ills» 32- 5640.1.’ I AM glad to observe that the War Department, the Navy Department, the War Manpower Commission, the Depart- ment of Justice, and the War Relocation Authority are collaborating in a program which will assure the opportunity for all loyal Americans, including Americans of Japanese ancestry, to serve their coun- try at a time when the fullest and wisest use of our manpower is all-important to the war eflort. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT February 1, 1943 Relocation center residents include trained engineers, mechanics, drivers, shop and mill workers with a variety of skills. In 10 wartime .communities in the western part of the United States, more than a hundred thousand men, women, and children are living temporarily, awaiting an opportunity to re- sume normal lives in ordinary communities. All of them are of Japanese descent, and were evacuated from strategic military areas of the West Coast in the spring and summer of 1942. These Wartime communities, known as reloca- tion centers, were established when it became evident that such a large number of people could not immediately locate themselves suc- cessfully in new communities. There was no intent to remove from them any of their rights or to deprive them of the opportunity of earn- ing a livelihood and contributing to the Nation’s economy. Nearly two-thirds of these people are Amer- ican citizens. Nearly two-thirds were born in America and most have attended American schools. Only a few hundred of this citizen group have ever been outside the boundaries of the United States. The draft-age men not RELIICATING A PEGPLE These hospital laboratory workers, and many other technicians with eq.ually important skills, are waiting for opportunities to serve outside communities. already in. uniform were made eligible for military service by an official announcement of the War Department, on January 28, 1943, which recognized “the inherent right of every faithful citizen, regardless of ancestry, to bear arms in the N ation’s battle.” The aliens, who comprise the remaining third, are barred from citizenship by our im- migration laws which do not permit Orientals to acquire citizenship by naturalization. Almost Without exception, however, they have lived in the United States for at least two decades, and the majority of them have been here for three decades, or longer. The relocation of these people——both citi- zens and aliens whose records indicate that they would not endanger the security of the country—in normal communities where they may enjoy the full benefits of American jus- _ tice, is a national problem deserving the thoughtful consideration of every person who believes in American principles. All together, the J ap anese-American population evacuated L"*J A considerable number of secretaries, stenographers, and other clerical workers are available for employ- ment outside the relocation centers. from the West Coast comprises less than one- tenth of one percent of our total population. Dispersed throughout the interior of the coun- try, only a few families to any one community, they should be able, with their Wide diversity of skills, to contribute notably to the civilian and wartime needs of the Nation. Both the War Department and the Depart- ment of Justice have examined and approved the relocation procedures of the War Reloca- tion Authority, Which include an investigation of each evacuee’s previous behavior and atti- tudes, and a record check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation before leave is granted from a relocation center. The relocation policy also has the approval of War Manpower Commission. The Chairman has stated that it “should have the dual effect of benefiting the evacuees, many of Whom are American citi- zens, a11d of making available to the country several thousand people for employment on farms and in industry.” 16——33537—1 Ilow to Employ Evacuees An offer of employment should he prepared and presented to the nearest relocation oflice of the War Relocation Authority, or, if more convenient, to your local United States Em- ployment Office. Addresses of principal relocation offices: Cleveland, Union Commerce Building. Chicago, 226 West Jackson Boulevard. Kansas City, 1509 Fidelity Building. Denver, Midland Savings Building. Salt Lake City, 318 Atlas Building. Information to be given in each offer: 1. Employer’s name and address. 2. Type of worker desired: (a) Experience desired. (b} Skills, knowledge, or abilities re- quired. "(c)’ Sex; age; physical requirements. 3. Working conditions: (a) Hours and pay. (1)) Permanency.‘ (0) Union or nonunion. 4. Living accommodations: (a) Housing (if provided, describe it). Board ‘(if included, explain ar- rangement). [(0) Trading center: Distance and ‘transportation. (d) Health and educational facilities. 5. Other special features pertaining to offer. Employers who prefer to recruit labor di- rectly at a relocation center may apply to the project director, either in person or in ‘writin g. u. s. covsaumanr PRINTING OFFICE‘. 16-33537-1 Major Industry Groups (Selected) Americans of Japanese ancestry, 14 years of age and over, in California, Oregon, and Washington; Census of 1940 Agriculture : Men 17,785 Women 6 V 4,242 Retail trade (clerks, salesmen, etc.) : Men V ’ 6,592 Women 2,690 Wholesale trade (both sexes) 2,190 Domestic service (private homes) : Men 2,421 Women 2,323 Hotels, laundries, cleaners and dyers_ _______ __ 3,592 Manufacturing (all kinds) 1,978 Professional Services 1,326 Finance, insurance, real estate 656 Railroading, trucking, etc 686 Auto storage, rental, repair 292 Other business and repair services____-______ 119