Sajiro Wakita to The Custodian and Japanese Property Division, 30 September 1944

Sajiro Wakita to The Custodian and Japanese Property Division, 30 September 1944

Copy for Mr. Shears.
P. O. Box 435, Revelstoke, B. C. September 30/44.
Japanese Property Division,
Vancouver, B. C. Dear Sir:-
Kindly note that this letter is to confirm that I am in no intention of selling any of my properties in Steveston at whatsoever prices.
I have heard that you are under way in disposing all the properties in Steveston but I am confirming that I do not wish to be sold on whatever condition. I understood that you dispose of them without the owner's consent but I do trust that this applies only to the people under Gov't maintenance. As you know that I and the rest of my family is not getting any maintenances from your Gov't. We have evacuated all on our own expenses and are living on our own. I trust that you certainly wouldn't be under way of selling any of my properties without first consulting me. It certainly would be inhuman if you commence it without my consent.
The store and living quarters only is at least worth $10,000 anyway at present. It is my greatest asset and I have spent most of my money and practically all my life in building it up. Kindly note that I claim at least $10,000 on the store property only and nothing less but at whatever price I will not dispose it. Kindly make this clear. This (of not selling) regards not only to the store but to the apartment house and the other lot.
Since I have written regarding the above lot (situated at the rear of the Royal Bank Building) in past you will have record of the same. Kindly keep this letter together with the above for future record and reference.
Let me stress again that I am claiming at least $10,000.00 on the store property and also that I am not on whatever condition going to sell the property. Also that I have not given any right whatsoever in the past for you to sell my property without my consent.
Sincerely yours,

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Title

Sajiro Wakita to The Custodian and Japanese Property Division, 30 September 1944

Credits

Encoder: Ariel Merriam
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Terminology

Readers of these historical materials will encounter derogatory references to Japanese Canadians and euphemisms used to obscure the intent and impacts of the internment and dispossession. While these are important realities of the history, the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective urges users to carefully consider their own terminological choices in writing and speaking about this topic today as we confront past injustice. See our statement on terminology, and related sources here.