EVACUATION

A matter of 14,000 Japanese from the state of Washington might be comparatively easily taken care of, but this issue affects more than 130,000 individuals in the western states.

It must also be remembered that the Axis propaganda machines would immediately seize upon an un-humanitarian mass evacuation to discredit the war aims of all the United Nations as set forth in the Atlantic Charter, for example. Unfortunately, such propaganda might prove to be a serious psychological blow to the cause of the democracies.

WISHES OF THE JAPANESE

The Japanese do not want to be evacuated. They desire to stay in their home cities and districts, away, of course, from vital defense areas such as factories, airports, military establishments, hydro-electric projects, water supply systems and the like to avoid all unnecessary suspicion. In this way they believe they can serve the United States best. Put, we repeat, the Japanese will abide faithfully by any decision that the Government reaches.

Assuming, however, that mass evacuation is decreed, they have several ideas which the Committee may like to consider.

MODEL CITY

This is an ambitious plan entailing the creation of an all-Japanese city somewhere in the interior of the country, able to sustain itself as a self-sufficient unit. It would be financed originally partially by the Japanese themselves, partially by the government. Some important defense industry would be set up to give employment to Japanese labor, preferably one calling for skill and efficiency which Japanese workmen possess. The city would be governed by American citizens,

who would elect a mayor and council, just as other American cities, and the Japanese, both American citizens and aliens, would be given an opportunity to practice the American ideals of democratic government which they have learned.

After the initial investment, the city could be expected to become self-sufficient and a center for the hinterland. It is altogether likely that such a city, as an experiment in democracy would be so progressive and would provide such advantages that friends of the Japanese would desire to share its benefits.

This would be a long-range project, to be continued in perpetuity. The objection of the time required to set it up would be overbalanced by the permanent nature of the project.

ALTERNATIVE TO EVACUATION

If a licensing system for individuals in vital and necessary occupations could be worked out under the supervision of either the military or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, unwanted mass evacuation can be avoided. It is our belief that only those considered not dangerous are being allowed to be at liberty today, but this might be carried further by thorough investigation of each individual.

Those permitted to remain at their jobs should have to pass tow [two] tests: Prove their necessity to the national defense effort and be approved by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Thus, the general public would be assured that only the unquestionably loyal individuals remain, and that their importance to the defence effort justifies their remaining in this area.