Handout 4C: EQUAL PROTECTION: RACE

Each of the following witnesses is to make this opening statement before the committee. They will then be subject to questions and comments from the legislators.

My name is Ted Nakashima. Unfortunately in this land of liberty, I was born of Japanese parents. Fine parents, who brought up their children in the best American way of life. My mother served with the Volunteer Red Cross Service in the last war -- my father, an editor, has spoken and written Americanism for forty years.

Our family is almost typical of the other unfortunates in the camp. The oldest son is a licensed architect. The second son is an M.D. I am the third son, the dumbest of the lot, but still smart enough to hold down a job as an architectural draftsman. Mary, the only girl in the family, and her year old son, "Butch," are with our parents -- interned in the stables of the Livestock Exposition Buildings in Portland.

Now that you can picture our thoroughly American background, let me describe our new home.

The resettlement center is actually a penitentiary -- armed guards in towers with spotlights and tommy guns and everyone confined to quarters. The guards are ordered to shoot anyone who approaches within twenty feet of the fences. The food and sanitation problems are the worst. Can this be the same America we left a few weeks ago? I can't take it! What really hurts most is the constant reference to us as "Japs." "Japs" are the guys we are fighting. We're on this side and we want to help. Why won't America let us?

Adapted from The New Republic, June 15, 1942, p. 822-823.

Comments, questions and answers from the legislators

I represent the organization, "Americans for America." Today, our nation is at war with Japan and our sworn enemy are the Japanese. This is a difficult time for all. Perhaps it is most difficult for Americans of Japanese origin. They are at once American citizens, while their lives are deeply rooted in the traditions of the Japanese. How can they show their sympathy for one without offending the other? We believe that any citizen of this great land is first and foremost an American. We cannot say however, that those whose blood and background are Japanese are of the same view.

It is painful for a country to have to confine its own people who have committed no crimes. But in extraordinary times, which these surely are, extraordinary measures are required. It would be impossible to know the true loyalties of Japanese Americans. To know what beliefs they hold in their hearts and minds. If we make a mistake and trust one who should not have been trusted, we put all Americans in jeopardy. Many lives could be lost to spare the dignity of a small group of people. While it is not the most noble thing that Americans have ever done, we must recognize that in these circumstances, the benefits of internment clearly outweigh the risks.

Comments, questions and answers from the legislators

My name is Lillian Matsimoto. I am a guardian to "Children Without Families." These poor orphans are very frightened. They feel as though they are being punished and controlled and they do not know why. Even babies have been rounded up because they look like the enemy. It is very sad. Children have been abandoned twice, first by their parents and then by their country. It is such a cruel twist of fate. When we gathered the children together on the bus for their trip to the Manzanar Internment Center, we asked them to sing songs to calm them down. One little girl stands up and sings, "God Bless America."

It makes me so angry. The newsreels try to show how generous the government is, so of course the centers look decent. But the children really sleep on straw mattresses. During the day, they are allowed to play and they form groups. Here at the camp we have little league and girl scouts. What a joke! All the children care about is the American way and this is how they are treated. I know these poor children will carry this terrible experience with them for the rest of their lives.

Adapted from a compilation of interviews with Japanese Americans interned in camps on Sixty Minutes, December 7, 1997.

Comments, questions and answers from the legislators.

I have been asked to speak on behalf of the intelligence units of the armed forces of the United States of America. I'm sure you are all aware that great responsibility comes with this work. A responsibility that increases many times when the nation is at war. Do not make this job any more difficult than it already is. If we allow Japanese Americans to remain in the general population, we would have to devote substantial resources to monitoring their activities. Resources that would be better spent on protecting all American citizens, including those of Japanese origin, from invasion by the enemy.

The armed forces should not be labeled racist because of the policy of internment. It is not hatred for a particular group of people that is the driving force behind this policy. Japanese Americans will not be put in prison. They will not be stripped of their citizenship. This policy is just the best way to wage war with Japan. The Japanese are indeed capable of sinister acts of espionage and sabotage. They can do this much more effectively if they are able to hide within the general population of Japanese Americans. The threat is real and immediate. We need to ensure the safety of all people regardless of race.

Comments, questions and answers from the legislators

Constituents may now make brief comments.

After the witnesses have been heard, members of the committee will consider alternative policies with regard to Japanese Americans and make recommendations.

The recorder will read the recommendations.

The hearing will be adjourned.