701.9411/1171: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 24—8 a.m.]
196. At the audience arranged on Japanese initiative at which I today presented Captain Turner of the Astoria to the Emperor, His Majesty requested me to convey the following oral message to the President:
“I am sincerely grateful for the deep sympathy shown by the President and the Government and people of the United States on the death of Ambassador Saito, and particularly for the President’s courtesy in providing a warship for transporting his ashes to Japan.”
I informed the Emperor that I would convey this message to the President. In view of the messages already exchanged by cable it is not my understanding that a reply to the present message is called for.
[Page 462]In conversation with Captain Turner the Emperor said that the Astoria had performed a great service which was deeply appreciated by himself and his nation.