894.48B/283a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Japan (Caffery)
253. Following for you:
“November 20, 1923, Number 32. Your State Department number 172.36 Amcross desires all funds collected for Japanese disaster to be expended for relief purposes. However, it would approve the expenditure of a sum not to exceed $1,000,000 for the erection of a hospital by the Japanese Emergency Relief Bureau or some other [Page 490] official organization to care for the continuing needs growing out of the disaster provided an adequate sum of money remained for this purpose after all necessary requisitions for supplies or cash had been filled. It has never been our thought that the entire balance of four and one half million dollars now on hand should be used for any projected building. We earnestly hope the Japanese officials will soon indicate what disposition of relief funds is desired. Please advise Ramsay to compile a report on plans and methods of Japanese relief work particularly with reference to the emergency and rehabilitation periods. This report should be a distinct contribution to material already compiled on disaster relief work. Fieser AmCross.”
Red Cross states that the above message is not modified in any way by reason of your No. 174 of November 20, noon,36a the substance of which has been communicated to the Red Cross for its confidential information.