894.48B/82
The Japanese Ambassador (Hanihara) to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: Learning of your return to the City, I hasten to express to you my most profound appreciation of the sympathy of your Government and people, so spontaneously and generously manifested to my people in the greatest trial they have been called upon to face. The prompt and effective manner in which this sympathy is being translated into substantial aid for afflicted Japan is most helpful and encouraging. I am taking every possible means to make this known to my people at home, and I need not assure you how very gratefully it will be received by the entire nation of Japan.
My first thought was to ask you for a short interview this morning, but then I realized how fully you must be occupied in your office so soon after your return. Hence this imperfect expression of my gratitude.
I am [etc.]