Although the government stated that the Japanese internment was a military necessity, evidence suggests that the real reasons for their removal “were motivated largely by racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians). Propaganda was released by the military and private organizations depicting Japanese as disloyal and dangerous, only causing further tension, fear, and racism. This, along with the existing intolerance and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, caused strong public support for Japanese removal.
The government asserted that its responsibility of protecting the United States from the dangers of subversion outweighed the individual rights of Japanese Americans.
“Following is text from Executive Order No. 9066, signed by President Roosevelt on February 19, 1942:
WHEREAS the successful prosecution of the war requires every possible protection against espionage and against sabotage, . . . I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of War . . . to prescribe military areas in such places and of such extent as he may determine, from which any or all persons may be excluded, and with such respect to which, the right of any person to enter, remain in, or leave shall be subject to whatever restrictions the Secretary of War or the appropriate Military Commander may impose in his discretion. The Secretary of War is hereby authorized to provide for residents of any such area who are excluded therefrom, such transportation, food, shelter, and other accommodations as may be necessary . . . to accomplish the purpose of this order.”
No evidence, however, was offered to substantiate its actions. In fact, the FBI and the Office of Naval Intelligence investigated "high risk Japanese Americans" and found that they were not a threat.
"February 7, 1944, confidential memorandum indicating the FBI's inability to confirm reports of espionage activity on the West Coast."
SOURCE: Densho Digital Archives |
"December 30, 1941, report from the Naval Intelligence Office about the status of Japanese American loyalty to the United States."
SOURCE: Densho Digital Archives |