Lily Matsushita to Department of the secretary of state, Office of the Custodian, 26 May 1947

Lily Matsushita to Department of the secretary of state, Office of the Custodian, 26 May 1947

Copy for Mr. Shears
File No. 1626
Reg. No. 08285
Amakusa Gun, Kumamoto Ken, Kyushu Japan May 26, 1947.
Department of the secretary of state,
506 Royal Bank Bldg. Hastings and Granville Vancouver, B.C. Dear Sir:-
I have written several times to you, about my fathers (Choju Matsushitas) property in Canada. The property was sold for such an unreasonable price. We cannot believe that my fathers property is sold. Just before I repatriated, I asked my friend who is our neighbour, if someone is living at our place, she said no one is living now. The sale of our property was so unreasonable so I went to the Military Government to ask to do something about our property which we left in Canada. I told the Leut. H Kane who is in charge of Agriculture and forestry. Leut. and other Ameirican G.I's who was listening while I was talking about my fathers property. Everyone was saying I am sure it is clearly your property yet because you have your Title and have not signed anything concerning to your fathers property. My father, he himself thinks to that it is his property yet. I think anyone would think that because buying a 9½ acres property for $1500.00 uncleared and taking over 20 yrs. to get it all cleared. Puting in all which we earned into our property so we didn't have any savings. How could we live through our life with only $598.00 in this expensive country. Leut. Kane said he will write to Toky and told me to write to the Custodian, and soon as I get an answer from you I have to meet Leut. Kane.
Please answer this letter soon as this letter reaches you.
I remain.Yours Sincerely,

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Title

Lily Matsushita to Department of the secretary of state, Office of the Custodian, 26 May 1947

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Encoder: Josie Gray
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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.