Relocation Camps Recalled

Once again the question of the legality of interning Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II has arisen (“Spies Like Us” by Richard Drinnon, Jan. 4). These people, or their descendants, are suing the U.S. government for 24 billion dollars.

I remember well the circumstances. I had several friends who were interned. I lived in San Diego during those desperate times.

Yes, desperate times, because the people were scared and mad. All kinds of rumors about Japanese sabotage, both here and in Hawaii, were being circulated. We were expecting an invasion.

It was in this atmosphere that 99 our of 100 people--and politicians at all levels--demanded that the Japanese be removed from the West Coast. This was further attested to in a book I just read dealing with San Diego’s history, commissioned by the Copley Press Corp.

These Japanese people were in grave danger. Their lives and property were going to be forfeited at the least provocation. Many were happy and relieved to go; it was not safe for them here.

All this may have been wrong, but it was fact. Without internment, there would have been no descendants. If the internees or their descendants feel the need to sue, I suggest they sue the Japanese government. After all, fair is fair.

Ozzie Olson

Borrego Springs