Evening star., 1923-09-03
EMBASSY AWAITS
WORD FROM JAPAN
Staff Here Anxious Over
Fate of Royal Family and
Own Relatives.

The Japanese embassy today is
without any direct official advices as
to the extent of the catastrophe in
Japan. A. Aoki, secretary OF the en-
bassy said today. In the absence of
direct communication with Toxic, the
embassy staff is today going over
every available newspaper account of
the earthquake.
The Japanese ambassador to the
United States. Masnnao Hanihara.
rushed back to Washington last
night. cutting short his vacation near
New York. and Immediately dispatch
ed a message by radio to the Japanese
capital asking for details of the ca
tastrophe beyond the meager press
dispatches.
Hopes for Message.
The embassy hopes hourly for a
definite answer to it's radio message,
or of some message of reinsurance as
to the safety Of the Japanese royal
family. and the extent Of the damage
to the principal cities Of the island en-
pire. Attaches. realizing that COM
munication across the Pacific ocean
may not be resumed for days, hope
the return message may be relayed
across Asia and Europe.
Mr.. Aoki expressed the conviction
today that a majority Of the Ameri-
cans in Toxic and Yokohama, particu-
larly those in japan in an official
capacity. were probably at one of the
several summer resorts in the neigh
cities. Although Nikko was reported
to have been partially destroyed, Mr..
Aoki said the Americans probably
would not be in the city itself. Nikko
is about five hours ride by train from
Toxic as is Karuisawa. another sum-
mer resort where the Americans
might be.
Hakone Hot Springs, at the base of
the Japanese sacred mountain, Mount
Fujiyama, is another summer place
where Americans might be, Mr.. Aoki
said. This place is about two and
one-half hours ride from TOXIC.
Accepts Relief Offer.
Ambassador Hanihara said he felt
certain the imperial family was safe,
although the palace might have been
destroyed. A tender of speedy relief.
made by the American Red Cross, has
been accepted by the ambassador.
Acting Secretary of State Phillips
terday to express personally his SYM
pathy and offer his condolences to the
Japanese ambassador. He also cabled
q message for the Japanese govern
ment to the American ambassador at
"Please convey to the minister of
foreign affairs an expression Of the
heartfelt sympathy of this govern
ment in the appalling catastrophe
which has befallen the Japanese
l. ~ -. t.
try is anxious to do whatever lies
in it's power to alleviate the grief and
suffering in Japan.
please also convey to the minister
an expression of my personal and
profound sympathy"
the press dispatches containing dis
connected and meager accounts of the
tragedy in their home land, attaches
OF the embassy today discussed with
the stoicism OF their race and in low
tones what Ambassador Hanihara re-
catastrophe" in the history of Japan.
The embassy, closed for many days
In the absence of the ambassador in
New York, together with a majority
Of the staff, was hushed and solemn.
Their anxiety was heightened by the
lack of definite news. not only of
their ruler, but Of their own loved
ones, nearly 1000 miles away. At the
home of the ambassador, 1921 K
street. trunks were being hastily un-
packed and servants were cleaning
the stately residence, while at the
embassy headquarters, 1910 N street.
attaches gathered in small groups and
discussed in hushed tones the catas-
trophe.
Newspapers were piled high on
desks while members Of the stan
sought out with some degree Of def
infteness q word from official sources
in the japanese capital.
Before Ambassador Hsnihara left
New York Yesterday afternoon he had
communicated with the embassy by
telephone, but learned nothing be-
yond the Information published In the
newspapers. ~