Aid for Japan

Sir, One of your reports on the earthquake and tsunami in Japan (“Feel pity, but no need to give”, Mar 19) said that the British Red Cross has raised £2 million but that the Japanese Red Cross had said that it did not require assistance from overseas. In fact, the Japanese Red Cross is accepting donations from overseas and it is not true that it has rejected such a donation from the British Red Cross.

To date, 133 countries and 39 international organisations have offered assistance, and Japan has already received rescue teams from 23 countries and shipments of vital supplies from 26. As long as the huge logistical challenges are properly dealt with, Japan is gratefully accepting assistance from abroad. Prime Minister Naoto Kan has expressed his sincere appreciation for such help and all donations have been put to use in an efficient manner.