File No. 123G98/29
[Untitled]
Tokyo, March 10, 1917, 5 p.m.
My telegram of March 8, 9 p.m. The Ambassador suffered a stroke of apoplexy at the Tokyo Golf Club at 4 p.m. and was brought to Saint Luke’s Hospital at half past seven where he died an hour later. Mrs. Guthrie was with him at the end.
Yesterday the Emperor sent a chamberlain, and the Empress, a lady in waiting, to the Embassy with messages of condolence, and the Prince and Princess of the blood have called in person, as have the Prime Minister, Members of the Cabinet and high officials in all Departments.
Funeral services will be held 13th instant at the American Episcopal Cathedral. Foreign Office informs me that full official honors will be extended by the Imperial Government, an Imperial Prince and Princess attending the ceremony to represent their Majesties. Body will remain at Yokohama Naval Hospital pending arrangement for its transportation to the United States.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday gave out through the Times a statement as follows:
Mr. Guthrie has done an incalculable service in promoting and cementing the closer friendship between the United States and Japan. His demise at the present time is an immeasurable loss, not only to America but to Japan also. With sincere regret I extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolence to America and the American people.
Mrs. Guthrie’s present purpose is to return to the United States in May.