デジタル版『渋沢栄一伝記資料』

昭和6年8月5日（1931年）


 - 第35巻 p.209 -ページ画像 

是日、当委員会主催ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン送別茶会、飛鳥山邸ニ開カル。栄一病気ニヨリ出席スルヲ得ズ。孫渋沢敬三代リテ接待ス。

日米関係委員会往復書類（三）　　　　　　（日米関係委員会所蔵）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（別筆）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　七月三十日御承認済
拝啓、益御清適奉賀候、然ば過般来邦中のヒユーストン博士夫妻には其後内地及び支那満鮮地方の視察を了へ、近々横浜解纜の氷川丸にて帰国せられ候に付ては、此際同博士の友人諸氏並に本会の小数委員各位と倶に聊か送別の茶会相催し度と存候間、御繁用中乍恐縮来八月五日（水）午後四時飛鳥山拙宅へ御光来相願度、此段御案内申上候
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　敬具
　　昭和六年七月廿九日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　日米関係委員会
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　渋沢栄一
　　　　子爵　渋沢栄一殿
　　乍御手数封中端書にて御都合御示被下度候

招客書類（三）　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　昭和六年八月五日（水）午後四時、於飛鳥山邸
　　ヒユーストン博士及同夫人送別茶会
（別筆）　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（太丸・太字は朱書）
　但シ本会ハ日米関係委員会主催ノ送別会ナリ　○ヒユーストン博士
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○同令夫人
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　子爵欠石井菊次郎氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠同令夫人
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠永井松三氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠同令夫人
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠白鳥敏夫氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○鶴見憲氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠新渡戸稲造氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠同令夫人
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠堀越善重郎氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○同令夫人
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○男爵　団琢磨氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○頭本元貞氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠内田嘉吉氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○串田万蔵氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠藤山雷太氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠男爵　森村市左衛門氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　欠子爵　渋沢栄一氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○同令夫人
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○白石喜太郎氏
 - 第35巻 p.210 -ページ画像 
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○小畑久五郎氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　臨時加入出席者
子爵ハ健康勝レザル趣ヲ似テ敬三様俄ニ御主人役トシテ御参席被遊ル○渋沢敬三氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○穂積歌子氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○渋沢美枝子氏
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　○尾崎行雄氏
　　　（尾崎シナエメユセニア氏《（品江氏）》） ○同令嬢
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（尾崎雪香氏）○同令嬢
　　　　　　尾崎氏不日渡米発途ノ予定ニ付、ヒ博士ト予メ御引合ノ為メ突然参会致サレ度通知シテ来会セラレシナリ
　　　　　以上〆廿八人
　　　　　内出席十六人
　　　　　　欠席十二人
　　　　　　　　一、準備　東洋軒ニ御茶ノ用意申付済、サンドウイッチ。アイスクリーム。ケーキ。コー茶
　　　　　　　　一、接待順序　青淵文庫ニ溜リ同庫前ニテ記念撮影後御書院ニ案内シテ玆所ニ茶菓ヲ供シ洋館玄関ヨリ散会
　　　　　　　　一、写真　江木写真館ニ八ツ切申付済

（ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン）電報　　小畑久五郎宛一九三一年七月二七日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　Hoten,
Obata Care Viscount Shibusawa, Tokyo. July 27, 1931
　　Warm greetings to viscount all arrangements agreeable arriving Sunday
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Houston

ヒューストン博士歓迎書類　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　八日御承認済小畑
拝啓益御清適奉賀候、然ば先般来遊のヒユーストン博士夫妻には、車京に於ける日程を終へたる後内地及支那満鮮地方の視察をなし、去六日横浜解纜の氷川丸にて帰国の途に着き候処、同夫妻には本会の尽力を衷心より感謝せられ候由にて、出帆前本会に宛て別紙の通り申越候に付御電覧被成下度候、右得貴意度匆々如此御座候　敬具
　　　昭和六年八月十日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　日米関係委員会
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　常務委員　渋沢栄一
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　同　　　　藤山雷太
　　　　委員宛
　　○別紙ハ次掲書翰。

（ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン）書翰　　渋沢栄一宛一九三一年八月六日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
 - 第35巻 p.211 -ページ画像 
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ON BOARD
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Hikawa MARU
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Aug. 6, 1931
Dear Viscount Shibusawa:-
　　As we sail away today we return to America even greater friends of Japan than we came. All our hearty thanks to you and the Committee for so many kindnesses and for unbounded hospitality.
　　We shall endeavor as always, to advance the friendship between Japan and America.
　　With the warmest regards & thanks in which Mrs. Houston joins, I am
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Yours faithfully,
　　　　　　　　　　　(Signed) Herbert S. Houston
　（右訳文）
　東京市
　　渋沢子爵閣下
　　　　一千九百三十一年八月六日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　氷川丸にて
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ハーバート・エス・ヒユーストン
拝啓益御清適奉賀候、然ば小生夫妻は貴国御訪問前よりも更に一層親密なる友情を懐き本日出帆帰米の途に就き申候、種々なる御親切と限りなき御款待に対し閣下及貴委員会諸君に衷心より拝謝仕候
小生夫妻は従来の如く日米親善促進のため努力可仕候
玆に荊妻共々御礼旁御挨拶申上候
右得貴意度如此座候　敬具

渋沢栄一書翰　　鶴見祐輔宛昭和六年八月九日　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　　　　　案
　紐育市　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（別筆）八日後承認済
　ホテル・セント・モリツツ
　　鶴見祐輔殿　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　渋沢栄一
拝啓、炎暑の砌益御清適奉賀候、然ば予而御高配に与り候ヒユーストン博士の東洋視察も首尾能く完了し、博士夫妻は去八月六日横浜発の氷川丸にて帰途に就かれ候間、此機会に於て博士来訪中の動静に就き大略申上度一書相認め候次第に御座候
同博士の東京に於ける日程に付ては予て申上候通り御来着前当方に於て立案致候所により、玆許封中の邦文日程○略スの通り決定致、当方小畑終始御世話致極めて都合よく相運び、種々の会合に於て数回に亘り講演せられ、何れも上出来にて多大の印象を聴衆に与へ候は欣慰の至に御座候、日光への旅行は小畑並にツーリスト・ビユーローの高級案内者を附し、且つ東照宮々司に添書致し参拝の便宜を計り候処、博士夫妻に於ても殊の外満足せられ候様に見受られ候、其後の内地・支那満洲及朝鮮等の旅行に就ては、博士の御希望も有之種々考究の結果、
 - 第35巻 p.212 -ページ画像 
別紙英文プログラム○略スの通り決定、是亦都合よく相運候
右等に付ては博士御帰国後親し御詳悉の義と存じ概略申上候次第に御座候
○中略外務省の同情と援助とは今回の企図を有効ならしめ候義に有之、特に御令弟憲君の御尽力を多として此処に謝意相表候次第に御座候
博士の今回の来遊は将来の日米親善に貢献する処多大なるべくと存じ玆に重ねて貴台の御尽力を深謝致候
右乍遷延御通知旁得貴意度如此御座候　敬具
　（別筆）
　昭和六年八月九日

（ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン）書翰　　渋沢栄一宛一九三一年九月八日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　　　　COSMOS BROADCASTING COMPANY INC.
　　　　　　　100 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY
HERBERT S. HOUSTON, President
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　September 8th, 1931
Dear Viscount Shibusawa:
　　We are safely home again after the most important and interesting and altogether delightful trip of our lives. We enjoyed every moment of it, and I can't begin to tell you how grateful both Mrs. Houston and I will always feel to you for the innumerable courtesies and kindnesses you personally extended and for the even greater number that you initiated.
　　We had a very pleasant voyage across the Pacific on the "Hikawa Maru", and among the fellow-passengers were Bishop McKim of the Episcopal Church and Bishop Akazawa of the Methodist Church. I talked many times with both of them about the relations between America and Japan, and they both were very definite on the point that the Exclusion Act was a great bar to full understanding and good will. As you know, this is a view with which I am in complete agreement. Long before I went to Japan, and while in Japan, and since coming from Japan, my position on that question has been clear ― for the one thing I want to see done is to have the law repealed.
　　Our good friend, Yusuke Tsurumi, started back for Japan yesterday morning, and I saw him off from the Grand Central Station. I asked him to kindly bear to you a first-hand personal report on a number of things I told him that had happened on my way home and about which I want you to have full information.
　　Let me tell you in this letter, as I did in person in Tokyo, that Japan has had a staunch and able interpreter in the person of our good friend, Tsurumi. At Williamstown, in his numerous lectures before the universities, and in his articles in
 - 第35巻 p.213 -ページ画像 
 the magazines and newspapers, he has been a tower of light spreading better understanding and a better feeling between Japan and America.
　　Since my return I have also had a good talk with your able Consul General, Mr. Horinouchi. He is indeed a worthy successor to Mr. Nagai, Mr. Yada and Mr. Saito. He told me in detail about the rather unhappy time that Herndon and Pangborne, the American fliers, have been having. While this is much to be regretted, I am quite sure that Japan has acted fully within her rights in what she has done. Still, as a friend of Japan it seemed to me that it might have been a good thing if the fine had been waived and the permit to cross the Pacific given to these courageous, if rather impetuous and thoughtless, young men. But this is merely a feeling on my own part in a field where, of course, I have no jurisdiction.
　　I shall take up at the earliest convenient moment the many things that I took upon myself to do in connection with the Japanese Library of Information, with a joint travel plan between China and Japan, and other practical things which I felt I could help forward. Of course, as I need hardly tell you, I have found much accumulated work, and it will be some days before I can get in the clear again where I have freedom of action. But I wanted to hasten this letter forward to you, of greetings and hearty thanks for all your kindness. You may be sure we shall never forget it, and I do not have to reassure you, my dear Viscount Shibusawa, on the point that everything I can do to improve the relations between our countries I shall do, just as I have endeavored to do them for many years.
　　With assurances of our warm regards to Viscountess Shibusawa, to you, and to the fellow-members on your Committee on Japanese-American Relations and to my invaluable friend, Mr. Obata, in all of which Mrs. Houston joins, I am as ever,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Yours faithfully,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　(Signed) Herbert S. Houston
Viscount E. Shibusawa,
　　2 Itchome Marunouchi Kojimachiku,
　　　　　　Tokyo, Japan.
　（右訳文）
　東京市　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（九月廿八日入手）
　　渋沢子爵閣下
　　　　　　　　　　　　　紐育市
　　　　昭和六年九月八日　　ハーバート・エス・ヒユーストン
拝啓益御清適奉賀候、然ば生涯中最も重要にして興味深く且つ終始愉快なりし旅行より両人共無事帰宅仕候、私共は衷心より此旅行を楽し
 - 第35巻 p.214 -ページ画像 
み申候、閣下より親しく賜はりし限りなき御款待と御親切並に御斡旋の下に御催し被下候種々の歓迎会等に対し、私共夫妻は唯々感激罷在拝謝の辞無之次第に御座候
氷川丸にて太平洋上を頗る愉快に航海仕候、監督教会のマツキム監督並に日本メソヂスト教会の赤沢監督同船せられ、日米関係に就き屡会談仕候、而して排日移民法が充分の理解と親善とを妨ぐる一大障碍たる点に於ては両氏共明確なる意見を有し居られ候、御承知の通り小生の意見は右両氏と全然一致致候、貴国訪問以前より貴国滞在中並に帰国後を通じ該問題に対する小生の態度は一貫して明瞭に御座候――即ち一日も早く該法案撤廃の実現を希望致居候
親友鶴見祐輔氏は昨朝日本に向け出発せられ候に付、中央大停車場にて同氏を見送申候、其節小生帰米途上の出来事にして、十分閣下の上聞に達度き多数の事項に付、同氏より親しく閣下に御報告申上候様依頼仕候
親友鶴見氏が日本の忠誠有能なる紹介者たることは貴国滞在中親しく申上候義に御座候処、本書にても申上度候、ウイリアムスタウン並に諸大学に於ける多数の講演並に新聞雑誌の論説に於て、同氏は日米間の理解を促進し感情を改善する灯明台と相成申候
帰国後小生は貴国の有為なる総領事堀内氏とも快談仕候、同氏は永井矢田・斎藤諸氏の後任として十分資格ある方に御座候、同氏は亜米利加飛行家ハーンドン、パンボーン両氏の不幸なる事件につき詳細説明致し呉れ候、甚だ遺憾なることには候得共、日本の執りたる所置は正当なる権利によりたることゝ確信仕候、唯日本の一友人として申上げ度きは、右両青年は躁急にして無思慮なりしも、敢為の気性に富む者なるを以て罰金を免除し、太平洋横断の許可を与ふる方良策にはあらざるやと被存候、尤も右は小生の権限外の事項に有之、単なる感情に過ぎ申さず候
日支連絡旅行問題と共に日本情報図書館設置の件に関し小生の引受申候多数の事柄及小生の裁量に叶ひ申候其他の事共は、都合つき次第早速着手可仕候、兎に角留守中堆積致候事務を整理し、然る後徐ろに活動を開始致度期念罷在候、唯今は私共に対して御与へ被下候御厚意を深謝し安着の御挨拶までに止め申候、貴国滞在中蒙り候御親切は決してこれを忘却仕るまじく候、猶日米両国間の関係改善のため為し得べき事は、何なりとも従来の通努力可致は改めて申上ぐる迄も無之候
閣下並令夫人、日米関係委員会々員諸氏及益友小畑君に対し荊妻共々厚く御礼申上候
右得貴意度如此御座候　敬具
　○右ハ「青淵先生御病気ノタメ御検閲未済翻訳書類」ナル書類中ニアリ。

（ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン）書翰　　小畑久五郎宛一九三一年九月二二日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　　　　COSMOS BROADCASTING COMPANY INC.
　　　　　　100 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY
HERBERT S. HOUSTON, President
 - 第35巻 p.215 -ページ画像 
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　September 22nd, 1931
Dear Mr. Obata:
　　I was delighted to get your good letter. You may be sure Mrs. Houston and I read it with great pleasure.
　　We are now safely home after the most interesting trip of our lives. When we got back I saw our good friend, Yusuke Tsurumi, and two or three days later I saw him off to Japan. You will doubtless have seen him before this letter reaches you. I told him in a good deal of detail about the discussions I had had in Seattle, in St. Paul, and in Chicago on the Immigration Exclusion Act, and he was going to explain everything fully to Viscount Shibusawa. It seemed to me this was much better than to endeavor to cover things in a long report.
　　Since Tsurumi got away I have been asked to come to Washington on October 1st to attend some important committee meetings of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States where all these matters will be discussed. Whether or not there will be definite action at this time I do not know. There are a good many people who have the view that it would be wiser all around to postpone any particular discussion of the question until after the presidential election. As you know, this was the view I myself presented in Japan.
　　You will be interested in the enclosed letter which I sent to the "Times" about the Pangborn-Herndon matter ― concerning which I found there was a good deal of misapprehension on my return. Mr. Horinouchi, the Consul-General, called me up on the telephone and said my letter had clarified matters greatly and he was most grateful to me for having written it.
　　Right now there is all manner of discussion about the warlike developments in Manchuria. There is a good deal of feeling here, as I dare say there is in Japan, that the military group have had the whiphand thus far. It certainly looks as if they got in action, whether they had authority to do so or not. Unless Baron Shidehara and Mr. Inouye can swing things toward peace and toward a settlement by the League of Nations there will be a good deal of adverse criticism of Japan in this country. As you know, the people as a whole do not discriminate very closely, and they will not distinguish between the military clique and the great body of the Japanese people.
　　I have been getting a lot of information about the Japanese Library of Information and will soon be writing a long letter to Baron Dan. I will also send a copy of my letter to you, for I am sure that Viscount Shibusawa will be interested in the whole matter.
 - 第35巻 p.216 -ページ画像 
　　Since we came back my wife and I have talked a good deal about organising to present Viscount Shibusawa's name to the Committee in Sweden for the Nobel Prise Award for Peace. We were just arranging to get in action when this warlike development came in Manchuria. If this calms down in a good way I want to see if something can be done. I wish, my dear Mr. Obata, that you would write and tell me in detail just what Viscount Shibusawa has done specifically and definitely in behalf of peace ― giving dates, particular accomplishments, and everything in as much detail as possible. If you have any book in English that gives this information please send it to me at once. My belief is that there would be a very good chance to get the Nobel Award for him, and what a great cap and crown it would be for his illustrious career that has done so much to promote understanding and good will among the nations!
　　When you see our young friend Yokouchi give him our warmest regards. We shall always have a deep feeling of friendship for him because of his great help to us in seeing Japan. And of course, my dear Mr. Obata, you know how Mrs. Houston and I feel about you and Mr. Ken Tsurumi. You were really an "army with banners", guiding, directing us, and helping us in all manner of ways. You may be sure a recollection of all this has a secure place in our book of remembrance.
　　Will you please present to Viscount and Viscountess Shibusawa, and to Mr. Shibusawa, their grandson, and to his wife our very hearty and affectionate regards; and please be sure that Mrs. Houston likewise joins me in hearty remembrances to you. Do keep me in close touch with all kinds of developments in Japan, for, as you know so well, I want to do everything I can to help forward better relations between our two countries.
　　As always, my dear Mr. Obata, I am
　　　　　　　　　　　　　Yours faithfully,
　　　　　　　　　　　(Signed) Herbert S. Houston
Mr. K. Obata,
　Secretary to Viscount Shibusawa,
　2 Itchome Marunouchi Kojimachiku,
　　　　　Tokyo, Japan.
（右訳文）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　（別筆）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　昭和六年十月二十一日回答済
　東京市　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（十月八日入手）
　　渋沢事務所
　　　小畑久五郎様
　　　　昭和六年九月廿二日
 - 第35巻 p.217 -ページ画像 
　　　　　　　　　　　　　紐育市
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ハーバート・エス・ヒユーストン
拝復益御清適奉賀候、然ば貴書正に落手、小生等夫妻大喜びにて拝誦仕候、小生等は生涯中最も興味ありし旅行を終へて無事帰宅仕候、帰米後鶴見祐輔氏と会見致し、其後二三日にして同氏の日本に帰朝するを見送り申候、貴下には定めて本書到着前に鶴見氏と御面会あることと存候、移民法に関し沙市、セント・ポール市及シカゴ市に於て小生の論議したる事は詳細鶴見氏に談話仕候、就ては同氏より渋沢子爵に万事十分なる説明を可致候、長々しき報告書に種々申上ぐるよりも此方遥に優れりと考へ候に付斯く取計らひ申候次第に御座候
鶴見氏出発後、全米商業会議所の重要なる委員会に出席のため来る十月一日華府に参集すべき旨通知に接し候、同委員会にては移民問題につき種々討議せらるべく候、今回は何等か確乎たる決議に出づるや否や不明に御座候得共、該問題の詳細に亘る論議は大統領選挙後迄延引する方万事得策なるべしとの意見を持する人々も多数有之候、御承知の通りこれは小生が貴国にて開陳せる愚見に御座候
「パングボーン、ハーンドン」事件に就き小生が「タイムス」に投書仕候公開状貴下の御興味を惹くことゝ存じ同封仕候、本件に就き当地に於ては多大の疑惑ありし事を帰国早々発見仕候、貴国総領事堀内氏より電話有之、小生の公開状が大いに該事件の疑雲を排除したる由にて小生の投書を大いに感謝致し居られ候
目下満洲事変の発展に就き各様の論議行はれ居候、今日迄の所にては軍部が機先を刺したりとの感当地に盛に候、これは貴国にても同様と存候、軍部は権能の範内如何に拘らず行動したる様見受けられ候、幣原男爵及井上氏にして局面を転回し平和に向はしむるか、或は国際聯盟に依つて解決する方針を執らしむる能はずんば、日本に対する米国の批難も盛に行はるべく候、御承知の如く米国民全体としては精密なる区別をなさず、従つて軍部と日本国民大部分とを区別批評するものには無之候
日本情報図書館に関し多くの報道を得つゝ有之候得者、遠からず団男爵に詳細書面を以て通知可致候、右書面の写壱通貴下に御送付申上べく候、渋沢子爵にも本件に就き御興味を有せらるゝことゝ確信仕候
帰米以来小生等夫妻はノーベル平和賞スウエデン委員会に渋沢子爵を候補者として指名する手続につき種々相談仕候、小生等が右運動を開始せんと致居候際突然満洲事変勃発したる次第に御座候へば、該事変が平穏に落着致候節は運動を試みたき存念に御座候、就ては渋沢子爵が特に平和のため御尽力被遊候事実詳細御通知被下度候――即ち其時日、顕著なる治績、其他一切の事実出来得る限り委敷御報道願上候、若し右事実を記載せる英文の冊子にても有之候はゞ何卒早速御送附被下度候、子爵には「ノーベル」賞受領の機会十分にあることゝ信じ申候、若し此平和賞を獲得せらるゝ事と相成候はゞ、国際間の理解並親善増進のため大に御貢献被遊候閣下の光輝ある御閲歴を飾る一大栄冠と相成可申候
横内氏に御面会の節は宜しく御伝へ被下度候、私共は貴国遊覧中同氏
 - 第35巻 p.218 -ページ画像 
の多大なる援助を得たるに依り深甚なる友情を感じ居候、猶貴下及鶴見憲氏に対して小生等夫妻が如何に感謝致し居るやは申上ぐる迄もなく、勿論貴下御承知の事に御座候、貴下御一同は実に所謂「聯隊の旗手」にして、万事に亘り小生等を案内・指導且つ援助せられ候、総べて此等の想ひ出は小生等の記憶に止まりて永久忘却せられざることゝ御承知被下度候
渋沢子爵・子爵夫人、並に御令孫敬三様並に令夫人に小生等の衷情御伝へ被下度候、荊妻よりも貴下に対し宜しく申上候、貴国内の出来事に就きては何卒絶えず御通信被下様願上候、御承知の如く小生は日米両国の関係改善を助くるためには何事をも辞せざる覚悟に御座候
右得貴意度如此御座候　敬具
　　○同封セルヒューストンノ公開状ハ次掲ノモノナリ。

New York Times　　Sept. 10, 1931
　　　　　　　JAPAN'S POSITION UPHELD.
　　　　　　　　　　――――――
　　　　　　That Country Held to Have Acted
　　　　　　　Fairly In Pangborn-Herndon Case.
To the Editor of The New York Times:
　　While returning from Japan across the Pacific, I read in the ship's radio newspaper of the safe arrival of Pangborn and Herndon in Tokyo. By the time I reached New York various reports appeared ― some of them conflicting ― about their being arrested and fined by the Japanese Government. Wishing to know the facts, as I am sure many other people do, I gathered all the news reports that had been sent by The Associated Press, by the United Press, by the correspondents in Tokyo of New York newspapers and by the Japanese correspondent of The Japanese American, a well-edited paper recently established here. It is interesting to give these facts on which there is complete agreement:
　1. Pangborn and Herndon had not secured a permit to fly over Japan, as is required by practically every country in the world.
　2. The fliers flew over fortified zones, which is forbidden by practically every country.
　3. The fliers made photographs in these fortified zones, which is likewise forbidden in all countries.
　4. The fliers stated that these photographs had not been successful because of fog; but when the films were developed the photographs were found to be excellent pictures of fortified areas.
　　On the basis of these facts the Japanese Government has imposed a fine on the fliers and, thus far, has not issued a license
 - 第35巻 p.219 -ページ画像 
 to them to start from Japan for a flight across the Pacific. Your correspondent in Tokyo, Hugh Byas, has reported an interview with the chief of the Japanese Aviation Buerau, in which the telling points were made that the Japanese regulations have been closely modeled on the air regulations of the United States Department of Commerce and that our regulations call for the same decision, on the same basis of facts, that Japan has reached in regard to Herndon and Pangborn.
　　If we care to pursue the comparison further, we might contemplate our feeling, expressed far more vehemently than has been the case in Japan, and our action, should Japanese fliers, from the air, photograph the fortifications at the Golden Gate.
　　Japan has shown her real feeling of good-will toward America in the unprecedented popular acclaim of the Lindberghs. In the case of Herndon and Pangborn, courgaeous and impetuous though they are, she has merely applied regulations that are practically universal and that air men who attempt a world flight are fairly supposed to know.
　　　　　　　　　　　　HERBERT S. HOUSTON.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　New York, Sept. 7, 1931
　（右大意）
　　昭和六年九月七日ハーバート・エス・ヒユーストン氏が
　　「ニーヨーク・タイムス」記者に与へた公開状の大意
「航海中パングボーン、ハーンドン両氏が日本に安着したる由ラヂオに依つて承知したが、紐育に帰着して見ると種々区々たる報道が流布して居るが故に、玆に諸方面の信頼すべき報道を綜合して其一致せる点を挙げる。
　一、両氏は飛行許可を得て居らなかつた
　二、禁止区域の要塞地帯上を飛むだ
　三、禁を犯して要塞地帯を撮影した
　四、濃霧の為撮影は不成功に終つたと両氏は述べたが現像して見ると立派な要塞地帯の写真が現はれた
日本政府は此等の事実に拠つて両飛行家に罰金を課し、未だに太平洋飛行許可が下りない。
日本の航空取締規則は米国の規則を模範としたものである、仮りに彼我地を替へて日本飛行家が我桑港の金門湾頭の要塞を撮影したりとせば如何、思ひ半ばに過ぐるものがあろう。
日本が亜米利加に対して好意を有することはリンドバーク夫妻が公私共に大歓迎を受けたのを見ても分る。パングボーン、ハーンドン両氏に対しては、勇気と大胆とは認めるが単に規則を適用したに過ぎないのである。これは一般的な事で、世界廻り飛行家の当然知つて居るべき筈である云々。
　　○ヒュー・ハーンドン、クライド・パングボーンハ是年七月一日ポスト、ゲッティニ依リテ成サレタル世界早廻リ飛行ノ記録ニ挑ンデ七月二十八日ニ
 - 第35巻 p.220 -ページ画像 
ユーヨークヲ出発、モスコー、ハバロフスク、ノームノ航路ヲ予定セルモハバロフスクニ於テ荒天ノ為メ予定ヲ変更シ、早廻リヲ廃シテ更メテ東京シアトル無着陸飛行ヲ発表、八月七日立川飛行場ニ飛来セリ。然ルニ北海道ヲ経テ立川飛行場ニ到ル航路ハ航空局ノ許可ヲ得ズシテ行ハレ、カツ津軽要塞地帯上空ヲ通過、写真撮影等ノ事実明瞭トナリ、処罰セラル。
　　○朝日新聞（第一六二七〇号・昭和六年八月十六日）
　　　　　　　米両飛行家に罰金二千五十円
　　　　　　　　　撮影機・フイルム・地図は没収
　　　　　　　　　　　けふ痛い略式判決
　　　無許可飛来の米国早回り機パングボーン、ハーンドン両氏にかかる航空法違反・要さい地帯法違反事件は○中略十五日正午一件書類を区検事局に移送長尾検事はパ、ハ両氏を起訴、それぞれ罰則第五十七条、第二十二条により前者で罰金二千円、後者で同五十円、合計二千五十円を求刑、区裁判所中島判事は直にこれを認容し、午後一時過ぎ両氏の出頭を求め、略式で前記罰金刑を言渡した、尚問題の機体は両氏のものでなく、エー・ティー・ダブリユー・コーポレーションの所有に属してゐるので当然没収はされず十六ミリ映画撮影機、同フイルム、地図の三点を没収する事に決定した
　　○朝日新聞（第一六二七〇号・昭和六年八月十六日）
　　　　　　　日本の処置に米国側憤慨　政府機関紙の痛論
　　　〔ワシントン特電十四日発〕アメリカ政府当局の意向を反映するものとして知られたワシントン・ポースト紙は十四日其社説において「日本のナンセンス」と題し、アメリカのハーンドン、パングボーン両飛行家の要塞地帯飛行問題について左の如く述べてゐる
　　　　もし日本にして両飛行家に対しか酷な処置を取るやうなことがあれば、日本はアメリカが日本の常識に対して払ひつつある尊敬の念を甚だしく失ふであらう、目下日本において警察当局の要求する処置方法によつても察知し得るが如く、日本当局が両氏今回の行動を以てアメリカ政府使そうの故意の犯行なりと推論するが如きはアメリカに対する侮辱である
　　　なほ右社説は両氏写真撮影の経過を述べた後更に論評をつゞけ
　　　　若し日本が反動分子の意を迎ふるがため、パングボーン・ハーンドン両氏を処罰するならばそは重大なる錯誤を起すことにならう、アメリカの日本に対する友誼は暴民の狂的行動や軍部のひゆう見のために犠牲に供しても差支へないほど貧弱なものではない
　　　なほ同事件に関し官辺では内心すこぶる憤慨して声明書を発表したのみでそれ以上の論議は避けてゐるが、右声明書は東京駐在フォーブス大使よりの来電を報告した程度のものである。

（ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン）書翰　　小畑久五郎宛一九三一年一〇月九日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　　　　COSMOS BROADCASTING COMPANY INC.
　　　　　　100 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY
HERBERT S. HOUSTON, President
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　October 9th, 1931
Dear Mr. Obata:
　　It was a great pleasure to have your good letter; and it was also a happy reminder of the end of our most enjoyable visit to Japan to have the garden party picture which was taken at Viscount Shibusawa's the day before we sailed from Yokohama. The picture came through in perfect condition, and
 - 第35巻 p.221 -ページ画像 
 Mrs. Houston and I both feel that it is a perfect picture ― the only omission, of course, was the unfortunate absence of Viscount Shibusawa. I do hope that he has quite recovered his normal health. Please bear to him and to Viscountess Shibusawa our very warm greetings.
　　････････････
　　In Washington I attended the meeting of the Immigration Committee of the United States Chamber, by invitation. It will be good for Viscount Shibusawa and his associates to know that the resolution in favor of the repeal of the exclusion law was again favorably acted upon. At the meeting it was reported that the California Chambers of Commerce had unanimously passed a resolution favoring repeal. The one question now is as to when the opportune moment will come to bring the whole subject to public attention. Naturally, this Manchurian situation does not make this an opportune moment. Then, the approaching presidential campaign, as I pointed out at the conference at Viscount Shibusawa' does not make the time particularly propitious; but the important point is that the powerful Chambers of Commerce of the United States, even including those on the Pacific Coast, are lined up directly behind the movement for the repeal. This is something that has never happened before. In my judgment, when the right moment does come the whole question can be brought before the country with high hopes for favorable action.
　　I am now looking forward to Mr. Ozaki's visit. With the approval of President Butler I am arranging an important luncheon at the Century Club, to which I am asking the leading editors of newspapers and magazines to come and meet Mr. Ozaki. Personally, I feel his coming at this moment will be of great value.
　　Yesterday Mr. Takahashi had a little luncheon for me at the Bankers Club, and the Consul General, Mr. Horinouchi, and Mr. Go were there. I gave to these three good friends a report on the whole Japanese-Chinese trip. They were particularly interested in my suggestion, made to Baron Dan and his associates, for the organization of a Japanese Library of Information. Mr. Go said if such a Library were in existence now it would render incalculable service to Japan. I have secured all the data that I told Baron Dan I would get from Mr. Wilberforce, the Director of the British Library of Information, and I have written Baron Dan fully. I am taking the liberty of enclosing a copy of my letter to Baron Dan and a copy of Mr. Wilberforce's report on the workings of the British
 - 第35巻 p.222 -ページ画像 
 Library. Naturally, these are not for publication but I am sure that the members of Viscount Shibusawa's committee will be interested in knowing about the whole matter.
　　At the little luncheon there was also considerable discussion of the proposal I had made, both in China and in Japan, for a joint tourist effort between the two countries in the way of an advertising campaign in America. They all agreed that this would be a great stroke and that they wished it might be possible to carry the plan into effect. Naturally, nothing along this line can be seriously thought of until things get stabilized in Manchuria.
　　I am busy cooperating with Tsurumi's publisher in reference to the forthcoming publication of his novel, "The Mother".I do hope that it may have a fine success.
　　Coming back across the Pacific I had some delightful talks with Bishop Akazawa and also with dear old Bishop McKim. These two men certainly know Japan and America as well as any two men I have met, and I am sure their coming here at this time will do a lot of good. That is the way I also feel about Mr. Ozaki's coming.
　　You will be pleased to hear that the stone lantern which we bought in Kyoto safely completed its long trip through the Panama Canal and has safely reached New York and I have got it down to my Japanese garden on Long Island. We hope to get it set up in a very few days, and then I am going to ask our Japanese friends down to see it. How I wish you and other good friends in Tokyo were to be among them! It may be that I can get Mr. Ozaki and his daughters down if they are to stay in New York a little while.
　　I shall be very much obliged, Mr. Obata, if you will wirte me fully and often about developments in Japan. You know how deeply interested I am, and Viscount Shibusawa and his associates know that everything I can do to promote good relations between the two countries will always be done.
　　By the way, I have just accepted an invitation to make my first address on Japan and China, and it will be before the Advertising Club in New York at a large meeting. There will be a nation-wide hook-up, both on the National Broadcasting and on the Columbia Broadcasting Systems, so the address will be carried all over the country by radio. I have had several invitations but I wanted to get things cleared up in my business before doing too much talking ― moreover, I was rather anxious to have matters get settled down somewhat in the East before I should make many public addresses.
 - 第35巻 p.223 -ページ画像 
　　With kindest personal regards to Viscount and Viscountess Shibusawa and to all of our other friends in Japan, in all of which Mrs. Houston heartily joins, I am as ever, my dear Mr. Obata,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Yours faithfully.
　　　　　　　　　　　　(Signed) Herbert S. Houston
Mr. Kyugoro Obata,
　　Private Secretary to Viscount Shibusawa,
　　2 Itchome Marunouchi, Kojimachiku, Tokyo, Japan.
HSH : FS
　　○右書翰中ニ同封セル団琢磨宛ヒューストンノ書翰写ハ次掲。

（ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン）書翰　　団琢磨宛一九三一年九月二八日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　(COPY)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　September 28th, 1931
Dear Baron Dan :
　　Since returning to this country two or three weeks ago I have been extremely busy, as you may well imagine, and it was not possible until last week to get the information you asked me to get from the British Library of Information. I have now had two long conferences with Mr. Robert Wilberforce, the able Oxford man who is the Director of the British Library, and, at my request, he has prepared a careful outline and exposition of the whole plan. This I am very pleased indeed to send in just the form in which Mr. Wilberforce has sent it to me. As you see, he has traversed the whole matter and really given the information in great detail.
　　There is one very interesting observation to make on the work of the British Library, my dear Baron Dan, and it is this: Even in this time of economic depression, when every dollar is being saved that can be saved from the British budget, no one even thinks of suggesting that the British Library of Information be discontinued. The plain truth is that it has rendered so great a service to Britain in this country that people in all parties in England want to see it go forward. My belief is that a Japanese Library of Information, projected along the same lines, would achieve a similar result.
　　Of course since we got back some very disturbing things have been happening. Naturally, this country is very deeply interested and somewhat perplexed about the recent developments in Manchuria, Personally, I am convinced that the serious-minded and peace-loving people in Japan are in a great majority and that they are going to endeavor to follow the ways
 - 第35巻 p.224 -ページ画像 
 of peace. But in all the news reports and in all the questions that arise about China, Japan, Manchuria, Korea and all the rest it is clear that a very keen demand for more light and information is created. Right at this moment a Japanese Library of Information could render a service of incalculable value to Japan. People want to know the facts and they really don't know where or how to find them. If the American press knew that an ably directed Library was available, from which accurate information could be secured promptly, I am sure that much information would be put into circulation about Japan that would help forward understanding. In this connection I am interested in sending you a little letter that I wrote to the New York Times two weeks ago. I found, on returning, all manner of misapprehension about Japan's treatment of the two American fliers, Pangborn and Herndon. This prompted me to get all the information that had been printed and to write this letter to the Times. I have had all manner of favorable comments upon it. Your Consul General, Mr. Horinouchi, called me on the telephone to say that this had rendered great service to Japan because it put facts in just the right way.
　　I rather hoped that some opportunity might offer which would enable me to make some helpful contribution in the present Chinese-Japanese controversy; but things are moving so fast that it is hard to get matters in clear focus so that intelligent comment and interpretation can be given.
　　Another important development, following my interesting trip to Japan, has come since my return. I refer to the action of the Immigration Committee of the United States Chamber of Commerce in its report favoring a repeal of the Exclusion Act. On my way back I stopped in Seattle and saw the Chamber of Commerce officials there; and then in St. Paul I saw Mr. Briggs, the Chairman of Immigration Committee of the United States Chamber; and in Chicago I saw Mr. Silas Strawn, the President of the United States Chamber. All of these men are entirely favorable to repeal, but they are not entirely clear on the point as to whether this is the right time to bring the question forward. I have been invited to attend the meeting of the Governing Board of the United States Chamber and the Immigration Committee in Washington early in October, and I shall attend, for I feel that I may be able to be of some definite service.
　　I have been in touch with Dr. Butler since coming back in regard to the lecture trip of Mr. Ozaki. I am sure Dr. Butler will share the view that you and I expressed at Viscount
 - 第35巻 p.225 -ページ画像 
 Shibusawa's to Mr. Ozaki ― that he should make all of his addresses in English. Everything I can do to cooperate with Mr. Ozaki while he is here I shall gladly do. It seems to me he will be one of the best interpreters of Japan to America that could possibly come here. Another very able interpreter in recent years has been Mr. Yusuke Tsurumi. As you know, he has been at Williamstown at the Institute of Politics, where he has made a fine impression, just as he has before the leading universities of the country. I feel that the more men of the type of Mr. Ozaki, Mr. Tsurumi and, of course, Dr Nitobe if he can be persuaded to come, that speak to America, the better it will be for both our countries.
　　Mrs. Houston and I shall long remember that most interesting trip of our lives to Japan and China. We renewed old friendships and formed new ones that will always be a source of much satisfaction to us. And then I feel that I came to a little better understanding of both Japan and China, so I can go forward with my fixed determination in this country to do everything that it is within my power to do to promote good will between the East and the West.
　　With kindest personal regards, my dear Baron Dan, to you and your associates in the Japan Economic Federation, I beg to remain as always,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Yours faithfully,
Baron Takuma Dan
　　Mitsui & Company
　　Tokyo, Japan
HSH: FS

（小畑久五郎）書翰控　　ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン宛一九三一年一〇月二〇日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　October 20, 1931
Dr. Herbert S. Houston
　　Cosmos Broadcasting Company
　　100 Fifth Avenue, New York City
My dear Dr. Houston:
　　Your most cordial letter of Sept. 22 duly reached me, and I was greatly delighted to hear from you after you had reached your homeland. First of all, let me tell you that I delivered your messages and greetings to Mr. Yokouchi, Mr. and Mrs. K. Shibusawa, for which they all wish me to tell you that they appreciate your kind words and remembrances of them.
　　The Viscount has been rather under weather and has lately undergone a minor operation which was started on the 14th.
 - 第35巻 p.226 -ページ画像 
 We are ordered to keep away from him these days, although his conditions are reported from time to time. He has fared so well so far, and within a few days, will be able at least to see us secretaries. But your friend Mr. Tsurumi was able to see the Viscount very soon after his return. I have not seen him yet. He is now in Shanghai attending the 4th Biennial Conference of the Pacific Institute.
　　As to the outcome of those brave fliers Pangborn and Herndon, we are all glad, specially reading this morning's Japan Advertiser in which Pangborn's own words are mentioned. Right will always come to be recognized if we are patient enough to give it time. I hope the larger question now darkening the sky of the Orient will be solved peaceably and to the satisfaction of the parties concerned. Through the stir and anxiety of the League of Nations, the real situations in China and Japan will be better understood by the intelligent people of the whole world, and the result will be helpful to both nations, ― China and Japan.
　　Dear Dr. Houston, I think the time must come, when the League of Nations should organize its branch in the Orient, if the League does mean really to help promote peace in Asia. The present trouble and its handling by the League have given me a very strong impression of the necessity of the formation of the Leauge of Nations in Asia also. If the League had been conducting its work constantly on this side of the world, the present crisis might not have been brought about, checking all these cumulative grievances at different periods.
　　Now, regarding your idea for working to bring the name of Viscount Shibusawa as a candidate to the Nobel Peace Prize, I must tell you that an effort was made as you will see from the copies I am enclosing. Since then, a few Japanese admirers of the Viscount have been anxious to revive this question. The best man you can work with, is Dr. Sugimura, the UnderSecretary of the League of Nations in Geneva. He told us that he would watch for the opportunity again to bring the name of the Viscount before the Committee of the Nobel Prize.
　　I am enclosing in this letter two copies of application and a copy of the Viscount's sketch. I enthusiastically agree with you that this Prize will be indeed a crowning glory to the life of the Viscount, if it can be obtained by him. The Viscount does not know even to-day that the effort was made by his friends. Mrs. Lockwood wanted his sketch. So I sent her a similar copy with the understanding that she should not use the statement verbatim as it is still kept confidential.
 - 第35巻 p.227 -ページ画像 
　　Please remember me to Mrs. Houston very warmly,
　　　　　　　　　　　Yours very cordially,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　K. Obata

（小畑久五郎）書翰控　　ハーバート・エス・ヒューストン宛一九三二年一月二二日
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（渋沢子爵家所蔵）
　　　　　　　VISCOUNT SHIBUSAWA'S OFFICE
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　January 22, 1932
Dr. Herbert S. Houston
　　Cosmos Broadcasting Co., Inc
　　100 5th, Ave., New York City
My dear Dr. Houston:
　　Your esteemed letter of October 9th, 1931, with several important enclosures, was very greatly appreciated by your humble recipient. Later on, the cheering message of Christmas Greetings from Mrs. Houston and your good self addressed to Mrs. Obata and myself was a precious drop of ointment to soothe my crestfallen spirit caused by the loss of the Grand Old Man of Japan whom it had been my rare privilege to serve as his secretary for more than ten years. His moral quality was a constant inspiration to me.
　　The late Viscount had not been able to attend to his correspondences several months preceding his death. Consequently, he passed away without knowing what was sent from you through me. I think it almost providential that you and Mrs. Houston could come to Japan to meet the late Viscount. You were the last visitors from the States to greet the Viscount, except Dr. H. H. Guy who was formerly a missionary to Japan and a close friend of the Viscount.
　　I have been kept quite busy to straighten up the unfinished and new matters which came up since his passing. The work is not done yet, several correspondences waiting for their disposal.
　　But I have been very anxious to send you a note, since Mr. Y. Tsurumi telephoned me on the day previous to his departure for America. According to his words, he wanted first of all to see me if he could so manage his affairs as to have a small margin of this time but could not. So over the phone!
　　Mr. Tsurumi told me to this effect: Dr. Houston wants to write a biography of the late Viscount Shibusawa, specially at this time of the international entanglements, centering upon Manchurian questions. What would you say about his intended plan?
　　I answered: No foreigner is better qualified than Dr.
 - 第35巻 p.228 -ページ画像 
Houston to write about the Viscount. So far as I am concerned personally, I would be more than glad to see the matter carried through, but as to the final reply, I must confer with my associates who occupy more responsible positions than myself in a question like this. If you are in such a hurry, I shall write to Dr. Houston directly. To this Mr. Tsurumi gladly conformed.
　　Since then, I sounded the sentiment of my colleagues about your intention and they all agreed that it would be fine if you can produce whatever you think best about the Viscount. So far as the materials or data are concerned, you may make free use of his life sketch I sent you sometime ago. We have no other data prepared in English just now. If you intend to write a permanent and voluminous biography, you may need somewhat detailed facts about him, but if you intend to bring out a sort of pamphlet so as to meet the need of the hour, I believe you have in hand enough data.
　　Mr. Tsurumi's telephone message was rather too brief, and what I then construed is written here.
　　The Japanese-American Relations Committee met to-day at noon in the Tokyo Bankers' Club to consider for its future welfare. The meeting unanimously decided to keep this organization for sometime yet to come, ― at least until the time when some definite action will be taken by your Senate as to the immigration law of 1924. Baron Sakatani, Baron Dan and Mr. Fujiyama were elected the Executive Committee. Mr. Zumoto and I were appointed to prepare a statement regarding the Manchurian question to be sent to the sister organizations in Hawaii, San Francisco and New York. I may send a copy to you as soon as it is endorsed by the Executive Members.
　　With my kindest regards to both of you, I am,
　　　　　　　　　　　　Yours very cordially,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　K. Obata.

New York Times　　Sun.,Nov. 15, 1931. Section 3.
　　　　　　Shibusawa Among World's Greatest
　　　　　　　　　―――――
　　　　　　Japan's "Grand Old Man," Likened
　　　　　　to Washington and Lincoln, Learned
　　　　　　Much From Us
　　　　　　　　　―――――
　　　　　　　　Exclusion Act Hurt Him
　　　　　　　　　―――――
　　　　　　　Viscount's Recent Death Recalls
　　　　　　Story of His Life as He Himself Told It
 - 第35巻 p.229 -ページ画像 
　　　　　　　By Herbert S. Houston
　　A tragic touch is given to Viscount Shibusawa's passing to join his ancestors at the moment his country seems to be on the verge of war with China. Japan's greatest peace advocate was likewise the most famous Japanese disciple of Confucius. In his truly noble soul there seemed to be no place for envy, uncharitableness, or any form of intolerance. He was not only a supporter but the mainstay of every good cause in Japan. The Shinto temple《(Shrines)》; at Nikko, the Buddhist shrines《(temples)》 at Kyoto, and the Christian schools and churches in Tokyo found his generous purse always open and ready to aid. For two of the three generations through which he lived he was the first citizen of Japan.
　　As long ago as 1879, when General Grant made his historic visit, it was Shibusawa who was his host. Even before that, at the beginning of the Meiji Era in 1867, he was a man of light and leading. And earlier still, when Perry sailed into the harbor of Yed(d)o in 1854, he was a stout lad of 14. His long span of life covered the whole history of modern Japan. In fact, he embodied the tradition and spirit and vision of his country, in her rise to power, as did no one else. It would be hard to find a man of any country who typified its best qualities so fully as Shibusawa typified the best qualities of Japan. In America we would have to compare him with Washington and Lincoln; in England with Gladstone, before the home-rule bill, in Italy with Garibaldi. Such comparisons might, at first glance, seem to be extravagant; but in fact they are needed to throw into proper relief the truly representative character of Shibusawa's great career. He was neither soldier nor statesman, in any official way, but as a businessman and public leader he was Japan ― eager, tireless, aspiring, full of vision and courage.
　　　　　　　　The Story of Remarkable Life
　　One day last summer, in his beautiful library in Tokyo ― given to him as a token of affection by the Japanese people ― I heard the story of his life from his own lips. In a small group of friends ― the scholarly Nitobe, the accomplished journalist, Zumoto, who acted as interpreter, the impressive Uchida, member of the House of Peers, and the efficient secretary, Obata ― the aged Viscount began with his boyhood, as the son of a farmer, (his schooling, in which he got) his first intense dislike of the foreigner and of foreign influence; his fighting spirit of nationalism, so strong that it could see no merit in anything or anybody that was not Japanese; his earliest contacts with the career and work of our first American Minister,
 - 第35巻 p.230 -ページ画像 
 Townsend Harris; his amazement in finding that his anti-foreign preconceptions were not supported by facts; his gradual, but reluctant, admission ― first to himself and finally to others ― that his preconceptions were really prejudices; and then, at last, his complete conversion to a world philosophy of mankind's true greatness when freed from the bias of race and standing on the broad foundation of a common humanity.
　　In all this moving narrative of emancipation, as he described it, Viscount Shibusawa freely acknowledged America and Americans as his teachers. He recalled his visits to this country and all that he had learned, the visits of scores of Americans to Japan and all that they had brought and left, to the upbuilding of his country. With a feeling of pride he told how his admiration of America had become so great that he was often described as being more American than Japanese.
　　　　　　　　Hurt by Exclusion Act
　　And then the autobiographical drama came to a sudden and unexpected climax. As the little group sat in rapt interest ― Greeks could have listened to Homer with no closer attention ― the old man's face clouded and he spoke, first in apologetic reserve and then with a burst of Samurai fire, of the passage of the Japanese exclusion law; of his utter incredulity when the matter was first broached; of his dazed acceptance of the fact of the law's enactment; of his pride wounded in the house of America, his guide and exemplar and friend. It was too much. Like a great Cryptomeria tree on the road to Nikko, he bowed before the storm of his feelings and tears streamed down his face. We all bowed our heads. At length I ventured to say that America was still the friend of Japan; that she continued to show it, in many ways ― in the rising walls of the new St. Luke's Hospital; in prompt succor during the earthquake; in building a beautiful embassy in Tokyo, the finest in any capital in the world; and then, taking my courage in both hands, I boldly declared it as my own personal belief that a growing body of American opinion considered the exclusion act a mistake and I was sure that, in due course, it would be repealed.
　　When my words were translated the Viscount said, simply, "Yes, I hope it will be repealed" ― and then added, "but I am a very old man." I knew, of course, that he meant he would not live to see the repeal. And he hasn't ― but the forces of good-will he inspired will continue to promote better understanding and hasten the time when his great heart's desire will be fulfilled.
 - 第35巻 p.231 -ページ画像 
　　In his own country he was univerasally looked upon as the Foreign Minister of the Japanese people. He knew and loved the Chinese. Their greatest philosopher, Confucius, had in him the most devoted disciple in this generation. In this time of war and rumors of war, Shibusawa stood stoutly for peace. Militarists might be too quick on the trigger in Manchuria but he, even in his old age, could aid mightily in Japan in keeping the hearts of the people set on peace. It was his powerful influence that had much to do in changing the policy of Japan in Korea, twentyfive years ago, from military ruthlessness to the constructive ways of peace. His own grandson for many years has been an important factor in that work of reconciliation and progress.
　　Japan, in the spirit of her greatest friend of peace, Shibusawa, will somehow find a way to carry on with China. And thus the soul of this great man will go marching on.
　　○右訳文ハ竜門雑誌ニ掲載サル。次掲。

竜門雑誌　　第五二〇号・第六四―六七頁昭和七年一月
　○青淵先生国際的追悼彙報　六、新聞及び雑誌記事
　　　　　　○
　　　　日本の老偉人遠逝す
　　　　　ニユーヨーク・タイムス
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（昭和六年十一月十五日）
　　　　　　　　　　　　ハーバート・ヱス・ヒユーストン氏述
　　　　　　写真の説明
　　有効なる天寿を全ふして薨去せられたる子爵渋沢栄一閣下独特の姿勢
　　　　渋沢子爵は世界の最大なる偉人の一人なり
　　ワシントン及リンカーンと比較せらるゝ日本の老偉人は、吾々米国より大いに学ぶ所ありたり。
　　排日移民法の痛手。
　　子爵最近の訃を聞きて子爵の親しく物語られたる経歴談を想起す
　祖国が隣邦支那と将に戦端を開かんとする瀬戸際に渋沢子爵が薨去せられた事は、一抹の悲劇的情緒を添ふるものである。日本の最大なる平和論者は一面に於て又最も有名なる儒教崇拝の日本人であつた。子爵の誠に崇高なる精神には猜疑・無慈悲、或は冷酷などゝいふ気分の入る所が無かつたやうに思はれる。子爵は日本のあらゆる正義人道事業の援助者である計りでなく其大黒柱であつたのである。日光の東照宮、京都の寺院並に東京の基督教諸学校及教会は、子爵から常に寛大なる財政的援助を受けたのである。子爵はその一生涯を通ずる三時代中の二時代間は日本第一の市民であつた。
　明治十二年（一千八百七十九年）の昔グラント将軍が日本を訪問せられた時、歓迎会の主催者は渋沢子爵であつた。それ以前即ち明治初
 - 第35巻 p.232 -ページ画像 
年に於て既に明達の士にして人を指導する才能ある人物であつた。そして夫れより更に遡れば彼のペーリ提督が安政元年（千八百五十四年）黒船に乗つて品川沖に現はれた時には、子爵は十四歳の強壮な少年であつた。子爵の長い一生涯は日本の近代史全般に亘つて居る。日本の勃興するに当り其伝説・精神及理想を子爵は具体化した。これは他の何人も及ばざる処である。渋沢子爵が日本の最善の特徴を代表せる如く、充分に自国の最も優れたる美点を代表したる人を如何なる国に覓むるも斯る人を見出すことは困難である。米国に於てはワシントン及リンカーンに比較すべく、英国に於ては自治法案以前のクラツドストンに比較すべく、伊太利に於てはガリバルヂーに比較すべきであらう斯の如き比較は一見適当と思はれるが、実際渋沢子爵の偉大なる一生の誠に代表的なる性格を適当に現はさんとするためには、此等の偉人を引出す必要があるのである。子爵は専門的意味に於ける軍人でも政治家でもないが、実業家及世の指導者として日本を代表して居た――即ち熱心で倦怠を知らず、希望高く理想と勇気とに満ちて居つた。
　　　　驚異すべき生涯を語る
　本年の夏一日東京にある子爵の美事なる図書室で――此図書室は子爵を敬慕する人々より敬愛の象として寄贈されたものだ――私は子爵御自身の口より親しく御一生の物語を聞いた。数人の友人に囲まれて――其中には博識なる新渡戸博士、通訳の労を執られた老練なる操觚者頭本氏及堪能なる秘書小畑氏が居つた――老子爵は一農夫の子息たる少年時代の事より語り初めた。其学習時代のこと、それに依つて外国人及外国の勢力に対して烈しき嫌忌を懐くに至つたこと、愛国的闘争精神が旺んで、日本以外のものは何物も何人も其の価値を認むるを得なかつたこと、米国最初の駐日公使タウンセンド・ハリス氏の生涯と事業に始めて接したこと、先入主となれる排外的観念が事実に支持せられざることを発見して驚愕したること、其先入概念が真に謬見なりしことを漸次止むを得ず自ら認め次で他人に説くに至つたこと、後遂に人種的偏見より脱却して人類共通の基礎上に立つ時こそ真に人類の偉大を現はすものなりとの世界的人生観を懐く迄、思想の全く変化せしことを諄々と述べられた。
　此変転多き思想的解放の物語を述べられたる中に、渋沢子爵は亜米利加及亜米利加人より学ぶ所があつたことを明かに認められた。子爵は米国を数度訪問して学び得たること、又多数の亜米利加人が日本を訪問して日本建設のために貢献したること等総べてを追憶された。子爵が亜米利加を非常に賞讚するが故に、日本よりも屡亜米利加人らしいと云はるゝに至つたと語つて満足な様子であつた。
　　　　排日法の痛手
　扨其後自叙伝的戯曲は俄然意外なる頂点に達した。我々は興味に恍惚として居つた時――彼の詩聖ホーマーを聞く希臘人もこれ以上は謹聴するを得なかつたであらう――老子爵の顔は曇り、初めは遠慮して弁解するが如く、軈て火の如き武士的熱烈さを以て話し出された。それは排日法の条項である。該件が始めて提案された時に全然信ずることが出来なかつたこと、該法実施の事実を知つて呆然自失したること
 - 第35巻 p.233 -ページ画像 
指導者、典型、朋友たる亜米利加の議会に於て子爵の誇りが傷けられたことを縷々と述べられた。それは堪へ難き事であつた。日光街道の杉並木の大樹が嵐に揉まるゝ如く子爵は激しき感情に打たれて俯され落涙は澘として頰を流れた。私共は一同頭を垂れた。遂に私は思ひ切つて、亜米利加は今猶日本の友邦であること、多くの方法で其事実を示して居ることを申述べた――即ち聖路加病院の新築の進行、大震災当時の迅速なる援助・救済、世界の何れの都市にも見ざる程立派美麗なる亜米利加大使館を東京に建設したること――それより私は総身に大勇をこめて大胆に私一個人の信ずる所を告白し、亜米利加の輿論は次第に排日法が誤謬であると考ふるに至つた。何れ遠からず必ず撤廃されるであらうと公言した。
　私の言葉が通訳されると子爵は簡単に「私も撤廃されんことを希望します」と言はれ、更に語を継いで「併し私は老人である」と申されました。勿論子爵は該法の撤廃を見るまで生きて居れぬであらうといふ意味でありました。そして実際生前に御覧にならなかつた――然し子爵の鼓吹された親善の力は引続き相互理解を促進し、子爵の偉大なる心霊の希望が到達する時期を早めるであらう。
　子爵は自国に於ては日本国民の外務大臣として一般に尊敬されて居つた。子爵は支那人を理解しこれを愛して居つた。支那の最大なる哲学者孔子の最も忠実なる現代の弟子は子爵であつた、今や戦争の時代戦争の噂の高き時にも子爵は強く平和を主張した。武断派は満洲に於て早まつた火蓋を切るかも知らんが、渋沢子爵は老齢と雖猶能く国内に於て人心を平和に向かはしむるに力あつたのである。二十五年以前朝鮮に於ける日本の政策を、苛酷なる武断主義より平和なる建設主義に変更する上に、子爵の勢力が与つて力あつたのである。其融和進歩の事業に於て子爵の令孫は多年の間重要なる地位を占めて居つた。
　日本は平和の最大なる主唱者たる渋沢子爵の精神を以て支那と接衝する方法を発見するであらう、かくして此偉人の精神は、永く行はるゝことゝなるであらう。

中外商業新報　　第一八七〇六号昭和一三年二月九日
　　欧米各国に倣ひ
　　　　〝情報図書館〟設置
　　　　　　先づ四月から紐育に
英国を始め欧米各国では、経済関係の緊密なる外国の重要都市に自国の文化、経済、産業その他凡ゆる部門に関する書籍、統計、見本等を備へた「情報図書館」を設け、取引の際における照会、見本取寄せ等の手数を省く等種々便宜を図つてゐるので、我国実業団体でも情報図書館設置の計画を進めてゐたが、その第一歩として愈々四月よりニューヨークに情報図書館を設置することに決定した、これは日本商工会議所を始め各経済団体が出資するものであるが、外務省でもこの趣旨に賛成、資金を補助する外、通訳官を派遣する等積極的に援助することになつた。