Production of food is of such major importance to our country that we feel confident the government will work out a system whereby evacuation of aliens from the banned farming areas will be accomplished without disrupting agricultural industry in the affected areas.

With the help of the department of agriculture, the government should be expected to see that all farming operations are continued and that no crop is abandoned through resettlement of enemy aliens.

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Up to this writing there has been no clarification of the procedure for handling this difficult problem. Consequently, we urge all affected aliens in this county to remain at their present locations until they receive instructions from the government. The earliest date set for evacuation is February 15.

Tom M. Clark, department of justice alien co-ordinator for the western defense command, assures us that foreign nationals who must forsake their homes will receive every consideration. "Financial and other aid will be forthcoming for needy aliens affected by the ruling," he said.

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There are plenty of Santa Cruzans who will gladly testify to the honor and the good neighbor qualities of hundreds of foreign nationals in this county who will be affected by the ruling. However, knowing that this is a decent and honorable country, we feel confident that no innocent person will be mistreated.

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It is our hope that the many expressions of sympathy heard in Santa Cruz will result in something practical, such as formation of some agency for re-housing the aliens. A committee of local citizens could help to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to the good neighbors, who through carelessness or lack of information, have failed to obtain citizenship."