Supplement No. 32
REPORTS
NATIONAL EMERGENCY CONFERENCE
Japanese American Citizens League
INTERNAL SECURITY
Kiyoshi Higashi, Chief of Police
Manzanar Relocation Center
Chairman
BACKGROUND:
Everywhere in America, and particularly on the West Coast where large numbers of Japanese have lived, there has been a marked absence of crime among our people. Police blotters seldom carried Japanese names. The criminal incidents rate among Japanese was negligible.
Pride, family training, neighbor and public opinion wore strong preventives to irregular conduct. It is these same forces that have been deterrents to lawbreaking in the centers. During the period when evacuees have been busily engaged in making furniture, cupboards, and closets for their physical comfort, internal security statistics have been remarkably low.
Now, with more leisure time, dormant forces are beginning to create disturbances. What has seemingly appeared to most Caucasian administrators as a placid community life, in reality, covered a cauldron in which differing ideologies, unmiscible as oil and water, seethed and boiled. Surface indications of this internal strife have appeared from time to time. However, center officials have usually dismissed these symptoms with an academic leniency.
The real threat to peace and order within the centers will not come from individual lawlessness. The bombshell that will shatter these communities will be the blow-off of (1) accumulated resentments, (2) harbored injustices, (3) racial discriminations, (4) pro-Japan convictions, and (5) real and fancied grievances. As time goes on, rather than a settling process, mob outbreaks, mass demonstrations, gang atrocities and acts of terrorism will recur frequently.
WRA administrators must realize the dynamite they are dealing with; they must be realistic; they must not encourage the mushrooming of small incidents by condoning with official laxity; individuals advocating constructive attitudes and activities must be shielded from vengeful harm; deleterious elements in each camp must be recognized and intelligent yet stern methods must be instituted to curb them.
WARNING:
The handwriting on the wall is the insurgence of "Nippon Banzai!" groups. These elements will use every dissatisfaction to fan the flames of trouble. Unless measures are taken to cope with them, the entire WRA program is jeopardized. The control of any center by intimidation or the outbreak of violence by this group will bring down the hue and cry of the press that the WRA is coddling pro-Axis sentiment; that the Army should run the centers.
Despite circumspection in drawing up any plan of self-government, there is an inevitable perversity among some of the residents. These "agin-ers" will attack provisions in the constitution, or the people elected, or their method of election. It is very likely that these snipers are the spearhead of an organized opposition that operates sub rosa feeding the fires of discontent.
It is also likely that this underground movement is allied or identical to the pro-Japan elements in the center. For this reason the forces of law and order must absolutely predominate in the center. The judiciary code of the center Constitution must be rigidly enforced; at no time must the sinister groups of intimidation, of coercion, or of blackmail gain the upper hand, as they have in some communities.
If those who believe in America are to continue to live side by side with those who have lost their faith in America, then the forward-looking, wholesome people in the centers must be protected from those who jeer and taunt and threaten them.
COURTS:
Under present rulings, felonies are taken outside the center and tried in the county. Destruction of center property constitutes a felony and becomes liable to the same procedure. Shifting of trial outside the center means a prejudiced court in the eyes of many residents.
The Judiciary code drawn up by representatives of the center is the law. Infractions are tried and sentences, subject to Project Director approval, both Caucasians and residents, the Japanese serving thereon have frequently become the target of intimidation and coercion. Already, conditions have become such that in some centers, law-abiding elements have been driven to cover, thus rendering themselves ineffective and non-assertive.
Fair Practice and Grievance Committees function in the various centers as conciliatory and arbitration boards to adjust work conditions and worker's controversies. Here, too, unsatisfactory decisions often become personal grudges and members of such boards are sometimes waylaid and beaten.
FIRE AND POLICE PROTECTION: Cognizance of the fire hazards inherent in the all-wood type of center construction has led to the placing of fire extinguishers in all dwellings. However, telephones or some fire alarm system should be made available in every block. Most imperative, however, is the need for frequent fire drills in the schools, which are barracks converted to classroom use. Should flame start in those fire-traps, panic and casualties are probable.
Police organization in the light of recent events should be a four-phase program:
1. Jailing of sentenced offenders should be strict isolation except for definite visiting hours. No visiting should be permitted at windows of jailhouses nor should refreshments be brought in to prisoners and a general partying be tolerated during the visiting period.
Segregation of known troublemakers to a separate center must be accomplished in the interests of peace and order. The WRA policy of lenience has resulted in cowering the decent center population to submission to terroristic rule. Unless this is done, agitators will continue to foment trouble and eventually call down upon evacuees and WRA administration a strict military surveillance and perhaps even congressional investigation.
2. Policing and records are a matter of intelligent mechanics. Naturally, men of known integrity should be engaged in patrol work; otherwise, unscrupulous policemen may attempt to curry special privileges for themselves and families or their groups.
3. Investigative Police, like their undercover counterparts in the cities, should have their fingers and ears on the "danger areas" and "sore spots" of each community. Advance warning of outbreaks should be forecasted and serious demonstrations averted. Violations of the Judiciary Code should be duly investigated with full utilization of modern police procedures.
4. Classroom instruction in fundamentals of police work should be started in all centers as a special inducement to attract and hold high caliber men. How to write a report, how to investigate, fingerprint classification, handwriting and typewriting identification, policy photography, how to identify by pictures, plaster casting of footprints, first aid, Judo, search and evaluation of evidence should be among lecture subjects.
GANGSTERISM: Gangs which have run afoul of the police have usually been infused with resentments and unjustices fanned alive in them by pro-Japan persons. These gangs have directed their assaults against individuals who have been prominent in community activities whom they label as "administration stooges" or "JACL guys." Generally, their attitude has been one of braggadocio because of seeming immunity against legal punishments.
RACKETEERING AND GAMBLING: To date no racketeering has been uncovered in the center. LIQUOR has been smuggled in by Caucasian workers. Dismissal of such bootleggers has stopped illicit liquor trafficking. Police are often challenged with:
Is liquor contraband?
What WRA ruling prohibits liquor purchases?
Does possession and drinking constitute a legal violation?
Is the act of bringing in liquor to the centers or mail orders of liquor a
punishable crime?
Gambling in a vice sense does not apparently exist. Reported cases have seldom passed the friendly stage.
PRO-JAPAN ELEMENTS:
Wholesale experiences of the racial evacuation and living within centers surrounded by barbed wires and watchtowers are in the eyes of many prima facie evidence that a future in this country is hopeless for us. These, too, they believe are indisputable arguments that Japan's is the righteous cause.
So those who espouse Americanism, participation in the armed forces of the country, work on defense projects, and relocation are particular objects of enmity and persecution.
Numerically, this pro-Japan element is small but the damage their insidious propaganda can do to the peace and order of the community should not be too lightly regarded.
CONCLUSION:
Internal security should be exactly what its title connotes. Reports issuing from some centers indicated that security of life and limb for those bespeaking constructive attitudes does not exist. On the other hand, malefactors have been so condoned that their nefarious beatings of decent citizens continues not only unabated but with increasing frequency.
A warning note must here be again emphasized. As community leaders leave on individual relocation, the centers are drained of the spark plugs which give momentum to WRA policies. The elements which maintained hopeful attitudes of personal re-establishment may disintegrate. The centers may become hotbeds of unrest and indolence. Truly, a great many of the evacuees may become persuaded to remain as wards for the duration. With such a spirit rampant within the centers, WRA administration may of necessity become transformed into a prison administration to maintain peace and order.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Report of a police officer attacked and background of
gangsterism in Manzanar
Compiled by the office of HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION --
Togo Tanaka - Joe Masaoka
November 11� Manzanar
-------------------
MANZANAR POLICE OFFICER ATTACKED BY 'GANG'
Who: Tom Tamotsu Imai, investigator, Manzanar internal police force. Biog.--28, married, formerly of San Fernando, a '31 graduate of San Fernando High School; before evacuation, he was engaged in flower growing; he served as President of the San Fernando Japanese American Citizens League. At Manzanar he has served on the Consumer Cooperative Education Committee, the Commission for Self-government. He and his wife are supervisors for the Y.W.A. dormitory.
When: At 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 10
Where: In front and at the side of the Young Women's Association dormitory, 19-14, where the Imai's live.
How: Approximately 15 young men, unidentified by name, but described through speech, mannerism and wearing apparel as "Terminal Islanders," were seen loitering around the building for half an hour before the assault. They were lined up on both sides of the barrack, apparently waiting for Mr. Imai to show himself.
At 8:00 p.m., Mr. Imai stepped outside the barrack to escort one of the girls attending a club cabinet meeting at the Y.W.A. to her home. He carried his police flashlight. Mrs. Imai was at the door. As he turned his light on half a dozen silent figures waiting at the barrack side, each man turned his back; collars of peacoats had been raised. Then, suddenly and without warning, he was assaulted from behind. Approximately 15 young men beat and kicked him as he rolled on the ground. Mrs. Imai screamed. A truck came to a stop at the intersection of blocks 19 and 13. The attackers apparently believed it to be police car; they fled into the dark. Mrs. Imai was taken to the hospital for examination. Extent of injuries: external bruises, right swollen eye, possible internal injuries.
Why:
Occasion for the attack appears to be the fact that Officer Imai, in line of duty as a member of the Manzanar Police force, uncovered the attempted smuggling of intoxicants into Manzanar by returning Terminal Island beet furlough workers. This incident occurred the same day. The first of three Greyhound buses arrived at Manzanar Tuesday at about11:30 a.m. It was parked at the side of the police station awaiting arrival of Military Police for baggage inspection. Friends and well-wishers thronged the bus. One of the returning workers, identified by police as a San Pedro "Terminal Islander", raised his window and attempted to pass his pea-jacket to a girl bystander. Officer Imai, standing nearby, said: "You're not allowed to pass anything out of the window." The girl pushed the pea-jacket back; in the process, a bottle of liquor fell out of the jacket, smashing on the ground.
Police Commissioner Willard Schmidt issued a warning. Ropes were thrown around each bus, spectators kept back, each returning worker was frisked, baggage more closely inspected.
A group of boys, identified by blue denim jackets with letter: "San Pedro Federal Pen." and "San Pedro Yogores", stood in the back, shouting at Mr. Imai: "Pro-American" and "Stoolpigeon." Heard muttered in Japanese were such expressions as "Nihonjin doshi de sonegurai no koto wa yurushitemo iinoni." (Among Japanese, these little things could be overlooked.)
ATTACK ON POLICEMEN latest in series of "gang" assaults
Manzanar gangdom is usually identified by the people as one of three groups:
(1) Terminal Islanders, known also as "Yogores" or the "San Pedro Gang"
(2) The "Dunbar Gang"
(3) The "Blood Brothers Corps", known also as "Yuho Kesshidan."
CASE HISTORIES:
(1) Terminal Island Yogores
This group has been the most active to date in committing acts of physical violence. Numerically, it is reputed to be the largest "gang," claims varying between "200 to 500 guys." Actually, according to police authorities, there are not more than 20 to 25 habitual troublemakers among the group; they are young men in their late teens or early twenties. They are almost uniformly characterized by: (1) their previous occupation has been either that of fishermen or cannery workers; (2) their deep resentment against the government and anyone in authority, as a result of the manner in which they were evacuated; (3) their outspoken bitterness against what they describe as "unjust imprisonment of my old men by the F.B.I." (Almost all Terminal Island older men--the fathers of those youths--were taken into custody); (4) their crude manners, uncouth dress and speech, the latter being a mixture of Japanese and English to a greater extent than is usual among the Nisei.
( Center of the Terminal Island
( Colony is Block 9, which is
( solidly made up of San Pedro
( evacuees; an overflow into
( blocks 8 and 10 cares for most
( of the remainder, although they
( are dispersed throughout the
( Center.
According to residents who have moved away from Block 9 because "we weren't from Terminal Island," the San Pedrans are intensely partisan, making it virtually "impossible" for "outsiders" to live with or among them.
THEIR RECORD in gang violence:
(a) In sports and recreation--Terminal Islanders usually excel in sports. In softball, two of their Teams, the "Yogores" and the "Marlins" led their respective leagues. However, they were both involved in fist fights on the diamond to the extent that they gained a reputation among other teams for being "Bellicose" and "always looking for a fight." In one championship game in a major league, the contest was never decided because it developed into gang fight which put a player on the opposing team in the hospital. Dances at Manzanar invariably require police protection because of "hoodlum gate crashers." Sponsors invariably blame "The Yogores" as among the troublemakers; also, without exception, they "never come alone, always in groups of eight or ten or more." An undetermined number (because victims said they were afraid to report to the police for fear of retaliation) of individuals have been beaten and assaulted by "the San Pedro gang" in these minor outbreaks.
(b) In project employment--In work at Manzanar, Terminal Island young men tend to stick together in gangs; they are usually found in jobs requiring physical labor, very seldom in office jobs. They display an almost characteristic scorn for "white collar workers." Frequently heard by them: "Anyone who works in the administration office is a stooge for the kettoh."
--The linoleum laying crew (app. 100 workers), with one or two exceptions, was made up of Terminal Islanders. Many of their number were accused of showing favoritism repeatedly, and of exacting "tribute" in the form of refreshments or money given in advance "for a fancier and cleaner job." Because they were well organized, they displayed an attitude of independence in their work. They carried over their dislike of certain individuals into their work; one block leader, who was singled out, complained of a "terribly messy" job in his office, accused layers of splattering the walls of his barrack.
--It is generally believed throughout the center that the distribution of lumber and plaster board for barrack insulation has been controlled by Terminal Islanders. The statement is frequently made that the "San Pedro Gang," by intimidation and threats, have made this possible. At this date, Mess Hall 9 is the only one in the center which is completely insulated.
(c) In their relations with other residents--There is no doubt that the majority of Manzanar people, "Terminal Island" has become a label synonymous with "gangism." For instance:
--On block 35, a Terminal Island woman, Mrs. Honda (husband in detention) was accused by neighbors as having threatened her immediate neighbor, a Mrs. Ohashi, who allegedly had complained of "too much noise at night" by the Hondas. "I'll get the San Pedro gang after you," Mrs. Honda is reported to have said one day. Next day Mrs. Ohashi, suffering from high blood pressure and a stroke, was hospitalized. Threats and intimidation, in the form of loud talk by men visitors, heard through the thin partition by Mrs. Ohashi's daughter, reportedly aggravated the situation. The Ohashis are moving to block 29.
--On block 12, a Mr. Matsumura was placed in charge of plaster board distribution. A Terminal Island family on that block was accused of taking more than its share and making closets and shelves. Upon Mr. Matsumura's protest, he was threatened: "You'd better shut up or we'll get the San Pedro gang to beat you up." He shut up.
--At the Hospital one day, a police patrolmen stopped a burly youth who entered without a permit. The youth turned on him: "Listen, guy, lay off or else my Pedro gang will see you later." He was not stopped further.
--At the Children's Village Hallowe'en party, the youngsters were playing games. Three somewhat grimy little boys sneaked into the room. When told the party was for invited guests, they told the superintendent: "We're from Terminal Island; we can go anywhere we please!"
--On Block 26, residents last week gathered at their mess hall to see the motion picture, "Tin Pan Alley" which a resident, T. Betsuin, had secured. Over a hundred youths "crashed" the gate, crowding 26 residents out; a commotion resulted, there was a near-fight. The crew in charge of the projector later said: "The d___ San Pedro bunch again!"
--In the schools, particularly high school, teachers have begun to associate their "worst discipline cases" with "Terminal Island." There is a tendency for these students to wish to ridicule and embarrass their teachers, apparently enjoying such discomfiture. They are described as "brazen in back talk, discourteous, making frequent apparently derogatory remarks in Japanese." Teachers point out that "gangism seems to be carried over into the schools." This is particularly true in the open fields and in large crowds.
(2) The "Dunbar Gang"
Center residents are not so familiar with the nature or origin of this "gang" as they are of the Terminal Islanders. Numerically, they have been reported to be composed of between 50 and 85 fellows, in their late teens and early twenties. Their alleged "ringleaders" seem to have come from downtown Los Angeles: Boyle Heights, Little Tokio and the Market district. They have sometimes been referred to here as "the zoot suit boys with Filipino haircuts." Not all of them, however, bear this stamp. A larger proportion of boys associated with this "gang" (fairly or not) have landed in the Manzanar jail. (than the Terminal Islanders)
The alleged leaders of this "gang"
and a concentration of the so-called
membership is said to reside on
blocks 26 and 21.
There have been attempts by at least two of their spokesmen to disclaim accusations levelled against the "Dunbar-Boys." "We take the blame for everything bad that's done around here when it isn't any member of our group that does them," they have said.
Spokesmen:
Generally recognized as leader of youths labelled as "Dunbar boys" are Tom Watanabe, formerly of Los Angeles, once a worker in the camouflage factory, now a truck driver, a young man in his early twenties who lost his wife and two babies in childbirth at the Manzanar hospital. Others frequently mentioned are Sakaye Kazunage, Hideo Kunitomi. One Manzanar character, Bob Matsuda, is more often than not, associated with both the "Yogore" and "Dunbar" gang. He has a local record (police) and a reputation that claims he is a "graduate of Preston Reformatory" and an ex-seaman.
Their local reputation:
Blame for petty theft cases here has been generally placed on the "Dunbar gang." Whether this is justified or not is difficult to determine because the "gang" is not a formal organization. Rather, it is described by some residents as a "loose association of hell-raisers." The Administration, through its community services division, has looked upon the problems raised by this particular group as being a case of social maladjustment. A program to bring the club under Young Men's activities has been undertaken.
How they gained their notoriety:
In gangs, these youths have intimidated, threatened, and physically assaulted individuals. In this respect, their case history parallels the record of the Terminal Islanders, only on a smaller scale.
Disturbances in the camouflage net factory in July and August were traced to workers boasting they were "Dunbar boys." Loitering, interfering with other workers, rolling dice, playing cards during working hours, inciting a strike, were charged to them.
Threats against the Manzanar hospital staff, which reached their height in September, were traced to the "Dunbar Boys." A threat against the life of the Hospital head was openly made by a member of the gang. Other members of the medical staff were the targets of loud threats. This followed the deaths of Watanabe's wife and babies.
The general impression that boys in this gang are "lazy and shiftless" has gained as a result of the Idaho furlough work. A group labelled as "Dunbar" is reported to have been the only group of workers fired from their jobs at Shelley, Idaho.
An attack upon two members of the Free Press staff, Joe Blamey, a cripple, and James Oda, in late August by Toshi Akashi, assertedly egged on by Bob Matsuda and a large gang of youths who crowded around the barrack where Blamey and Oda lived, drew attention to the "Dunbar Gang."
Manzanar's "chronic jail inmate," a Frank Fukuchi, is generally associated as a "Dunbar boy."
(3) The "Blood Brothers Corps"
This appears to be an "underground movement" political in nature. Unlike the "San Pedro Gang" or the "Dunbar Gang," no member of this group has come out into the open and acknowledged himself as a "Blood Brother."
Their activities to date:
(a) On October 31, 1942, bulletins written in Japanese appeared on Mess Hall bulletins in violation of center regulations which require approval of every poster. Translated, the bulletin read:
"Attention: We do not recognize any necessity for a self-government system. "We should oppose anything like this as drawing a rope around our neck. Let the Army take care of everything. Stop taking action which might bring trouble to our fellow people.
--BLOOD BROTHERS CORPS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PEOPLE"
(b) On Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7, the members of the Manzanar Commission on Self-Government received letters via mail from the "Blood Brothers." The following 17 persons, comprising the commission, were recipients: Frank Chuman, Dr. James M. Goto, Jack Iwata, Rev. J.A. Koshitani, Mrs. Miya Kikuchi, Choyoi Kondo, Joe Masaoka, Miss Chiye Mori, Rev. Shin Nagatomi, Frederick Ogura, Togo Tanaka, Walter Watanabe, Frank Yasuda, Sho Onodera, Roy Tashimi, Kiyoshi Higashi, Tom Imai.
There were two sets of letters, both in Japanese, apparently written by two different persons.
Following is a literal translation of the shorter of the two letters:
"Think of the shame the American government has put us into. Think of the disruption of properties, and the imprisonment of the nisei.
"To start a self-government system now is nothing but a dirty selfish scheme. As the Army put us in here without regard to our own will, we should leave everything up to the Army, whether they want to kill us or [illegible] us.
"Because this is the only way the American government can think of as a means of absolving itself from the blame of misconducting its affairs, the government thought of a bad scheme, that is, this formation of the self-government system.
"The hairy beats (white) are out to actually run the government, while using you people who can be used. It is evident if you read Article I of the Charter and can be proved by the facts of the past. You fellows who are acting blindly are big fools.
"If you do such things as those, which tighten the noose around the necks of your fellow people, some day you will receive punishment from Heaven, so beware.
--BLOOD BROTHERS CORPS WHICH WORRY FOR THEIR FELLOW PEOPLE"
Following is a translation of the longer of the two letters: (Both translations by Aira Dave Itami of the Information Office.)
"Calling you fools who are running around trying to set up a self-government system.
"Think back! The fact that the positions, the properties, and the honor which our fellow Japanese built up and won by blood and sweat during the past fifty years have all been stamped and sacrificed by the arrogant and insulting American government after we have been put into this isolated spot.
"For what are you beating around? What use is there for establishing self-government? Especially with such a Charter so full of contradictions? Although we are ignorant people, we can foresee the tragic results which will come out of this self-government.
"Remember that the majority of our people are absolutely against the self-government system. What do you think of the fact that six months ago, in Santa Anita, the same attempt which you are now trying, was made, to organize a self-government. But it broke down before it materialized.
"Leave everything completely as the Army pleases. If you nincompoops realize the fact that you are Japanese, why don't you assume the honorable attitude which is typical of Japanese. What a shameful sight you are about to present by being fooled by the sweet words of the government. By so doing, you are inviting suffering to your fellow Japanese.
"We fellow Japanese are all like fish laid on the cutting board, about to be sliced. To jump around at this stage is a cowardly thing to do. Better lay down and let the government do as it pleases, either cook us or fry us.
"You should remain calm and conduct yourselves like nationals of a first class power. Give more thoughts and deep reflections as to your attitude.
--BLOOD BROTHERS CORPS WHICH IS CONCERNED OVER FELLOW NATIONALS"
Commission members have expressed the opinion that the serious tone of the letters is lost in the English translations.
(c) Additional posters have been tacked on mess hall bulletin boards in the last week. Police investigations have been under way. The latest posters carried messages condemning those who had torn down earlier "Blood Brother" missives.
Because of the anonymous character of activities to date, definite identities have not been ascertained.
However, certain individuals, because of their past activities and utterances made in public, are under suspicion and have been questioned. Previous remarks, phrases, and statements attributed to such individuals, have a remarkable similarity with language in letters and posters, according to investigators. These individuals, unlike members of the "gangs" previously described, are reported to be older (usually in their late thirties and older) and appear to have control in the mess hall division where they are most active.
Their procedure and technique is described by some residents as "typically Japanese. They give one warning in advance to salve their conscience, then assassinate. They already have two persons picked out who will be martyrs to the cause."
Names associated in center gossip and rumor with this movement include: Harry Yoshio Ueno, Hoitsu Tsuji, Joe Kurihara, each of whom has denied any connection with either the organization or movement.
**********************************
Report on Manzanar's sub rosa organizations
Compiled by the office of HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION
Togo Tanaka - Joe Masaoka
November 18, Manzanar
-------------------
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS:
Survey on "Underground" Groups
Posters and bulletins, quietly tacked up on mess halls and latrines in the
Contents of these notices definitely indicate that their authors consider themselves much in the same light as "underground" forces in Europe seeking to liberate oppressed peoples.
Two signatures appear with greatest regularity on these posters which attract a curious reader audience:
(1) Southern California Blood Brothers Corps
(2) Manzanar Black Dragon Society
Coverage of these bulletins is center-wide; when they appear, they almost invariably appear on all 36 blocks simultaneously.
Language in which they are written: without exception, bulletins have been in Japanese, sometimes in pen and ink, at other times in brush scroll. They are intelligible, coherent statements, almost always closing with an editorial note.
Illegality of their activity appears to be recognized by the authors not only in their manner of circulating their work, but in their frequent warnings appearing on the notices: "Anyone who tears this down is a dirty dog of� a stooge."
Subject matter of bulletins varies: Earlier attacks against self-government and the proposed Manzanar Charter have now been switched to heated tirades against the proposed new camouflage net factory program calling for 650 full time workers. (Only 100 are currently employed). Other targets of the Blood Brothers and Black Dragons have been: (1) the Community Cooperative stores ("An obvious plot to impoverish we Japanese")--(2) the Education program--"We don't need a useless American education" (Note--This point of view is not shared by the overwhelming majority of residents; the "underground", apparently sensing this, dropped its attack as quickly as it got under way)--(3) Furlough work--"The white man reduced us all to poverty, destroying 50 years of work built up by blood and sweat of our elders; they told us to get out of California because we weren't needed; now they want to use us again--as economic serfs; don't go out on furlough!" (Note--When over 1000 went out of Manzanar on furlough, the subject changed to attacks on local conditions).
WHO ARE THE BLOOD BROTHERS AND BLACK DRAGONS?
How numerous are they?
On the not-too-dependable basis of writing, both on bulletins and in letters sent by persons signing themselves as "Blood Brothers Corps" and "Black Dragon Society", the two groups appear to be one and the same. Center rumors lend equally undemonstrated confirmation.
Publicity, individuals engaging in the activity have successfully cloaked themselves in anonymity. It is not definitely known who they are, or how many of them 'belong'. Police, investigating handwriting on bulletins, disclosed that "half a dozen different sets of handwriting" have been distinguished to date; one suspect, a bachelor described as "Japanese" in type, was apprehended posting a bulletin.
Privately, persons who have been most outspoken in voicing opinions on subjects written in the bulletins have been charged--by rumor--as "Blood Brothers" or "Black Dragons".
For instance:
Witness A is suspected and accused as a "Blood Brother." The accuser is one of opposite political views (re: the war). The accused denies the charge, saying: "I have spoken openly; I don't have to run around in the dark putting up bulletins or sending anonymous threat letters. But I agree wholeheartedly with everything in the notices and in the letters. One thing we must not forget is that this is a race war; do we have equality? Did we ever have equality? Why even in Manzanar, the White man eats in an exclusive white man's dining room..."
"Less than 20" persons are actually performing the mechanics of the "underground" work is the consensus of residents generally. A group of men and women gathered around a bulletin posted on a mess hall wall discuss the matter:
[incomplete]