War's End May Find Change in Sentiment Toward Japs

Some time ago when, as we were later to learn, occupation of North Africa had been decided upon, with a "second front" in Italy plainly in mind, all Italian residents of the United States were relieved of the stigma of "alien enemy." More recently similar indulgence was granted German residents.

Nothing has been done about the Japanese in this country. All those of the Pacific Coast defense area are interned at points farther inland. These, according to last census figures, include 55,734 aliens and 93,721, or nearly twice as many, American citizens by right of birth.

Should there be any change in the present status of any of these Japanese? What ultimate disposition is to be made of all or any of them? If the Department of Justice or any other seat of federal authority has plans in mind, they are carefully guarded. The best off-hand guess is that no plan has yet been formed, even in embryo.

Meanwhile, how do the people of states from which the Japanese have been withdrawn feel toward them? Something of an answer to this is given in the Gallup Poll published today. The vote reported from Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona shows 31 per cent opposed to having any of the Japanese return to the area; 29 per cent would allow all to return, and 24 per cent would permit return only of native-born citizens.

The division between those who would let all and those who would let none return is close. The fact that 16 per cent of those polled are undecided also is significant. The poll reflects a present state of public mind -- with hatred of Japan itself still at top bent, yet not at all clearly animating regard for the Japanese who have made their homes in these states, much less for the greater number who, by constitutional law, are our fellow-citizens.

The preponderant opinion indicated by this first poll is exonerative, not to say lenient; certainly less harsh than might have been expected. A later poll may show more decided bias; but it is unlikely that the people of this area will reach final conclusions until the war is ended.