Inasmuch as we have recently returned from a visit to Okinawa, the article in the Desert News Parade of Sunday, March 11, is of great interest to us.
Our communications with Okinawans were a real revelation as to the feelings and desires of their country, which seem to be quite a contrast to the ones we have previously been led to believe.
We found that the people of Okinawa do not want to be under the rule of the Japanese government, that they have been subjected to Japan for about 300 years, in which time they have been regarded as definitely a second-class people. During this time they were never governed by their own people.
When World War II ended, they were grateful to have the United States in their country and were very sorry when the U.S. government again put them under Japanese rule. The ones we talked to expressed strong desire to become a part of the United States.
When we hear of possible government by Japan, we are aware that it is the Japanese government that wants the country back and not the Okinawans, who are not allowed to express their desires.
Our sympathies are definitely with the Okinawans, and we hope the government will study any other action carefully before doing something that has been unjust for so long.
Iva B. Price
Bountiful