894.48B/263: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 14—8:15 a.m.]
171. Upon receipt of the Department’s number 219, October 13, 6 p.m., the Japanese bureau was asked if they desired to make additional requisitions for supplies for the amounts mentioned and Viscount Goto informed me they desired requisitions which would be made at once. As no requisition has been made I inquired informally a little later when it could be expected and was informed that in the meantime Hanihara had telegraphed that he had received an intimation that a suggestion from the Japanese Government that balance of Red Cross funds be used for permanent relief memorial would be welcomed at Washington. My opinion in the premises was asked but as I have not received instructions on the subject I have [given no?] reply. Saturday35 I was informed reliably that Foreign Office had cabled Hanihara acquiescing in the suggestion and stating that a memorial hospital would be suitable. Although I have no knowledge of the source of the suggestion, and while I consider the idea of a memorial a good one, I believe it would be inadvisable to devote all the unexpended balance for this purpose; in fact, it is my opinion that amount should not exceed $1,000,000.
- November 10.↩