894.48B/52k: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Woods)
131. I gave to the press this afternoon the following statement:
“The American people have been inexpressibly shocked at the terrible disaster suffered in Japan. We have already given voice to our deep sympathy and we shall be prompt and generous in urgent relief measures. The historic friendship between the two peoples was cemented at the Washington Conference, and the noble attitude of the distinguished representatives of the Japanese Government at that Conference can never be forgotten. There is a universal desire among us not only to express our grief at this appalling tragedy but to lend in every way a helping hand to our friends who are so sorely afflicted.”