ANSWERING THE ORDER

The President's proclamation by which he conferred on the military officials the authority of establishing zones and removing therefrom any person deemed inimical to the public safety was clear, just and practical.

Wisely, the proclamation was kept free from race discrimination. Under the proclamation, as understood here, the military authorities are empowered to remove even a Mayflower descendant.

There had been much consternation along the Coast among the Japanese over rumors that were spread earlier. It was said they would be told to move out, and that no assistance would be extended them, nor would there by any place provided for them to go.

Happily, the President's proclamation brought a measure of relief. To have followed a course such as suggested by the early rumors would, in the opinion of many persons have been beneath the dignity and humanity of a great government.

The proclamation particularly promised those affected that they would be given material assistance wherever needed, and specifically ordered all government agencies to lend such aid.

Two interesting cases of reaction to the order came from California. Mike Masaoka, national secretary of the Japanese American Citizens League, said it appeared not a matter of discrimination, but of military expediency. He said that the final test is in the application of the order. Mayor Bowron of Los Angeles said that the effectiveness of the order would depend on the manner of administration.

These views we think are of the highest importance, because they put the burden squarely on the shoulders of the military officers, where the authority lies. Their task will be made easier and the result wlil [will] be made more satisfactory by cooperation of those affected.