Mr. Cambon to President Roosevelt.
Washington, May 15, 1902.
Mr. President: I have received from my Government the following telegram:
The President and the Government of the French Republic, being deeply touched by the sympathy manifested by the President, the Government, the Congress, and the nation of the United States for the victims of the catastrophe in Martinique, beg you to be to them the interpreter of the gratitude which is felt by the entire French nation for this generous assistance, the remembrance of which will be imperishable.
In conveying to you the expression of the thanks of the President of the Republic and of the French Government, I can not sufficiently tell you, Mr. President, how deeply sensible I am of the honor of being their interpreter near you.
The traditional sentiments of friendship which bind the United States to France have never been more brilliantly manifested, but by showing that bonds of humanity and compassion exist between nations as they do between individuals you have set an example to the civilized world that will remain in the memory of men.
Accept, etc.,