894.48B/107: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Woods) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 19, 1923—1:15 p.m.]
For information Payne, American Red Cross.
Japanese Cabinet issued following decision:
Japanese Government most gratefully appreciate sympathy and help offered by foreign powers. Accept evidences of good will in accordance with following principles: Gladly accepts foodstuffs and other necessary supplies, but desires be consulted as to needs before further shipments. Gratified for good will manifested by offer of personnel to cooperate and of ships for transportation purposes, but, having necessary institution and personnel, and anticipation confusion from different languages and customs, constrained to decline offer. However, appropriate steps will be taken to facilitate activities foreign relief officers arrived or already en route at date of this order. Upon arrival relief ships Japanese ports, landing of crew and unloading of goods will be effected after inspection as precautionary measures by Japanese authorities.