report states believe it highly important US-Japanese relations we appear as solicitous re Japanese as re South Sea islanders, 11. Dispatch March 19 contains the text of the Embassy's press re- lease put out 6 FM Friday March 19, "I have been pleased to learn of the prompt action which is being taken by both Japanese and American authorities to provide the most effective possible medical and technical assistance to those affected by the accident which befell tne Fukuryu Maru, This assistance is being offered out of humanitarian concern for the injured crew members and concern for the public safety. I wish to renew the assurance already given that US civilian and military personnel and facilities in Japan are available to give the greatest possible degree of assistance to the Japanese authorities who have already shown themselves alert and vigorous in dealing with the problem, Our joint investigations of the incident are already well under way, and will, I believe, lead to findings which we can both accept, In advance of those findings I am authorized to make clear that the US is prepared to take such steps as may be necessary to insure fair and just compensation if the facts so warrant." The foregoing was read to Vice Minister Okumura, who expressed gratification and believed statement would have very helpful effect, DOE ARCHIVES 56