The Wrangell sentinel., 1942-02-13
Now ReClaSSified As
 U. s. Citizens

U. s. Citizens
 Citizens of the Philippine Com monwealtb can now volunteer for l service in the American forces and are to be reelassified as citizens of the United States for military ser vice, thus subject to 5eleetive Ser vice regulations. In this connection U. M. Elizaide. Resident Commis- sioner of the Philippines to the United States, has issued the follow i ing communication to his country men in this country:
 ] My dear Countryman: l Within a week after the outbreak l of war in the Pacific, 1 brought to i the attention of the President of the United States the fact that a large number of the Filipinos in this country were anxious to enter the armed forces of the United States for service overseas, but, unfortun- ately, under existing legislation, they were barred from such service.
 I am now in receipt of a letter from the President, in reply to mine, as follows:
 Honorable J. M. Elizaide
 Resident Commissioner
 "of the Philippines to the U. s. Washington, D. c.
 Dear Mr. EIizaide:
 Your assurances of the loyalty of the Filipino people as expressed in your letter of the 17th instant and their willingness to join With Us in common cause are greatly appre- cciated.
 sI am happy to say that Public Law 360 % 77th Congress approved by me on December 20th nov makes it possible for Filipinos to serve in the Army of the United States and I am informed that the War Depart ment is now studying the best utilization of those who may volun- teer for induction with the armed forces.
 .The courageous defense of their homeland, as now being exhibited by the Filipino people, leaves no doubt in my mind that those residing in the United States will also serve with equal credit.
 Sincerely yours,
 "(Sgd.) Franklin D. Roosevelt"
 In accordance with the amend ments to the Selective Training and Services Act, and in line with re- presentations made by me at the War Department, the Director of the National Headquarters of the Selec- tive Service System, under date of January 8, 1942, issued the follow 1 ing instructions to all local draft boards:
 All registrants who are citi-
 zens of the Philippine Common wealth are deemed nationals of
 the United States and shall be reclassified in the same man
 ner as citizens of the United
 States. Any citizen of the Phil i ippine Commonwealth in age
 group eighteen to thirty-five, both inclusive, who is not reg
 istered and who desires to vol ] unteer for induction shall be ] permitted to volunteer and shall
 be processed as provided in
 Paragraphs 334 and 335 of the Regulations"
 Any Filipino between the ages of IS and 35, both ages inclusive, may now volunteer for induction. Some time in February, however, the new Selective Training and Service Act i will be made effective by pro- clamation. After that date, Filipino registrants will be subject to draft, and therefore will not enjoy the status of a volunteer. Under the circumstances, therefore, I urge ev- cry able-bodied Filipino of military age to volunteer for induction as early as possible. You may voIun- teer for induction at your local board of the Selective Service Sys- tenn. Obtain the address from the nearest police station.
 In regard to the formation of a distinct Philippine unit. may I in form you that I have been in teuel with the War Department in seek ing an arrangement to this end. The very sympathetic feelings of high ranking officials at the War De- parrtment give me ample assurance that at least one full Philippine con tingent will soon be organized for service overseas.
 Sincerely yours,
 J. M. Elizaide
 Resident Commissioner of