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2.

another. The Axis nations are bent on the destruction of democratic civilization and wish to return to a world of barbarism. We are determined to prevent them from succeeding. We visualize a better world in which everybody can be free. That is the war as I see it. 

It is not a racial war. Look at the Chinese. They are an Oriental people yet they are fighting the Japanese along with the other United Nations. They feel the same and have the same ideals as Americans have. We must all fight to win a decisive victory without compromise. We will win because we know our way of life is the only way to live and that determination will carry us to victory.

When the Office of War Information accepted my offer last January to write scripts for the short wave radio, I insisted on doing it under my own name because I believed that was the only way to transmit my messages to the Japanese. Whatever prestige my name enjoys could best be utilized by the United Nations in that way. My messages were to the cultural groups, artists, writers, musicians and professional people who would be capable of understanding what democracy is. I told them all about the kind of life led here, what America is like, what we believe in, and the advantages of life in a democracy. I tried to make it clear why we are fighting. I told them about myself, how I was able to live as usual and continue my painting. How I was able to continue teaching painting in two schools where in spite of being an "enemy alien" I had more students than I ever had before.

I warned them that under such a government as that of Japan there will be no future for cultural pursuits such as art and literature. I told them that it is never too late to awake and arise up in opposition to their cruel regime. 

I have been actively anti-Japanese since the first Japanese invasion of China in 1931 and needless to say my feeling toward the other axis powers is one of loathing. 

Such are my beliefs - I support China and all other United Nations and I shall continue to do everything I can. Recently I have been doing posters for the O. W. I. and I like that sort of work very much. War posters are to me weapons with which we can fight the enemy. 

Writing to you this way, all about myself and my attitudes will explain why I do all the things you inquired about and I hope I have made it clear to you and your friends. Of necessity the letter has gotten very long. I hope that when you and your classmates have time you will write to me again. I will always be glad to hear from you.

Good health and best wishes to all of you

Yasuo Kuniyoshi
P.S. I hope that the color reproduction of one of my paintings reached you in good condition.