Proclamation 4397

October 2, 1975

Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan will officially begin their State visit to the United States of America on October 2, 1975. This visit which extends through October 13, 1975 will be the first State visit to the United States of America by a reigning Emperor of Japan. The State visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan openly symbolizes the close ties of friendship, goodwill and common goals to which the Japanese and American people are dedicated. Their visit will contribute immeasurably to mutual understanding and respect between the United States of America and Japan.

We warmly welcome Their Majesties to our country.

Now, Therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the period beginning October 2, 1975, through October 13, 1975, as Japan-United States Friendship Days.

I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe this period with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundredth.



GERALD R. FORD