Army Selects Centers for Alien Evacuees

SAN FRANCISCO, March 6.--(AP)--The Army, preparing to evacuate 200,000 Japanese and others from Pacific Coast military areas, disclosed plans for establishing two main reception centers in sparsely settled portions of Southeastern California.

One center will be in the Owens River Valley, east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and some 270 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The other will be on the eastern fringe of the California Desert, in the Parker Dam-Blythe district, alongside the Colorado River.

Lieut. Gen. J.L. De Witt of the Western Defense Command and Fourth Army, said the centers would be set up for "the processing and organizing of thousands of aliens and others to be excluded from military areas."

Center Limits Set

General De Witt's civilian aide on alien control, Tom C. Clark, said he evacuees and their capabilities determined before they were resettled to other places for the duration of the war. Some may stay at the processing stations.

Clark indicated that no more than 10,000 persons would be retained at a center at any one time.

The Army's plan to move Japanese to the Owens River Valley drew criticism even before it was announced. Mayor Fletcher Bowron of Los Angeles termed any such move "a serious thing for the city." The Owens Valley Aqueduct, vital part of Los Angeles' water system, flows through the valley.

L.A. to Present Case

The City of Los Angeles expected to present its position in more detail before the Tolan congressional committee on defense migration and alien evacuation, which opened hearings there today.

General De Witt's announcement emphasized that so far evacuation has not been ordered. Until specific proclamations are issued it will not be required. They are expected shortly.

General De Witt said additional prohibited zones, covering areas of special military significance throughout Alaska and the eight states of the Western Defense Command, also would be announced soon.