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JL 1-1: Pardon - Tokyo Rose (Iva Toguri) (4)
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536448531
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JL 1-1: Pardon - Tokyo Rose (Iva Toguri) (4)
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Kenneth A. Lazarus Files (Ford Administration)
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The original documents are located in Box 20, folder "JL 1-1: Pardon - Tokyo Rose
(Iva Toguri) (4)" of the Kenneth Lazarus Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 3, 1976
TO:
KEN LAZARUS
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 2, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR: PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
The attached is self-explanatory.
JACK MARSH June
Could you prepare a status report for the President
on the matter involving Tokyo Rose.
I am of the view that you, rather than the President,
should get to Senator-elect Hayakawa.
CC: Dick Cheney
FORD & QERALD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 2, 1976
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
JIM CONNOR J EG
The following notation was directed to you in the President's
outbox:
"Senator Hayakawa called. Interested in pardon for
Tokyo Rose
I said I would ask for status report
and then make decision on course of action.
Talk with
me. 11
Please follow-up with appropriate action.
CC: Dick Cheney
GERALD R. FORU JBRANT
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
To: Ken
from: Eva
Mr. B has
the original
FUNDO is LIBRARY 076830
[12/6/76]
December $, 1976
Dear Spark:
this is to acknowledge receipt and thank you for
your lovember 23 letter to the President recon-
mending consideration of a Presidential pardos
for Mrs. Iva Toyuri D'Aguine (Tokyo Rose).
As you know, initial responsibility for requests
for Executive Clemency rests with the Parden
Attornay at the Department of Justice, His
mendations are submitted su the Attorney General,
who 1a sum submita them to the President. I will
be pleased to ask that your letter be pleced with
Hrs. Togari's records.
Nith kindest regards,
Sincerely,
Charles Laypart, Jr.
Deputy Assiscant
&
FORD
to the President
GERALD
LIBRARY
The Menorable Spark M. Mataunaga
Souse of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20315
bee with incoming to Philip Buchen for appropriate handling
WTK:CL:JEB:kt
12-1
SPARK M. MATSUNAGA
DEPUTY MAJORITY WHIP
1ST DISTRICT, HAWAII
MEMBER:
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
COMMITTEE ON RULES
442 CANNON BUILDING
20515
Congress of the United States
STEERING
AND POLICY COMMITTEE
HONOLULU OFFICE:
House of Representatives
CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE
218 FEDERAL BUILDING
OF SELECT
96813
COMMITTEE ON AGING
Washington, D.C. 20515
November 23, 1976
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
On November 17, 1976, at the former site of
MP
the Federal District Court in San Francisco, now used
as a post office, a petition for the pardon of Iva
Toguri, convicted of treason in such court 27 years
ago, was mailed to the Pardon Attorney in Washington,
D.C. Ms. Toguri, a victim of the World War II "Tokyo
Rose" legend, is deserving of a Presidential pardon
as this Nation's Bicentennial gift to her. As a
member of Congress, I fully support the granting of
a Presidential pardon in order that Ms. Toguri may
&
FORD
once again possess that which she once cherished
above all else -- her U. S. citizenship.
GERALD
LIBRARY
Ms. Toguri's story does not begin in 1949,
when she was tried, convicted, and sentenced for
treason, indisputably the most serious offense against
this country that any American could commit. Nor
does her story begin during the lonely World War II
years that she spent in Japan, where she was stranded
while visiting a sick aunt, and where she allegedly
engaged in the acts for which she was later to be
indicted and brought to trial. Ms. Toguri's story
actually begins with her birthright; she was born an
American citizen, her most cherished possession, on
July 4, 1916.
Unlike many others who chose a course of personal
convenience, some of whom were later to testify against
her -- falsely, according to recent disclosures --
Ms. Toguri came home to America after World War II
had ended. Her return to the United States apparently
was motivated by two basic reasons: First, she loved
her country, and that love was not in any way diminished
while she was forced to lead a hand-to-mouth existence
in the land of her country's enemy; and second, she
The President
November 23, 1976
Page Two
sincerely believed in her "Orphan Ann" broadcasts which
were beamed to American troops in the Pacific from
Tokyo, that she was aiding, not hindering, America's
war effort.
Today, Ms. Toguri, age 60, lives quietly and
modestly in Chicago. She was released from prison
after serving 6 years and 2 months, with reduced time
for good behavior, of a 10-year sentence. She has
paid her fine of $10,000 in full. But she has not
regained her cherished U. S. citizenship, which she
lost when she was sentenced. She remains remarkably
composed despite recent disclosures by the press,
for example, Far East correspondent Ronald Yates'
story on the front page of the Chicago Tribune of
March 22, 1976, stating that prosecution witnesses
living in Japan informed him that "they were forced
to tell half-truths and withhold vital information
at her 1949 trial for treason.
Ms. Toguri's one abiding wish is to have her
American citizenship restored to her. She seeks no
retrial of her case, even though it now appears that
she was made a scapegoat. She only wants a Presidential
pardon, and in no way claims that she was denied due
process. She does not condemn the American judicial
system. A Presidential pardon, if granted to Ms.
Toguri, would therefore demonstrate the strength of
&
FORD
our system -- that its checks and balances insure
justice in every possible case.
GERALD
LIBRARY
The granting of a Presidential pardon and the
restoration of U. S. citizenship to Ms. Toguri would
further serve as a symbolic act on the part of our
Government that our system's greatness lies in part
in its flexibility to show kindness and tolerance
toward those whom it once prosecuted.
Mr. President, the petition merits your favorable
consideration. I strongly recommend that Iva Toguri be
granted the pardon that is prayed for in her petition.
Aloha and best wishes.
Mr. President
November 23, 1976
Page Three
CC: Honorable Lawrence M. Traylor
Pardon Attorney
Department of Justice
320 First Street
Washington, D.C. 29537
LIBRARY GERALD FORD
:
December 6, 1976
Dear Senator:
This is to acknowledge receipt and bhank you for
your November 29 letter to the President recom-
mending consideration of a Presidential pardon
for Mrs. Iva reguri s'Aguine (Tokyo Rose),
As you know, initial responsibility for requests
for Executive Clemancy rests with the Parden
Attorney at the Department of Justice. His receit-
mendations are submitted to the Attorney General,
vise in turn submits then to the President. I will
be pleased to ask that your letter be placed with
Hrs. Toyuri's records,
with kindest regards,
Sincerely,
William 2. Enstall
Deputy Assistant
to the President
The Nonorable Charles E. Percy
United States Sanate
Washington, D.C. 20510
bee with incoming to Philip Buchen for appropriate DEPARTMENT GERAÇO handling
WTK:CL:JEB:kt
LIBRARY
CHARLES H. PERCY
12-2
ILLINOIS
Padmin
United States Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
November 29, 1976
ME
Dear Mr. President:
This letter is written out of concern for my constituent, Mrs. Iva
Toguri D'Aguino, a long-time Chicago resident who was convicted of
treason as "Tokyo Rose" following World War II.
The press has recently revealed a well-documented case illustrating
what seems to have been a tragic miscarriage of justice against this
woman caused by the anti-Japanese hysteria following World War II.
In view of the recent disclosures in this case, and her petition for
a Presidential pardon, I would hope that this matter could be
thoroughly reviewed and -- if the press accounts are accurate --
that a pardon be granted.
Sincerely,
Uhach H. Pay
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
LIBRARY GERALD R. FUND
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
December 7, 1976
MEMO FOR:
LARRY TRAYLOR
FROM:
Ken Lazarus
SUBJECT:
"Tokyo Rose"
Please provide a direct reply to
the two letters attached. I
would appreciate receiving a
copy of your replies for our files.
This case should be processed before
we leave.
Thanks!
Attachments:
(1) ltr from Gov. Dan Evans, 11/24/76
(2) ltr from George Holt, 11/30/76
LIBRATE GERALD R. FORM
in This 1 1
STATE
SEAL OF THE THE WASHINGTON OF
1889
STATE OF WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
OLYMPIA
DANIEL J. EVANS
November 24, 1976
GOVERNOR
steve
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Ford:
The Japanese American Citizens League has been engaged in an
extensive campaign to bring to the public's attention the
circumstances leading to Iva Toguri's trial and "conviction
in 1949 on charges of treason.
I respectfully request you consider action to reopen and
I
investigate Mrs. Toguri's case. The many Asian American
citizens of Washington State are supportive of this action
and also urge your expeditious consideration.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Evans
Governor
DJE:1g
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORM
COURTY
Office ofthe District Attorney
VAD
CLARK COUNTY COURTHOUSE
GEORGE HOLT
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
(702) 386-4011
November 30, 1976
PB-1
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
Mr. President:
Recently I read an Associated Press release out
of San Francisco to the effect that Tokyo Rose will
be seeking another petition for a Presidential pardon.
I was personally appalled at the thought that
Tokyo Rose may, in fact, receive such a pardon. I am
one of those strong Americans who feel that criminals
such as Tokyo Rose should continue to pay for the
terrible acts which were perpetrated during the second
World War, in spite of age, health, and anything else
that may occur to those individuals.
In fact, it occurs to me that it is odd that this
Country would allow her to be living within the
United States. Therefore, I request at this time that
deportation proceedings be instituted.
FOR
Earght Respectfully yours,
George E. Holt
District Attorney
Clark County, Nevada
GEH/ch
-
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
From: Robert T. Hartmann
To:
Philip Buchen
a.m.
Date: December 8, 1976 Time:
p.m.
Here is some additional material
relating to the correspondence
forwarded to you on December 2nd
from Mr. Clifford I. Uyeda, Chairman,
Japanese American Citizens League.
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
COMMITTEE FOR IVA TOGURI
OF THE
JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE
JACL Headquarters Bldg.
1765 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California 94115
Attorney Wayne M. Collins,
Clifford 1. Uyeda, M.D.
Consultant
Chairman
Partial Listing -
REPORT, December 2, 1976
Individual Endorsements:
R.
Gov. George A. Ariyoshi, Hawaii
Mayor Tom Bradley, Los Angeles
GEART
FORD
Rep. Yvonne B. Burke, California
Lt Gov. Melvyn Dymally, California
From: Clifford I. Uyeda.
Secretary of State March Fong Eu, Calif.
Rep. Donald M. Fraser, Minnesota
TRUST
To:
Committee members.
Prof. S.I. Hayakawa, S.F. State Univ.
Rep. Sperk M. Matsunaga, Hawaii
JACL National Board & Staff.
Rep. Abner J. Mikva, Illinois
Assemblyman S. Floyd Mori, California
JACL Chapter Presidents.
Mayor George R. Moscone, San Francisco
Rep. B.F. Sisk, California
Atty Gen. Evelle J. Younger, California
Reaction to Media Coverage of the Petition Filing:
Organizational Endorsements:
(11/17/76)
American Civil Liberties Union,
No. Calif. Chapter
Americans for Democratic Action,
One cannot blame Iva for being uncomfortable about
No. Calif. Chapter
California State Legislature
media interviews. By quoting her out of context,
National Council of the
some media representatives fortified their pre-
Churches of Christ
conceived prejudices and made her statements completely
San Francisco Board of Supervisors
San Francisco Commission on
out of line with what was really said at the press
the Status of Women
conference.
Willard Anderson Post #2471,
VFW, Dalles, Oregon
The most outrageous reporting was the one which "quoted"
Media Editorial Endorsements:
Dayton Daily News (Ohio)
Iva as saying, "I am not asking for exoneration, only a
Denver Post
pardon. " She never made that statement.
Honolulu Advertiser
Los Angeles Times
Minneapolis Tribune
Attorney Wayne M. Collins and I were right next to her
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Examiner
throughout the November 17th press conferences. One
San Francisco KFRC-Radio
press gentleman asked how many times she had applied
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Washington Star (D.C.)
for a pardon. Attorney Collins answered that question.
Supporting Articles:
He said there were two previous petitions filed, the
Chicago Daily News
Chicago Tribune
first one was for exoneration not pardon because at
Christian Science Monitor
that time (June 1954) Iva was still in prison. The
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
National Observer
second petition was for a pardon, as is this third one.
Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
Somehow all that got twisted into statements Iva never
uttered, and went out on the wire service to be quoted
all over the world!
The seeking of "pardon" is the formality that must be gone through. She
was unjustly charged and convicted. She was charged, on perjured testimony,
with statements she did not make.
The American TV media, with few exceptions (CBS, KQED-San Francisco), still
presents only the legend of Tokyo Rose, not the tragic story of a real person
victimized by this legend.
2/
-2-
Katherine Pinkham Harris, former correspondent who covered the 1949 trial,
wrote to David Brinkley (NBC) protesting the distorted manner in which he
presented the filing of the pardon petition.
Don McGaffin of KING-TV, Seattle, Washington, called stating the outraged
reactions from viewers of NBC report. KING-TV is preparing a program to
counter the David Brinkley presentation.
In November the following press reports were noted:
11/10/76 - COLLEGE OF MARIN TIMES (Charlotte Kester)
"Group seeks presidential pardon for Tokyo Rose"
11/17/76 - SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER (Dexter Waugh)
"Ford pardon asked by 'Tokyo Rose 111
11/18/76 - SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
"Formal Plea for Pardon.
'Tokyo Rose' Comes Back to S.F."
11/18/76 - HOKUBEI MAINICHI
"27 Years After Dubious Conviction of Iva Toguri d'Aquino
Petition Filed Here for Presidential Pardon"
11/18/76 - OAKLAND TRIBUNE (Richard Spencer)
"'Tokyo Rose' Plea"
11/18/76 - INDEPENDENT AND GAZETTE (Berkeley)
"Tokyo Rose Makes Plea for Pardon"
11/18/76 - SAN JOSE MERCURY
"Tokyo Rose Files Petition For A Presidential Pardon"
11/18/76 - CHICAGO SUN TIMES
"Tokyo Rose again seeks pardon: 'America is my home. '''
11/18/76 - WASHINGTON STAR (D.C.)
"Seeking Pardon"
11/18/76 - WASHINGTON POST (D.C.)
"'Tokyo Rose' Petition For Presidential Pardon of Treason Conviction"
11/18/76 - NEW YORK TIMES
"Tokyo Rose Files Petition For Presidential Pardon"
3/
-3-
11/18/76 - BALTIMORE SUN
"'Tokyo Rose' of World War II asks for presidential pardon"
11/18/76 - PALO ALTO TIMES
"Tokyo Rose' appeals for presidential pardon"
11/19/76 - MAINICHI DAILY NEWS (Tokyo/Osaka)
"'Tokyo Rose' Files Clemency Petition"
11/19/76 - CHICAGO SUN TIMES (Editorial)
"Pardon 'Tokyo Rose'"
11/20/76 - COLORADO SPRINGS SUN
"Tokyo Rose--soldiers' legend"
11/22/76 - NEW YORK TIMES
Letter to Editor, by Michi Weglyn: "A Pardon for 'Tokyo ROSEORD
11/22/76 - DENVER POST (Editorial)
GERALD
"Heed Plea of Tokyo Rose"
TRUSTY
"There is much merit to her plea. 11
"Nothing now can restore the years she lost in prison, or
salve the heartbreak of unjustly being branded a traitor. But
a presidential pardon, restoring the citizenship she cherished
through all her travail, would be only simple justice. We urge
President Ford to sign it."
11/22/76 - HONOLULU ADVERTISER (Editorial)
"Pardon 'Tokyo Rose!"
"Her requests presents President Ford the opportunity to make
a humane and symbolic gesture during his final days in office."
"For the President of the United States, a pardon would be a
small act that says much about our fairness and compassion as
a nation. "
11/22/76 - OAKLAND TRIBUNE (Editorial)
"Pardon Tokyo Rose"
"President Ford should undertake a compassionate act before he
leaves office in January--grant a full pardon to Tokyo Rose. "
"Now that her official request for pardon has been filed
it
is time for the President to act. "
4/
-4-
11/26/76 - HOKUBEI MAINICHI (Delphine Hirasuna)
"Scapegoat"
11/26/76 - PACIFIC CITIZEN
"Iva files pardon plea"
11/29/76 - STANFORD DAILY (Editorial)
"Pardon Iva Toguri"
"We are hopeful
that President Gerald Ford, now free from
political pressures
will grant the pardon expeditiously.
If not, President-elect Jimmy Carter should begin his adminis-
tration in a positive note by righting the government's
30-year-old wrong against Toguri."
11/29/76 - Clifford Uyeda on KDKA, Pittsburgh, Pa. (10:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh time). Talk show concerning "Tokyo Rose." John Signa
moderating. (Pittsburgh a cold 6° F, with the wind making the "chill
factor" -150 F. San Francisco was shivering in the mid-50s.)
11/29/76 - San Jose VFW Nisei Memorial Post No. 9970 unanimously passed
a resolution at its October meeting supporting pardon for Iva Toguri.
Thanks to Post Commander, Robert E. Pursel, who notified us.
12/2/76 - Received a copy of Congressman (Senator-elect) Spark M.
Matsunaga's letter urging President Ford to grant pardon to Iva.
Congressman Matsunaga has been the most active and eloquent supporter
from the U.S. Congress--going all the way back to March 22nd. We are
truly grateful.
Please continue the letter writing campaign to the President.
Just received copies of reports in Japan:
11/24/76 - YOMIURI NEWSPAPER (Fuyuko Kamisaka)
"Private interview with 'Tokyo Rose!"
12/03/76 - ASAHI WEEKLY (Fuyuko Kamisaka)
"'Tokyo Rose' relates first post-war story"
11/30/76
Stanford Daily Opinions
Stanford University, Stanford, Calif. Monday, November 29, 1976
Editorials
Pardon Iva Toguri
GERALD R.F
COMMITTEE FOR IVA TOGURI
OF THE
JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE
JACL Headquarters Bldg.
1765 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California 94115
Attorney Wayne M. Collins,
Clifford I. Uyeda, M.D.
Consultant
Chairman
Partial Listing -
Individual Endorsements:
December 8, 1976
Gov. George A. Ariyoshi, Hawaii
Mayor Tom Bradley, Los Angeles
Rep. Yvonne B. Burke, California
Lt Gov. Melvyn Dymally, California
Secretary of State March Fong Eu, Calif.
Rep. Donald M. Fraser, Minnesota
Mr. Philip Buchen,
Prof. S.I. Hayakawa, S.F. State Univ.
Counsel to the President
Rep. Spark M. Matsunaga, Hawaii
Rep. Abner J. Mikva, Illinois
The White House
Assemblyman S. Floyd Mori, California
Washington, DC 20500
Mayor George R. Moscone, San Francisco
Rep. B.F. Sisk, California
Atty Gen. Evelle J. Younger, California
Dear Mr. Buchen:
Organizational Endorsements:
American Civil Liberties Union,
Mr. Robert T. Hartmann, Counsellor to the President,
No. Calif. Chapter
Americans for Democratic Action,
informed me that he had forwarded to you the package
No. Calif. Chapter
of materials relating to Mrs. Iva Toguri d'Aquino.
California State Legislature
National Council of the
Churches of Christ
Enclosed are additional recent materials which
San Francisco Board of Supervisors
relates to the same subject.
San Francisco Commission on
the Status of Women
Willard Anderson Post #2471,
The recent editorials all expresses our hope.
VFW, Dalles, Oregon
We are grateful for your taking time from your busy
Media Editorial Endorsements:
schedule to review the case.
Dayton Daily News (Ohio)
Denver Post
Honolulu Advertiser
Sincerely yours,
Los Angeles Times
Minneapolis Tribune
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Examiner
San Francisco KFRC-Radio
Clifford
I. Uyeda, I. Uneda M.D.
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Washington Star (D.C.)
Supporting Articles:
Chicago Daily News
Chicago Tribune
Christian Science Monitor
cc: Mr. Robert T. Hartmann.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
National Observer
Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
R.
GERALD
FORD
LIBRARY
OTIS CHANDLER, Publisher
Clos Angeles Times
ROBERT D. NELSON
Executive Vice President and General Manager
HARRISON GRAY OTIS, 1882-1917
WILLIAM F. THOMAS
Executive Vice President and Editor
HARRY CHANDLER, 1917-1944
NORMAN CHANDLER, 1944-1960
CHARLES C. CHASE, Vice President-Production
ROBERT L. FLANNES, Vice President and Assistant to the Publisher
ROBERT C. LOBDELL, Vice President and General Counsel
VANCE L. STICKELL, Vice President-Sales
JAMES BASSETT, Associate Editor
ANTHONY DAY, Editor of the Editorial Pages
ROBERT J. DONOVAN, Associate Editor
FRANK P. HAVEN, Managing Editor
JEAN SHARLEY TAYLOR, Associate Editor
6
-Part II
FRIDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 19, 1976
A Human Being, Not a Legend
R.
GERALD
AD803
TRUST
COMMITTEE FOR IVA TOGURI
OF THE
JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE
JACL Headquarters Bldg.
1765 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California 94115
Attorney Wayne M. Collins,
Clifford I. Uyeda, M.D.
Consultant
Chairman
Partial Listing
REPORT, December 2, 1976
Individual Endorsements:
Gov. George A. Ariyoshi, Hawaii
Mayor Tom Bradley, Los Angeles
Rep. Yvonne B. Burke, California
From: Clifford I. Uyeda.
Lt Gov. Melvyn Dymally, California
Secretary of State March Fong Eu, Calif.
R.
Rep. Donald M. Fraser, Minnesota
To:
Committee members.
GELATO
FORD
Prof. S.I. Hayakawa, S.F. State Univ.
Rep. Spark M. Matsunaga, Hawaii
JACL National Board & Staff.
Rep. Abner J. Mikva, Illinois
JACL Chapter Presidents.
Assemblyman S. Floyd Mori, California
Mayor George R. Moscone, San Francisco
LIBRATA
Rep. B.F. Sisk, California
Atty Gen. Evelle J. Younger, California
Reaction to Media Coverage of the Petition Filing:
Organizational Endorsements:
(11/17/76)
American Civil Liberties Union,
No. Calif. Chapter
Americans for Democratic Action,
One cannot blame Iva for being uncomfortable about
No. Calif. Chapter
California State Legislature
media interviews. By quoting her out of context,
National Council of the
some media representatives fortified their pre-
Churches of Christ
conceived prejudices and made her statements completely
San Francisco Board of Supervisors
San Francisco Commission on
out of line with what was really said at the press
the Status of Women
conference.
Willard Anderson Post #2471,
VFW, Dalles, Oregon
The most outrageous reporting was the one which "quoted"
Media Editorial Endorsements:
Dayton Daily News (Ohio)
Iva as saying, "I am not asking for exoneration, only a
Denver Post
pardon. " She never made that statement.
Honolulu Advertiser
Los Angeles Times
Minneapolis Tribune
Attorney Wayne M. Collins and I were right next to her
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Examiner
throughout the November 17th press conferences. One
San Francisco KFRC-Radio
press gentleman asked how many times she had applied
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Washington Star (D.C.)
for a pardon. Attorney Collins answered that question.
Supporting Articles:
He said there were two previous petitions filed, the
Chicago Daily News
Chicago Tribune
first one was for exoneration not pardon because at
Christian Science Monitor
that time (June 1954) Iva was still in prison. The
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
National Observer
second petition was for a pardon, as is this third one.
Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
Somehow all that got twisted into statements Iva never
uttered, and went out on the wire service to be quoted
all over the world!
The seeking of "pardon" is the formality that must be gone through. She
was unjustly charged and convicted. She was charged, on perjured testimony,
with statements she did not make.
The American TV media, with few exceptions (CBS, KQED-San Francisco), still
presents only the legend of Tokyo Rose, not the tragic story of a real person
victimized by this legend.
2/
-2-
Katherine Pinkham Harris, former correspondent who covered the 1949 trial,
wrote to David Brinkley (NBC) protesting the distorted manner in which he
presented the filing of the pardon petition.
Don McGaffin of KING-TV, Seattle, Washington, called stating the outraged
reactions from viewers of NBC report. KING-TV is preparing a program to
counter the David Brinkley presentation.
In November the following press reports were noted:
11/10/76 - COLLEGE OF MARIN TIMES (Charlotte Kester)
"Group seeks presidential pardon for Tokyo Rose"
11/17/76 - SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER (Dexter Waugh)
"Ford pardon asked by 'Tokyo Rose'"
11/18/76 --- SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
"Formal Plea for Pardon.
'Tokyo Rose' Comes Back to S.F."
11/18/76 - HOKUBEI MAINICHI
"27 Years After Dubious Conviction of Iva Toguri d'Aquino
Petition Filed Here for Presidential Pardon"
11/18/76 - OAKLAND TRIBUNE (Richard Spencer)
"'Tokyo Rose' Plea"
11/18/76 - INDEPENDENT AND GAZETTE (Berkeley)
"Tokyo Rose Makes Plea for Pardon"
11/18/76 - SAN JOSE MERCURY
"Tokyo Rose Files Petition For A Presidential Pardon"
11/18/76 - CHICAGO SUN TIMES
"Tokyo Rose again seeks pardon: 'America is my home. 111
11/18/76 - WASHINGTON STAR (D.C.)
"Seeking Pardon"
11/18/76 - WASHINGTON POST (D.C.)
"'Tokyo Rose' Petition For Presidential Pardon of Treason Conviction"
11/18/76 - NEW YORK TIMES
"Tokyo Rose Files Petition For Presidential Pardon"
...3/
-3-
11/18/76 - BALTIMORE SUN
"'Tokyo Rose' of World War II asks for presidential pardon"
11/18/76 - PALO ALTO TIMES
"'Tokyo Rose' appeals for presidential pardon"
11/19/76 - MAINICHI DAILY NEWS (Tokyo/Osaka)
"'Tokyo Rose' Files Clemency Petition"
11/19/76 - CHICAGO SUN TIMES (Editorial)
R.
"Pardon 'Tokyo Rose 111
FORD
11/20/76 - COLORADO SPRINGS SUN
LIBRATA
"Tokyo Rose--soldiers' legend"
11/22/76 - NEW YORK TIMES
Letter to Editor, by Michi Weglyn: "A Pardon for 'Tokyo Rose'"
11/22/76 - DENVER POST (Editorial)
"Heed Plea of Tokyo Rose"
"There is much merit to her plea. "
"Nothing now can restore the years she lost in prison, or
salve the heartbreak of unjustly being branded a traitor. But
a presidential pardon, restoring the citizenship she cherished
through all her travail, would be only simple justice. We urge
President Ford to sign it."
11/22/76 - HONOLULU ADVERTISER (Editorial)
"Pardon 'Tokyo Rose 111
"Her requests presents President Ford the opportunity to make
a humane and symbolic gesture during his final days in office. "
"For the President of the United States, a pardon would be a
small act that says much about our fairness and compassion as
a nation."
11/22/76 - OAKLAND TRIBUNE (Editorial)
"Pardon Tokyo Rose"
"President Ford should undertake a compassionate act before he
leaves office in January--grant a full pardon to Tokyo Rose. "
"Now that her official request for pardon has been filed
it
is time for the President to act."
4/
-4-
11/26/76 - HOKUBEI MAINICHI (Delphine Hirasuna)
"Scapegoat"
11/26/76 - PACIFIC CITIZEN
"Iva files pardon plea"
11/29/76 - STANFORD DAILY (Editorial)
"Pardon Iva Toguri"
"We are hopeful
that President Gerald Ford, now free from
political pressures
will grant the pardon expeditiously.
If not, President-elect Jimmy Carter should begin his adminis-
tration in a positive note by righting the government's
30-year-old wrong against Toguri."
11/29/76 - Clifford Uyeda on KDKA, Pittsburgh, Pa. (10:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh time). Talk show concerning "Tokyo Rose." John Signa
moderating. (Pittsburgh a cold 6° F, with the wind making the "chill
factor" -150 F. San Francisco was shivering in the mid-50s.)
11/29/76 - San Jose VFW Nisei Memorial Post No. 9970 unanimously passed
a resolution at its October meeting supporting pardon for Iva Toguri.
Thanks to Post Commander, Robert E. Pursel, who notified us.
12/2/76 - Received a copy of Congressman (Senator-elect) Spark M.
Matsunaga's letter urging President Ford to grant pardon to Iva.
Congressman Matsunaga has been the most active and eloquent supporter
from the U.S. Congress--going all the way back to March 22nd. We are
truly grateful.
Please continue the letter writing campaign to the President.
Just received copies of reports in Japan:
11/24/76 - YOMIURI NEWSPAPER (Fuyuko Kamisaka)
"Private interview with 'Tokyo Rose '''
12/03/76 - ASAHI WEEKLY (Fuyuko Kamisaka)
"'Tokyo Rose' relates first post-war story"
11/30/76
Stanford Daily Opinions
Stanford University, Stanford, Calif. Monday, November 29, 1976
Editorials
Pardon Iva Toguri
Sun-Times CHICAGO Editorials
Friday, November 19, 1976
Page 71
Pardon 'Tokyo Rose'
A-10
The Honolulu Advertiser
Established July 2, 1856
THURSTON TWIGG-SMITH
President & Publisher
GEORGE CHAPLIN
Editor-in-Chief
BUCK BUCHWACH
Executive Editor
JOHN GRIFFIN
Editorial Page Editor
MIKE MIDDLESWORTH
Managing Editor
Monday, November 22, 1976
Pardon "Tokyo Rose'
LIBRATA GERALD R. Ford
TRIBUNE EDITORIAL
VIEWBOINTS
Pardon Tokyo Rose
22
Mon., Nov. 22, 1976
Oakland Tribune
JOSEPH W. KNOWLAND
FRANK FINNEY
Editor and Publisher
GAYLE MONTGOMERY
Executive Editor
Associate Editor
FORD LIBRARY
i
GERALD
18 THE DENVER POST Mon., Nov. 22, 1975
THE POST'S OPINION
Heed Plea of Tokyo Rose
THE DENVER POST
Founded on October 28, 1895 by F.G. Bonfils and H. H. Tammen
Helen G. Bonfils, Officer and Director, 1933-72
FOR
"Dedicated in perpetuity to the service of the people,
GERALD
that no good cause shall lack a champion and that
evil shall not thrive unoppcsed"
LIBRARY
DONALD R. SEAWELL, President, Chairman of the Board
CHARLES R. BUXTON, Executive Vice President. Editor and Publisher
EARL R. MOORE, Secretary-Treasurer
WILLIAM HORNBY, Vice President, ROBERT H. SHANAHAN, Vice President,
Executive Editor
General Manager
western
Telegram
(2-012252E322) PD 11/17/76 1028 1976 NOV 17 AM 7: 34
ICS IPMMTZZ CSP
3012295671 TDMT BETHESDA MD 212 11-17 1028A EST
PMS DON HAYASHI ACTING NATIONAL DIRECTOR, JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS
LEAGUE, FONE 9AM PST, 921-5225 AND DLR IMMY AFTER, DLR
1765 (POST) ST SUTTER
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94115
THE AMERICAN VETERANS COMMITTEE (AVC) WHICH WAS FOUNDED DURING WORLD
WAR II BY AMERICAN SERVICEMEN AND SERVICEWOMEN, AT IT'S FALL
NATIONAL BOARD MEETING HELD IN WASHINGTON DC ON NOVEMBER 13 1976,
PASSED A RESOLUTION "REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
TO GRANT A PARDON TO IVA TOGURI SO THAT HER AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP MAY
BE RESTORED".
THE AMERICAN VETERANS COMMITTEE WHOSE VETERAN-MEMBERS LOCATED ALL
SF-1201 (R5-69)
OVER THE COUNTRY AND WHO SERVED IN FOUR WARS, WORLD WAR II, WORLD
WAR I, KOREA AND VIET-NAM, IS A HIGHLY RESPECTED ESTABLISHED
VETERANS ORGANIZATION WITH A UNIQUE MOTTO "CITIZENS FIRST, VETERANS
SECOND". THE AVC DEDICATED ITSELF "TO ACHIEVE A MORE DEMOCRATIC AND
PROSPEROUS AMERICA AND MORE STABLE WORLD".
THE FIRST TRULY INTEGRATED VETERANS ORGANIZATION, AVC, SINCE IT'S
FOUNDING HAS BEEN IN THE FOREFRONT IN THE STRUGGLE FOR RACIAL
JUSTICE CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES, EQUAL RIGHTS AND EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL AMERICANS. AVC WAS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE
WORLD VETERANS FEDERATION DURING THE EARLY '50'S. THE AVC NATIONAL
HEADQUARTERS ARE IN WASHINGTON DC. AMONG AVC HONORARY MEMBERS HAVE
BEEN: HARRY S TRUMAN, MRS ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, RALPH BUNCH AND SENATOR
PAUL DOUGLAS.
SAUL ROSEN, NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, AMERICAN VETERANS COMMITTEE
R.
SF-1201 (R5-69)
GERALD
FORD
1333 CONNECTICUT AVE NORTHWEST WASHINGTON DC 20036
NNNN
United States Department of Justice
Office of the Pardon Attorney
Washington, D.C. 20530
December 9, 1976
Mr. George E. Holt
District Attorney
Clark County Courthouse
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
Dear Mr. Holt:
I have been asked to reply to your recent
letter to the President concerning Iva Toguri D'Aquino.
Mrs. D'Aquino filed her pardon application
on November 19, 1976 and it is being considered. I
am unable to advise when a decision will be reached.
Mrs. D'Aquino is a native born Japanese American
and deportation is not possible even though she was
convicted of treason. It is my understanding that this
legal question was considered at the time of conviction.
Your interest is appreciated and your letter
will be made a part of the file.
Sincerely,
Lawrence M. Traylor
Pardon Attorney
bcc: Kenneth A. Lazarus
Associate Counsel
R.
to the President
The White House
03.470
FORD
LIBRARY
United States Department of Justice
Office of the Pardon Attorney
Washington, D.C. 20530
December 9, 1976
Honorable Daniel J. Evans
Governor of Washington
Olympia, Washington 98504
Dear Governor Evans:
I have been asked to reply to your recent
letter to the President concerning Iva Toguri D'Aquino.
There is no action to reopen and investigate
her treason case but her pardon application is under
active consideration. She filed her petition on
November 19, 1976 and a decision will be made as
soon as possible.
Your interest is appreciated and your letter
will be made a part of the file.
Sincerely,
Lawrence M. Traylor
Pardon Attorney
bcc: Kenneth A. Lazarus
Associate Counsel to the President
The White House
FORD & LIBRAI
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 9, 1976
DEPALA
R.
FORD
FOR:
Ken Lazarus
FROM:
Myron Kuropas
THRU:
William J. Baroody
SUBJECT:
Pardon of Iva Toguri
Now that you have had an opportunity to review the evidence con-
cerning Iva Toguri and the strong support she enjoys from a
variety of communities, Congressmen and media, we would like
to recommend that you push for a full Presidential pardon. This
proposed action enjoys the support of our Ambassador to Japan
as well as the National Security Council.
Our understanding of the case is that:
1) When the case was originally considered, the Department of
Justice decided not to prosecute because of insufficient evidence.
2) It was only after Ms. Toguri decided to return to the United
States that a decision was reached -- after press exhortations --
to prosecute.
3) Her conviction was based largely on the testimony of coerced
witnesses and ones who had renounced their U.S. citizenship, a step
Iva Toguri refused to take despite severe pressures to do so.
4) The jury had great difficulty in reaching a decision and reached
one only after the judge suggested that they perform their "patriotic
duty. "
5) Her immediate superiors, an American POW and an Australian
POW, were both subsequently cleared of all treason charges and
even promoted!
A pardon timed for the Christmas season would be well received by
the American public.