File No. 894.001 M98/26

The Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Japanese Ambassador.

[Read and presented by the Ambassador, August 14.]

The appointment of Mr. Knox has been duly confirmed by the United States Ambassador. You are consequently requested to say to the President that I hastened to inform His Imperial Majesty of the President’s appointment of Mr. Knox, Secretary of State, as his Special Ambassador to attend the funeral of His late Majesty. His Imperial Majesty was much gratified to learn of this very exceptional manifestation of high esteem and regard in which His late Majesty was held by the President, and His Imperial Majesty commands that you express to the President his cordial appreciation of this mark of respect and sympathy. You will also assure the President that the appointment of the Secretary of State to this special mission has greatly pleased the Government and people of Japan. You will also assure the Secretary of State that I am sincerely gratified to hear of the appointment.

Uchida.