United States. President Roosevelt signs the infamous Executive Order 9066, which, without mentioning the Japanese, authorizes the internment of individuals deemed dangerous. This act paves the way for the imprisonment of thousands of Japanese. His wife, Eleanor, had spoken out against this act, and afterward, she would change her view of her husband and their relationship: she would maintain an emotional distance. Eleanor Roosevelt requested, and was granted, permission to visit the detention camps. Another authoritative dissenting opinion comes from J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI for only five months: he maintains that the request is based on widespread American opinion and political pressure, rather than on specific facts. He also warns that American farmers on the West Coast may have a direct interest in eliminating competition from Japanese farmers.
