STATE TO TAKE JAPANESE LAND

OLYMPIA, May 12.--(AP)--A state-wide program to transfer to the state the titles of real estate now owned by Japanese aliens was underway in Washington today with filing of suits in King, Spokane and Kitsap Counties.

Similar suits will be instituted in several other counties, including Yakima, Franklin and Benton, Acting Attorney-General Fred Lewis said.

The program is being undertaken by the attorney-general's office with the cooperation of county prosecutors, under a state law prohibiting Japanese aliens from owning real estate.

Farms operated in the state by Japanese, according to the 1940 census, had a total value of $5,413,362. Total value of property covered in yesterday's 14 actions is approximately $300,000, Lewis said, although property valued at more than $1,000,000 will be involved when all suits have been filed.

"These aliens have no right to any interest in real property in Washington, and are prohibited from leasing property, as well as purchasing it," Lewis said.

"All proceeds from these escheated lands will go into the common school fund of the state, to assist in the education of the children of American citizens," he added.