Memorandum on Civil Service Regulation on Employment of Americans of Japanese Ancestry on West Coast Naval Establishments

In letters dated May 25 and June 29, Mr. Arthur S. Fleming, of the Civil Service Commission, answers inquiries made by me on a policy in the Navy Department which prevents the employment of qualified Americans of Japanese ancestry in naval establishments on the West Coast and in Hawaii. This policy of exclusion affects not only persons who have been in civilian status throughout the war, but also those persons who are honorably discharged veterans. I have explored this policy with the Navy Department at the request of Mr. Kingman and did not obtain a satisfactory answer on why the policy was established.

The Civil Service Commission clearly states on pages E16.01.03–.031 that this is policy which will be followed in recruitment and placement of American citizens of Japanese ancestry.¹ This is a clear violation of the Executive Order and, in my opinion, we are entitled to a more detailed explanation than a simple indication of “security reasons.” On page E16.01.04, provision is made for the employment of persons of Japanese origin in local positions in Hawaii. Thus it appears that persons in Hawaii have a better opportunity for employment in the Navy Department even though they may not have veteran status, while persons released from the Army have no chance at all in California, Oregon, and Washington.

I believe that when we have our conference with Mr. Fleming, we should discuss this matter thoroughly.
Attachments