To: U.S. Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians

From: Kiyoshi Yumibe, a retiree living in Tacoma, Washington _______ S. Tacoma, WA 98409

I will not belabor you with a litany of past hardship, suffering and economic loss that I may have experienced and observed --

I feel that most enlightened and informed citizens would agree that the evacuation order did not follow the normal principles of the American judicial system, i.e., a person is innocent until proven guilty. As a result of the hearings that have been presented previously at various locations, numerous letters and commentaries have been written. Unless the editor selected the articles to be printed, most of the publications seem to be against any redress. I believe that many of these written against redress are missing the point of the issue.

From my various life and work experiences, interdisciplinary educational background and astute observation, I feel that I have an indepth understanding of human behavior and why the evacuation order was issued. I believe that the present generation may fail to examine or overlook the events from a historical perspective.

I feel that the evacuation order was in a way the culmination of racism that existed before the outbreak of hostility -- oriental immigration quota, the purchasing of real estate, becoming an American citizen and limited employment opportunities.

The tragedy and the consequences of Pearl Harbor only ignited the flame and passion of nationalism. The enactment of the evacuation order followed. In a way, we were made the scapegoats.

The small community where I was born and raised listed the names of all persons serving in the Armed Forces. After Pearl Harbor, the names of Japanese Americans were removed. I have heard of an incident where a wounded Nisei war veteran was refused a hair cut even after the end of the hostility.

I realize the role and responsibility that each of you faces is to make a recommendation to congress concerning what, if any, redress should be made to the evacuees as a result of the evacuation order.

Even though I have been an evacuee, and am fully aware of the effects of the evacuation, I have serious doubts whether any monetary redress would be of value. First, if such steps were to be taken, it would only open a whole new "can of worms." Second, it could have a negative effect towards personal growth and enrichment, enlightenment, understanding, social progress and reconciliation. When one asks for any monetary redress, he may be seeking it for vindictive reasons.

Many of us are appalled by the needless and endless death and destruction in Ireland and in the Middle East. The younger generation is growing in an environment of hate and vindictiveness as a way of life, and this can only perpetuate a death and destruction cycle.

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Many of us who were victims of the evacuation have a greater meaning and appreciation of what Jesus meant when during his crucification he said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." I feel that this is the reason there were no outright confrontations or mass demonstrations against the evacuation order. I volunteered to join the army as an interpreter and translator to prove my loyalty and commitment to the United States.

I can fully appreciate and completly understand the anguish and predicament facing each of you. I understand your role is especially difficult if you believe in the principles of Civil Rights and I know that you were in no position to make any decisions in the enactment of the evacuation order. Whatever recommendation you make to congress will require courage and strong conviction.

Respectfully,

[Signed]
Kiyoshi Yumibe
September 9, 1981