Mike Masaoka Oral History - Tape 3

Mike Masaoka discusses the Japanese American Citizens League's (JACL) leadership during the evacuation of Japanese Americans following Pearl Harbor. He emphasizes the community's initial optimism, believing evacuation was temporary and for their protection. However, the lack of support from churches and civil liberties groups, and the government's failure to communicate the severity of the situation, led to widespread fear and confusion. Masaoka recounts efforts to prove loyalty, including buying war bonds and volunteering for combat duty, which were largely ignored by the media. The JACL's attempts to document their actions were thwarted by the House Un-American Activities Committee.