CONFIDENTIAL FILE

Their so-called reasoning behind the crusade is, according to the pamphlet’s bold letters:

“We Don’t Need a Fiftieth Oriental State!”

It’s a very disgusting piece of literature. But I wasn’t at all surprised by its contents.

The outfit which circulated it has been barraging Southern California for years with the same kind of bigoted preachings.

The group goes under the vague name of “American Nationalist,” and draws its following from the 200% “patriots” who subscribe to the theory that anyone who isn’t descended from a Mayflower voyage should be deported.

In its most recent campaigns, the American Nationalist has attacked “the aliens who control our radio and television networks” for permitting the music of such men as Nat (King) Cole, Harry Belafonte, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton to soil the ears of “pure Americans.”

It has demanded restoration of racial segregation in the armed forces. It has attacked the National Council of Churches and screamed for the impeachment of our U.S. Supreme Court justices, labeling them as fanatics, degenerates and “Communist-aided apostles.”

Now the kick is Hawaii.

“Hawaii’s population is predominantly Asiatic,” the Nationalist states. “It is
absolutely imperative that everyone receiving this tract should immediately write their (sic) Congressmen, AND KEEP ON WRITING THEM, until this shameful measure is beaten . . .”

Smith Has Some Courage

Bigots like Gerald L.K. Smith, who come out in the open to spit their venom, are bad enough.

But at least you’ve got to give a man like Smith credit for having the
courage to crawl out from under his rock so everyone can take a good
look at him.

For the hatemongers behind the American Nationalist, I can’t say the same.

All I can point out is that, a couple of weeks ago, there were some open
hearings in Washington on the issue of Hawaiian statehood. They were
held by a House committee interested in weighing all pros and cons.

Not one private citizen came forward to speak against the proposal.

It’s got me wondering if the frustrated, misguided individuals who are so
“brave” in their printed, anonymous hate sheets might have a yellow
tinge in that stripe down their back.