If They're Loyal Citizens, They'll Stop Complaining

LIEUT. GEN. JOHN L. DeWITT, commander of the Western Defense Command, opposes return of the Japanese, even American-born Japanese, to the coastal zone.

Doubtless General DeWitt, like other Pacific Coast residents, sympathizes with the plight of loyal American-born Japs, who are now forced to remain in concentration centers. But General DeWitt is charged with the responsibility of defending this coastal area.

Even with all the facilities of military and civil intelligence at his disposal, the general cannot distinguish a loyal Jap from another. There is no means of making the distinction. Professions of loyalty are not always to be credited. And no one can foresee when professed loyalty may turn into sudden treason.

Present regulations concerning the Japanese populace of the Pacific Coast must remain in force, for the safety of the Japs themselves as well as for the safety of the area. Those who are truly loyal to this country can regard their present confinement as their war contribution, their form of sacrifice for the land of their allegiance.