Read these instructions given to Japanese American evacuees on what luggage they could take to war relocation centers. Which phrase reveals that the evacuees couldn’t count on finding their belongings intact when they returned from the camps?

1. All items carried will be securely packaged, tied and plainly marked with the name of the owner and numbered in accordance with instructions obtained at the Civil Control Station.

2. The SIZE AND NUMBER OF THE PACKAGES IS LIMITED TO THAT WHICH CAN BE CARRIED BY THE INDIVIDUAL or family group.

3. No pets of any kind will be permitted.

4. NO PERSONAL ITEMS AND NO HOUSEHOLD GOODS WILL BE SHIPPED to the Assembly Center.

5. The United States Government through its AGENCIES WILL PROVIDE FOR THE STORAGE, AT THE SOLE RISK OF THE OWNER, of the more substantial household items, such as iceboxes, washing machines, pianos and other heavy furniture. COOKING UTENSILS AND OTHER SMALL ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR STORAGE if crated, packed and plainly marked with the name and address of the owner. Only one name and address will be used by a given family.

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