Responses of non-Japanese Americans

The reactions of non-Japanese friends, neighbors and classmates were mixed. Some turned their heads and refused to recognize their former friends. Others believed the government propaganda and became outright hostile. Still others helped their Japanese American neighbors by storing belongings and driving them to the places where they were to be picked up. Perhaps only a handful of people understood the true implications of the course of events.

World War II (283)
Pearl Harbor and aftermath (299)
Responses of non-Japanese Americans (185)

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185 items

doc "America's Protective Custody" (ddr-densho-423-137)

Article by Floyd Schmoe critiquing the incarceration and what different groups and individuals can do to protest the injustice.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-137/

doc Duplicate copy of "Citizens behind barbed wire" (ddr-densho-423-150)

Report written by Charles Inglehart arguing against incarceration as un-democratic, a violation of rights, and unnecessary even as an emergency war measure.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-150/

doc "Investigation of the Japanese in America" (ddr-densho-423-148)

Speech by Henry M. Jackson to House of Representatives, reprinted in the San Francisco Examiner. Arguing for a resolution to investigate the activities of Japanese in America, particularly pro-Japanese influences.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-148/

doc Article from Survey Graphic, February 1943. "Japanese Colony: Success Story" (ddr-densho-423-134)

Article about Japanese American produce merchant from Oakland who left California before evacuation with a group of farmers to find farmland outside the Exclusion Zone. Argues that their success demonstrates their loyalty and patriotism. Includes endorsement by Mike Masaoka. Handwritten in corner "Property of Martha Nozawa"

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-134/

doc "Arizona's City of Exiles" (ddr-densho-423-141)

Article by Albert Palmer for The Christian Century, describing the Gila River Camp, and how to support Japanese American after the war

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-141/

doc "Citizens behind barbed wire" (ddr-densho-423-149)

Report written by Charles Inglehart arguing against incarceration as un-democratic, a violation of rights, and unnecessary even as an emergency war measure.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-149/

doc "Our Japanese are Americans" (ddr-densho-423-136)

Essay questioning the incarceration, but acknowledging it as a fait accompli, and arguing for fair treatment of Japanese as Americans. Emil Sekerak worked for the WRA at Topaz. Produced by the Antioch Alumni Bulletin.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-136/

doc "The Japanese in our midst" (ddr-densho-423-138)

Article in the Atlantic Monthly, by George E. Taylor, analyzing the impact of incarceration on the place of Japanese Americans after the war, and on the position of the U.S. in foreign relations.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-423-138/

doc Letter from Ai Chih Tsai to Dr. Harrison R. Anderson (ddr-densho-446-19)

ACS sends a thank you to all of the Fourth Presbyterian Committee members. The Japanese Christian services will start on 24 May and ACS will take responsibility. ACS requests prayers.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-19/

doc Letter from Robert Cashman to Alderman P.H. Douglas (ddr-densho-446-71)

Letter to Alderman Douglas with introduction for Ai Chih Tsai with request for counsel regarding Tsai's status following Pearl Harbor

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-71/

doc Letter from Robert Cashman to whom it may concern (ddr-densho-446-72)

Letter to certify that Ai Chih Tsai, Japanese citizen of Formosa, resides in Chicago Theological Seminary dorm, is registered as a CTS student, has been the minister of the Chicago Japanese Christian Church for 2 years, is a graduate of Doshisha University, and Cashman can vouch for Tsai's character

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-72/

doc Letter from John Mulder to Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-17)

Fourth Presbyterian Committee voted unanimously to allow Japanese Church of Christ to meet in the John Timothy Stone Chapel at the Fourth Presbyterian Church every Sunday from 2-3:30 pm starting May 23. Committee's recommendation will go to the church session on May 20, 1942, for action. Muldur invites Tsai to attend with another church leader. Fourth …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-17/

doc Letter from Albert W. Palmer to Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-13)

Church of Christ (Japanese) services were discontinued after Pearl Harbor in Dec 1941. But, Police Commissioner Allman does not object to the Japanese church resuming services in Japanese. But AWP is concerned about congregants meeting in unfamiliar locations. AWP offers CTS Hilton Chapel for services until 1 July 1942 w/o charge for religious not political purposes.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-13/

doc Letter from John Mulder to Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-16)

John Mulder (JM), Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chair of Session Committee, received AWP's request for the Japanese church to meet at 4th Presbyterian Church and requests a meeting with ACS to discuss the matter in person.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-16/

doc Letter from Robert Cashman to Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-15)

Letter of apology and reaffirmation of friendship after an apparent conflict between ACS and RC. RC urges ACS to practice self-preservation while U.S. and Japan are at war.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-15/

doc Letter from Albert W. Palmer to US District Attorney Woll (ddr-densho-446-21)

Notification that the Japanese Church of Christ will start meeting again on May 24, 1942. Palmer identifies and vouches for ACS as pastor. Palmer requests that Woll notify FBI.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-21/

doc Letter from John Mulder to Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-20)

Confirmation that Japanese Church of Christ will meet at Fourth Presbyterian Church from 2-3:15 pm starting 24 May 1942 in John Timothy Stone Chapel. Six conditions stated. Questions about Sunday School and Bible Study will be discussed in the future.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-20/

doc Letter from Albert W. Palmer to Commissioner Allman (ddr-densho-446-22)

Notification that the Japanese Church of Christ will start meeting again on May 24, 1942. Palmer identifies and vouches for ACS as pastor.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-22/

doc Letter from Ai Chih Tsai to John Mulder (ddr-densho-446-18)

ACS thanks JM for his kindness and requests to attend the Wednesday meeting at Fourth Presbyterian Church

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-18/

img "Japs keep out" sign close-up (ddr-densho-475-293)

Black and white photograph of "JAPS KEEP OUT YOU RATS" sign painted on a door.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-475-293/

img "Japs keep out" sign (ddr-densho-475-292)

Black and white photograph of a barbershop door with "JAPS KEEP OUT YOU RATS" sign painted on the door.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-475-292/

img "Japs keep out" sign close-up (ddr-densho-475-294)

Black and white photograph of "JAPS KEEP OUT YOU RATS" sign painted on a door.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-475-294/

doc 1941 Diary (ddr-densho-549-5)

Personal diary of Lois Bennett that includes personal reflections from the Pearl Harbor bombing. Pages that did not have written entries were not included as part of the scan.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-549-5/

Letter from University of California Berkeley Vice President Monroe E. Deutsch to President Roosevelt and response from Edward J. Ennis (ddr-densho-1007-1036)

doc Letter from University of California Berkeley Vice President Monroe E. Deutsch to President Roosevelt and response from Edward J. Ennis (ddr-densho-1007-1036)

Xeroxed copy. Advocates against the internment of Italian, German and Japanese Americans. Response is from Edward J. Ennis, director of the Alien Enemy Control Unit.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-1007-1036/

doc Letter from Will H. Kindig to Attorney General Francis Biddle (ddr-densho-1007-1038)

Xeroxed copy. Advocates for permits to be issued to "certain Japanese" against internment, stating that many housewives would like to keep their Japanese maids.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-1007-1038/