Title: "Final Warning Given Evacuees," Seattle Times, 4/4/1942, (ddr-densho-56-744)
Densho ID: ddr-densho-56-744

FINAL WARNING GIVEN EVACUEES

ARMY WILL NOT RELAX ORDERS FOR MOVEMENT

Military Command Notifies Aliens 'For Last Time' Individual Convenience Must Not Halt Program.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 4.--(AP)--The Army today delivered what it called "a final warning" to West Coast Japanese and other evacuees that the Army will not relax its regulations or allow certain groups to remain in the military zone.

"For the last time," the statement said, "the Army is warning evacuees to make arrangements for disposition of their property ... We are trying to protect the evacuees from exploitation by persons taking advantage of their forthcoming departure, which is drawing nearer each day.

"If any evacuee hopes to retard the entire evacuation program because he has not taken steps to dispose of his property or settle his other programs, he will be disappointed.

"Neglected personal and property matters will not for one moment obstruct the evacuation."

The statement was issued by Col. Karl R. Bendetsen, assistant chief of staff for civil affairs, Western Defense Command.