"Protective Custody" of Any Suspect May Be Asked

WASHINGTON, Friday, Feb. 6.--(UP)--Justice Department sources disclosed today that they are weighing the possibility of asking Congress for legislation that would permit the "protective-custody" arrest of any citizen for the duration of the war as an additional means of coping with the Japanese problem on the West Coast.

They emphasized that they are reluctant to seek such a law and have made no final decision, but may find it advisable to make such a request.

Though the bill would be aimed solely at the dual citizenship problem of West Coast Japanese, it would permit the seizure of any citizen whose presence in defense areas was considered dangerous to the national security.

The powers of the Justice Department now restrict them to ordering the evacuation of enemy aliens from prohibited areas. Numerous Japanese, who were born in this country and therefore are American citizens, are reported to be considered more dangerous than many of the alien Japanese.

Attorney-General Francis Biddle was reported reluctant to ask such legislation because of the danger that would be faced by all citizens if such a power, once granted, were used improperly.