain nisei soldiers on furlough. The club aims to promote friendship and constructive service in the community.

Incarceration & Redress

• California Legislative Actions Indicate Line of Attack on Nisei in America, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Two California assembly resolutions introduced January 7 urge Congress to revoke dual citizens’ citizenship and bar persons of Japanese ancestry from using land and becoming citizens. Both were referred to the Judiciary Committee.
• Relocation Centers Will Soon Be on Self-Sustaining Basis; Produce Large Share of Own Food, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Government sources reported that the ten relocation centers were moving toward self-sufficiency, with hog, cattle and poultry farms operating and vegetable growing producing about 1000 carloads. Officials disputed rumors of luxurious meat supplies and described rationing practices at the centers.
• Chicago Hostel Experiment May Speed Relocation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Religious groups in Chicago will house evacuees from Manzanar until they find jobs, with the American Friends Service Committee and Church of the Brethren providing hostels. WRA officials are watching the experiment closely.

Commentary

• Chinese American Asks Fair Play for U.S. Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Walter A. Lum, an American of Chinese ancestry, wrote a letter to the Sacramento Bee defending loyal American Japanese and questioning restrictions on their travel. He urged judging people for what they are rather than how they look.
• Accusations by Lowrey, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial challenges Assemblyman Lloyd Lowrey’s claims that American-born Japanese harbor disloyal elements and should lose citizenship. It calls on him to produce evidence or retract his insinuations.
• Need for Strong FEPC, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial criticizes the postponement of FEPC hearings on anti-Negro discrimination in the railroad industry and argues a strong FEPC is needed to protect equal employment rights. It notes the nisei stake in that fight.
• Vagaries, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This column critiques Senator Robert Reynolds for spreading unfounded claims about the relocation centers and questions his record. It also notes a Chapter bill in Arkansas and rationing effects on center canteens.
• Miss Liberty, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A quoted editorial from the Gila News-Courier urges Americans to pursue liberty, fraternity and equality for all races. It notes that restrictions on German and Italian aliens are being eased while citizens remain restricted.
• Moral Remains, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A quoted Minidoka Irrigator editorial reflects on congressional rumors about center luxuries and warns that evacuees remain vulnerable to political pressure. It urges continued caution.
• Network Commentator Scores Reports Evacuee Coddled, by P.C. Staff, page 5. KLO commentator Barratt Chadwick describes his visit to Topaz and disputes rumors of luxury, noting a simple meal and a 45-cent daily food allowance. He reports on the schools, art school and staff pay at the center.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa analyzes a Gallup poll showing majority tolerance for returning evacuees outside the coast and considers what it means for resettlement. He warns that public sentiment could reverse after a major war setback.
• The World Press, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A roundup of world war news covering the collapse of Italian forces in Africa, the Soviet advance, Hawaii’s martial law debate, the renewed Axis economic pact and Tojo’s delayed Diet opening. It frames the Hawaii question in terms of Japanese American treatment.
• Nisei Woman: Most Any Girl Can Be Good-Looking If She Tries, by Teiko Ishida, page 6. Ishida offers practical advice on improving appearance, starting with an honest self-assessment and choosing flattering colors. She emphasizes camouflage through clothing and color selection for any budget.
• The Fellowship of Freedom, by Bradford Smith, page 6. Office of War Information writer Bradford Smith argues that America’s history of welcoming diverse immigrants stands opposed to the racial supremacy of the Axis powers. He cites the loyalty of Japanese Americans in Hawaii during the Pearl Harbor attack.
• Young Chinese Defends Loyalty of Nisei Group, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Robert Kwok, an American Chinese, defended Japanese American loyalty in a letter to the Sacramento Bee and protested the use of violence and hatred as solutions. He described young nisei who had denounced Japan and wished to fight for America.

JACL

• IDC Officers Plan Meeting in Pocatello, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Intermountain District Council will meet in Pocatello on January 25 to discuss the role of JACL chapters outside relocation centers, with national secretary Mike Masaoka attending. Chapter installations of officers are also planned.
• Mike Masaoka Leaves on Trip to Minidoka, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL National Secretary Mike Masaoka departed for Minidoka to address a JACL meeting and public gatherings on resettlement. He had earlier visited the Topaz center, where he drew capacity audiences.

Military & Veterans

• Clarence Uno Dies Suddenly in Wyoming, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Clarence Uno, a Japan-born World War I veteran, died suddenly of a heart attack at Heart Mountain on January 20. He had recently been appointed associate member of the Park County registrants’ advisory board and had a long record of service to the United States.
• Hawaiian Nisei Soldiers Praised for Fine Records, by P.C. Staff, page 3. General Delos Emmons praised Hawaii’s nisei soldiers in combat training at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, saying they were making a fine record. The article is brief and reports the general’s statement in a newspaper interview.
• War Veterans Take Up Net Work, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Seven World War I veterans at Rivers, Arizona, took jobs cutting camouflage nets at the factory. Post commander J. K. Koseki said most of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club members would soon report for work.

Sports

• Topaz Cagemen Defeat Deltans, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Topaz defeated Delta High School 38-36 in a close game, with Kiyosuke Nomura leading the way. The Topaz high school also topped Hinckley in two lopsided games.
• Idaho Falls Cagers Win Decisively Over Pocatello, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Idaho Falls quintet defeated Pocatello 56-35 in the season opener at Osgood gymnasium. Jun Ueda led Idaho Falls with 25 points.

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