Ka Hoku o Hawaii, Volume XXXV, Number 50, 9 April 1941 — American Legion Recommends Language Programs Be Abolished [ARTICLE]

American Legion Recommends Language Programs Be Abolished

In a letter released to the newspapers thruout the Islands from Rex Wills of Hilo, Department Commander of the American Legion for Hawaii an explanation is made of the recent stand taken by the executive committee of the Legion recommending the abolishment of foreign language radio broadcasts in the Territory.

"After a careful study of broadcasting programs in foreign languages in Hawaii, the executive committee of the American Legion, Department of Hawaii has decided that it is not in the best interests of Americanism and the defense of Hawaii, that such programs be continued on broadcast stations in Hawaii."Our campaign here for America,

nization has for its purpose the removal, if possible, of any teachings, civic or other activities which make it more difficult for children of foreign parentage to understand the American way of life and become good American citizens." "Our study shows that one of the most important factors in influencing the younger generation is in the power of the spoken word by radio. Since members of the younger generation understand the English language it is not only futile, but even dangerous to continue to speak to them in a foreign tongue. Living as we are, here in Hawaii, with potential enemies in our midst, nothing can be gained by continuing to avail a potential enemy with a weapon as powerful as radio broadcasting."