Danger Yet Ahead, Secretary Thinks
Masaoka Warns League Members that Kindness of Recent Months May Turn into Hate as War Brings Outrages
Chance for Greatest Triumph

San Francisco–In a New Year message from national JACL headquarters, Mike Masaoka, national secretary, calls upon all members of the League to rededicate themselves to the cause of America during this year. Especially timely is is warning that danger may lie ahead for members.

The secretary voices the gratitude felt by all for the consideration shown the Japanese on the Coast. In return, he says that the second generation must prove worthy of the trust imposed. But he warns that as the war drags on, and casualty lists are published, there may be a decided change in public opinion. Main points in the message are as follows:

A year ago, although dark clouds loomed on the horizon, few–if any of us anticipated a war, least of all with Japan, the land from whence our parents came. We stoutly and vociferously insisted that we were all 100 per cent Americans and that we only wanted a chance to prove it.

Today, we are at war. Today the chance to prove that boast is ours. Today, we are on the proverbial spot.

We Must Reciprocate

Since Japan’s treacherous attack upon American lives and territory some four weeks ago, the American public at large has been most considerate and sympathetic of our precarious position. The time has come when we must show our appreciation to our government and our true friends who went out of their way to demonstrate their trust and confidence in us as 100 per cent Americans. We cannot let them down–for those people exemplify the finest spirit of American goodwill and sportsmanship. America is our only home. We are pledged to her preservation and perpetuation.

Just because many of the restrictions against the Japanese are being relaxed and conditions seem to be returning to normalcy, we must not dismiss the troubles of the past month as a horrible nightmare and confidently await a return to our former status. Actually, conditions are becoming worse.

The longer the war drags on–and casualty lists are published, west coast cities are shelled or bombed, atrocities committed–the tougher our situation will become. Public sympathy may wear away and, perhaps hate and prejudice will replace the present tolerance and forbearance.

We must gird our loins, as it were, tighten our belts and prepare for the hardest fight in our generation–a fight to maintain our status as exemplary Americans, who, realizing that modern war demands great sacrifices, will not become bitter or lose faith in the heritage which is ours as Americans, in spite of what may come; a fight that will not be won in a week, or a month, or even a year; a fight which will test our mettle and our courage; a fight in which we must make heroic sacrifices equal to or greater than those made on the battlefield, but also a fight in which we will be subjected to suspicions, persecutions, and possibly down-right injustices.

Challenge Must be Met

Ours is a difficult task; and yet, the very tragedy of our position becomes a great challenge; a challenge to win our way through the ordeals ahead in such a commendable manner that we shall win for ourselves and our posterity a pinnacle in American society from which no one can ever dislodge us, or question or loyalty or doubt our sincerity. Yes, we are on the spot. But being on that spot, we are in a position to gain the noblest triumph that ever fell to our lot; to survive this baptism of fire and to emerge a better American for it.

During these first days of the most portentous new year in history, let us solemnly resolve with full cognizance of these awful times, that we shall direct and devote our entire efforts to the great task that lies ahead: the preservation of the liberty and the sovereignty of humanity through the utter and absolute rout of tyranny’s menace. For this great task, we must rally every American, regardless of his race, color, or national origin. For this great task, we must be prepared to pay the supreme price, if need be, that the dignity of mankind may be consecrated for all eternity.