PETITION TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Presbytery of The Redwoods, meeting in executive session at San Anselmo, California, April 15, 1942, hereby petitions Congress to give consideration to the problem of Japanese citizens and aliens in this Coastal Area. While fully recognizing the need for authorities to take all measures necessary to insure defense of our shores from hostile attack from without, and subversive activity within, we feel that the policy of total evacuation is unnecessarily drastic and severe. We call attention to the following considerations:

1. The waiving of constitutional rights of minority groups of citizens without due process of law opens the way to persecution of other minority groups, thereby fostering disunity and imperiling the safety of our country.

2. We strongly urge that hearings be held in various evacuation centers with a view to ascertaining the loyalty of American citizens, in order that they may return to their homes and useful work as soon as possible.

3. Our treatment of the Japanese here furnishes ammunition for Japanese propaganda chiefs in their role as champion of the colored races.

4. Our treatment of Japanese in America will most certainly be reflected in the treatment of Americans in Japan, and occupied lands.

5. Caucasian church workers should be allowed to continue their work among evacuees in order to continue Americanization and sustain morale.

Attest

THE PRESBYTERY OF THE REDWOODS

BY: [Signature] Stated Clerk

San Anselmo, California
April 15, 1942