Title:
Letter from Paul H. Kusuda to Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1942 May 25
Creator:
Kusuda, Paul H., 1922-
Subject:
"Nance, Afton Dill "
Japanese Americans-- Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945
Description:
Typed letter from Paul H. Kusuda to President Franklin Roosevelt, 1942 May 25.
Manzanar Reception Center Manzanar, California May 25, 1942 Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt White
House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. President: As you know, persons of Japanese parentage have been evacuated from the
western coastal regions of the United States. Many of us do not know exactly why we were sent out of those areas, although
numerous attempts have been made to justify such action. However, we are anxious to comply with all the governmental regulations
which may be established. The greater majority of the Japanese people in the United States are whole-heartedly for the
ultimate victory of the Allied Nations, and yet, we are referred to as “Japs.” That term used in scorn is very hateful to
us; many of us deem it an insult. Not many people think enough to call us Americans. In s chools, everyone is taught
that in the eyes of the law, all persons are considered innocent until proven to be guilty. But, why was it the we were branded
as potential spies, we were singled out as threatening democracy, we were and are considered dangerous? That hurt! What
cases of sabotage promoted by us can be said to justify the up-rooting of our hard-earned way of living? What can justify
the fact that we Americans are not allowed to aid in the war effort? What can justify the fact that many students are cut
off from education without reason? Is that at all fair? Try as we may, the reasons cannot be found to answer such questions.
Now, it is too late to undo the harm created by the forced evacuation, but we want you to realize that we are not saboteurs,
we are not axis agents, we are not “Japs.” But, we are Americans. Give us a real chance to prove ourselves. Sincerely
yours, Paul H. Kusuda B 19-9-2 Manzanar Reception Center Manzanar, California
Publisher:
Japanese American National Museum
Date:
1942 May 25
Type:
text
Format:
1 item (1 p. letter ) ; sheet 27 x 21 cm.
Identifier:
JANM_003
2001.175.12
Language:
eng
Relation:
Coverage:
Manzanar (Calif.)
Rights:
Copyrighted
All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from materials in this collection must be submitted to the Hirasaki
National Resource Center at the Japanese American National Museum (hnrc@janm.org).
Japanese American National Museum