Response

In response to the official welcome extended to Tsuneo Matsudaira, Japanese Ambassador to the U. S., by U. S. Secretary of State Charles E. Hughes (TIME, Dec. 29) and the friendly expressions from President Coolidge, Premier Kato of Japan said:

"America has thus given further assurance of the realness of her friendship toward Japan. We are not misled by the vicious activities of irresponsible groups of individuals in either country. We know the United States desires peace; we know Japan desires peace."