Tatsuro Suzuki to Mr. F G Shears Director Japanese Evacuation Section, 03 November 1944

Tatsuro Suzuki to Mr. F G Shears Director Japanese Evacuation Section, 03 November 1944

12 Darling Street, Brantford, Ontario. November 3, 1944.
Mr. F G Shears
Director Japanese Evacuation Section
Department of Secretary of State,
Dear Mr. Shears:
On receipt of your letter dated June 8th, 1944 (File No. 11499, J.L. 633) I learned of the sale of my property on the south side of the River Road at Sunbury, B.C.
The sale price of $1963.00 is to my belief far less than what would be considered a fair sale. I am sure that I entrusted to your office an insurance policy covering the house for $3000.00 and furniture etc in the house for $500.00. There was over 7 acres of land on which the house was situated that to my knowledge never assessed below $100.00 per acre even during the depression. I also made considerable improvements on my property.
I also wish to state that my house was rebuilt in 1941, December 5th and every piece of furniture and household accessories was in use only from the 5th of December 1941 to May 15th, 1942.
Mr. Shears, I know that your office was given the authority to dispose of Japanese property. I also know that your office agreed to obtain a fair price for them.
I also wish to state that I, personally, working as troubleshooter for the Japanese Committee and recognized by the B.C.S.C., first visited you when your Department was first set up.
I also pleaded with the Japanese people to trust in your office because you would do your best for them. When I was transferred to New Denver, B.C. and on the Commission staff I endeavoured to get Japanese people to have trust and faith in you and your office.
I cannot accept the sale of my property as being fair nor can I say that the price of some of the others who have come to discuss the sale of their land by your office with me as being fair sales. I can obtain, I think, from the builder of my house a statement saying that to build a house like mine would cost between $4000.00 and $4500.00.
Mr. Shears I am not blaming you personally but I wish to go on record as being very dissatisfied with the sale price of my property as negotiated by your office. I would be very grateful for either a personal or official letter from you.
Continuing my trust, I am, Sincerely yours,

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Title

Tatsuro Suzuki to Mr. F G Shears Director Japanese Evacuation Section, 03 November 1944

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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.