Letter to Helen Keller from William D. Hassett, Secretary to the President, (January 9, 1948)

Transcription of Letter

[Letterhead]
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
[End of Letterhead]

January 9, 1948

Dear Miss Keller:

The President has given sympathetic attention to your letter of December twenty-third and I need not assure you that he feels that the mission which you are to undertake to the blind of Japan is praiseworthy in every respect. I regret, however, to inform you that the reply to your request for a message to the blind of Japan must be unfavorable.

The President's invariable custom is not to communicate with the nationals of a foreign country except through our own official diplomatic channels. Since there has been no departure from this course, I am sure you will appreciate the difficulty of making an exception in this instance.

With all good wishes,

Very sincerely yours,

WILLIAM D. HASSETT
Secretary to the President

Miss Helen Keller,
Arcan Ridge,
Westport,
Connecticut.